Christopher H. Smith
Recent News About Christopher H. Smith
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Congressional hearing scrutinizes UN's review of UNRWA
In a congressional hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today, experts scrutinized the UN’s purportedly independent review of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA), suggesting that the report's findings were predetermined to reassure donors. The document, officially known as the report of the Independent Review Group, is commonly referred to as the Colonna report after its primary author, former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna.
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House lawmakers demand answers over alleged medical neglect in prisons
In a letter addressed to the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), House lawmakers have demanded an explanation regarding reports that two elderly pro-life advocates did not receive necessary medical care while in jail awaiting sentencing. The letter was signed by House Pro-Life Caucus Co-Chairs Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Andy Harris, MD (R-MD); Judiciary Subcommittee Chairs Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Chip Roy (R-TX); and Representatives Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Debbie Lesko (R-AZ).
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Lawmakers introduce legislation supporting democracy in Belarus
A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), has introduced the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2024 (HR 8329). This legislation aims to strengthen U.S. support for the people of Belarus in their struggle against what is described as Lukashenka’s brutal dictatorship.
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Rep. Smith urges Biden to resume critical support for Israel
Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, has urged President Biden to cease withholding vital support for Israel. He emphasized that this crucial aid is necessary for the US ally to protect itself from Hamas and its state sponsors.
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Brazilian Government's Actions Spark Concerns Over Democracy and Human Rights
At a congressional hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today, two renowned journalists and a top tech executive shared extensive evidence of widespread censorship and persecution in Brazil used to stifle opposition to President Lula, raising alarming concerns over the future of democracy and rule of law in the largest country in Latin America.
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Smith announces 2024 Congressional Art Competition winners
The winners of the 2024 Fourth Congressional District Art Competition were announced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) at a weekend award ceremony held at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Medical Center in Toms River.
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Rep. Chris Smith Requests Information from IACHR on Human Rights Violations in Brazil
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) has reached out to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) ahead of a congressional hearing to address serious allegations of human rights violations in Brazil. In a letter addressed to IACHR President Roberta Clarke and the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression Pedro José Vaca Villarreal, Smith highlighted the need for information regarding the alleged violations.“The Subcommittee has been informed of serious allegations of human rights violations committed by Brazilian officials on a large scale,” Smith wrote, emphasizing the...
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Rep. Chris Smith Expresses Concerns Over Rutgers' Response to Antisemitism Protests
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) expressed his concerns over Rutgers University's recent actions in response to antisemitic protests on its New Brunswick campus. In a phone call with Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway, Smith stated, "While we had a productive conversation, I continue to have deep concerns about Rutgers’ recent action given their egregious history of antisemitism and its failure to protect Jewish students."Smith also mentioned that he looks forward to further engagement with President Holloway, especially when Holloway testifies before Congress later this month....
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Rep. Chris Smith Criticizes Rutgers University for Response to Protesters' Demands
In response to Rutgers University's handling of the demands made by protesters, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) has strongly criticized the institution for potentially capitulating to antisemitic, anti-Israel, pro-Hamas sentiments. Smith questioned whether the university's response to the protesters' demands amounted to appeasement.Smith expressed his dismay, stating, “Any capitulation whatsoever to antisemitic, anti-Israel, pro-Hamas protesters is absolutely disgraceful.” He further emphasized the importance of combating antisemitic threats on campus rather than...
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Liberian President Boakai Signs Executive Order to Establish War Crimes & Economic Crimes Court
U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, Chair of the House Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, praised Liberian President Boakai's recent decision to establish the War Crimes and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia. In a statement, Congressman Smith expressed his support for the executive order, stating, "President Boakai’s signing of the Executive Order to establish the Office of War Crimes and Economic Crimes Court is a welcomed and momentous step in redressing the wounds of the country’s civil wars."He further emphasized the...
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House Passes Bill to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses
The House of Representatives has passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act (HR 6090), a bill aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. During the debate on the House Floor, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the House Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, expressed his concerns about the rising antisemitism in the United States.Smith, who has a history of advocating for human rights, recalled his experience in the Soviet Union 42 years ago, stating, "Forty-two years ago, my first human rights trip as a congressman was to the Soviet Union to defend Jews against...
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Smith leads the House of Representatives in a moment of silence honoring the late Donald Payne Jr.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Dean of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, led the House of Representatives in a moment of silence to honor the late Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ). In his remarks on the House Floor, Smith expressed his grief and admiration for Payne's dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of New Jersey residents.Smith conveyed the sentiments of his colleagues, stating, "We are grateful for his public service and offer our prayers and condolences to his wife Bea and their children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne." He...
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Rep. Chris Smith Condemns UN Report on UNRWA as Whitewash
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) has strongly criticized the recently released report on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), describing it as "an absolute whitewash aimed at covering up the antisemitism, violence and hate that has poisoned the agency for decades." Smith, who is the Chair of the House Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee, has been a vocal opponent of UNRWA and has authored legislation to ban US funding for the agency.The report, officially known as the report of the Independent Review Group but widely referred to as the...
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Hong Kong Human Rights Defender Honored with Street Name in Washington DC
Legislation introduced by Reps. Chris Smith and Tom Suozzi aims to rename the address of the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in Washington, DC as 1 Jimmy Lai Way in honor of the imprisoned Hong Kong human rights defender, Jimmy Lai."Jimmy Lai is a man of faith and conviction, someone who fervently believed that Hong Kong’s prosperity and vitality were built on the rights promised to its citizens," expressed Rep. Smith, who nominated Lai for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. He added, "For peacefully acting on this belief, he is arbitrarily detained."Rep. Suozzi emphasized the...
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Rep. Chris Smith Mourns the Passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued a statement on the passing of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. of Newark, expressing his condolences and honoring Payne's legacy.Smith described Payne as a dedicated public servant who followed in his father's footsteps, working tirelessly to improve the lives of New Jersey families. He highlighted Payne's compassion for those in need, stating, "Donald Payne Jr., like his father before him, was a dedicated public servant who worked to improve the lives of New Jersey families. He was a compassionate legislator who cared deeply for people...
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Smith, Suozzi Introduce Legislation to Combat Chinese Communist Party's Genocide of Uyghurs
Reps. Chris Smith and Tom Suozzi have introduced the Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act (UGASA) to address the ongoing genocide of Uyghurs by the Chinese Communist Party. Smith emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “This critical legislation will help address the horrific abuses we have seen directed at Uyghurs and other predominantly-Muslim Central Asian people by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party—from forced labor to the forced harvesting of Uyghur organs.” Suozzi echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to expand sanctions...
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Two years after trail went cold, FBI renews search for Wall art teacher's stolen paintings
Two years after her paintings were stolen during an art show in Denver, Wall High School art teacher Jill Alexander finds renewed hope as the FBI renews its search for the missing artworks. The incident, which left Alexander devastated, has taken an unexpected turn with the intervention of U.S. Rep. Chris Smith.Reflecting on the emotional significance of the stolen paintings, Alexander shared, "It was uplifting for her when there wasn’t a whole lot to be uplifted about." She vividly recalled the moments leading up to the theft, including her hesitation and her husband's...
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Smith calls on Azerbaijani government to provide Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu with immediate access to medical care
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Global Human Rights Subcommittee, and Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, has urged the government of Azerbaijan to provide Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu with immediate access to medical care. Dr. Ibadoglu, an economist who has been unjustly imprisoned, was recently transferred from prison to house arrest.Smith emphasized the critical need for medical intervention, stating, “This heroic political prisoner suffers from a number of medical conditions, which have been greatly aggravated by the lack of...
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Grant Paves The Way For Route 9 Traffic Relief
Mayor Peggy Sue Juliano announced the receipt of a $6,000,000 Congressional District Spending Grant for the completion of the Railroad Avenue Extension in Lacey Township. She expressed her gratitude to Congressman Chris Smith for securing the funds and emphasized the project's importance for alleviating traffic congestion on Route 9. Juliano credited several individuals for initiating discussions to address the traffic issues, including her late husband, former Mayor Nick Juliano, Committeeman Mark Dykoff, and Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn.Describing the project as...
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Concerns Mount Over Verizon’s Planned 5G Towers in Belmar; Smith Introduces Legislation to Empower Local Residents
Concerns are growing over Verizon's proposed installation of 20 30-foot towers along the boardwalk in Belmar, prompting Rep. Chris Smith to introduce legislation aimed at empowering local residents impacted by the proliferation of 5G towers. In a statement, Smith highlighted the importance of restoring the role of residents in decision-making processes regarding the advancement of 5G technology. Smith's bill, HR 8082, seeks to nullify FCC regulations that limit the input of local governments and communities in such projects.“My legislation will repeal these harmful...