Press releases
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4,394 rows where party = "Republican" and state = "NJ" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2099 | Congressman Van Drew Issues Statement on FCC Review of Verizon Copper Service Proposal | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew welcomed the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to prevent Verizon's application to discontinue copper-based telephone service in portions of New Jersey from being automatically approved while the Commission conducts further review. Earlier this month, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr urging the Commission to reject Verizon's proposal. "This is a good first step, and I appreciate Chairman Carr and the FCC for taking these concerns seriously," said Congressman Van Drew. "People across South Jersey reached out to us because they are genuinely worried about losing a service they still depend on, especially in rural areas where cell coverage is not always reliable. I will continue working with Chairman Carr and the FCC as they review this proposal, and I am still asking that it ultimately be rejected." | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2098 | Congressman Van Drew Provides Update on Storm Response Across South Jersey | 2026-09-27 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew provided an update on the ongoing response to the nor'easter impacting South Jersey and the work underway to prepare for recovery efforts. "Teams are already in the district assessing conditions and damage, and that work will continue throughout the week," said Congressman Van Drew. "In the coming days, I will be personally meeting with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, including the FEMA Administrator and the Secretary of the Army, both in the district and on the ground. We are going to stay on top of this and make sure our communities get every federal resource and dollar they are eligible for. We have been through storms like this before. South Jersey is strong, and we will recover. My office will be there every step of the way. "If you are without power, or if there is another storm-related issue in your community that you believe needs attention, please fill out the form below. This will help my office know where problems remain so we can follow up with the appropriate agencies, utilities, or local officials. "Finally, I want to thank our first responders, emergency management teams, utility crews, law enforcement, firefighters, and everyone else who has been working to keep our people safe. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done and continue to do." | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415873 | Storm Resources | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | TOMS RIVER, NJ , Sep 26, 2026 Important Storm Resources: Call 911 for emergencies Report power outage to JCP&L - text “OUT” to 544487 or call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) If you see downed power lines: Call 911 immediately if you see a downed power line. Stay at least 30 feet away and instruct others to do the same. State of NJ’s 24-hour helpline: 211 State of NJ’s preparedness info: ready.nj.gov National Weather Service for Central and Southern NJ Additional resources: Ocean County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM): (732) 929-2044 Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM): (732) 577-8700 ** Be sure to keep cell phones fully charged during this emergency** Sept 2026 National Weather Service Map. | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415871 | The Daily Wire exclusive article on Smith legislation'Federal Pro-Life Protection Hits Major Milestone As New Attacks Emerge' | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Leif Le Mahieu Published September 25, 2026 Fifty-years ago, a Republican congressman from Illinois named Henry Hyde took action to successfully protect American dollars from being used to end the life of an unborn child. To honor the lawmaker’s legacy, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) on Friday introduced a resolution calling for the continued support of the Hyde Amendment, a measure prohibiting the use of federal dollars to fund abortions. Lankford credits the amendment with saving over 2.5 million babies, according to a copy of a resolution first obtained by The Daily Wire. Lankford’s resolution marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Hyde Amendment, which occurred on September 30, 1976. Since that time, the Hyde Amendment has been repeatedly passed ensuring that federal dollars are not paying for abortions. In recent years, some Democrats have pushed to end the amendment and force Americans to pay for abortions. Credit: YsaL via Getty Images. “For 50 years, the Hyde Amendment has been an important protection for American taxpayers. Every child is valuable. No American should ever wonder if the check they’re sending to the IRS on April 15 will be used to pay for someone’s elective abortion,” Lankford Told The Daily Wire. “Hyde was a bipartisan agreement five decades ago, and it has been included in appropriations bills every year since. We should keep that commitment in place.” The resolution says its purpose is to recognize the Hyde Amendment’s “enduring legacy of saving the lives of more than 2,600,000 unborn children and respecting the conscience rights of the American people.” It adds that it wants to “encourages the people of the United States to reflect upon the history and significance of the Hyde amendment and the loss of 63,000,000 babies through abortions that have taken place since Roe v. Wade.” A companion resolution was introduced in the House by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). “I had the honor of serving alongside Rep. Hyde in the House for more than two decades, and I can personally a… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2097 | Congressman Van Drew Statement on Nor'easter This Weekend | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement as South Jersey prepares for a strong coastal storm this weekend. "We are praying for the best, but preparing for the worst," said Congressman Van Drew. "My office is in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the White House so that if South Jersey is hit hard, we can make sure our communities get any federal help they need as quickly as possible. South Jersey has been through major storms before, and we know how important it is to be ready before conditions get bad. Be prepared for possible flooding and power outages, and pay close attention to updates from your local officials. We will be monitoring the storm closely, and if our towns need help, we will do everything we can to make sure South Jersey gets it." | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415869 | The Daily Signal exclusive article on Smith letter to Sec. Rubio and Pres. Trump'China Hawk Urges Trump and Rubio to Discuss Chinese Prisoner Release in New Letter' | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Pedro Rodriguez Published September 24, 2026 FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—The chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, urging them to discuss with Chinese leader Xi Jinping the release of worshippers and American citizens who remain imprisoned in China. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., penned the letter after he held two hearings in late September on the detainees, including media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, Christian worshippers, Uyghur Muslims activists, Falun Gong, and American citizens detained for minor crimes. “They are people—sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters—whose families have spent years waiting and pleading for their loved ones to come home,” the letter, exclusively obtained by the Daily Signal, reads. “I respectfully ask that you raise the following cases directly with President Xi and press for their release, including through medical or humanitarian transfer where appropriate.” President Donald Trump (right) talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during an arrival ceremony on Sept. 23, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) “At this critical moment, I ask that you make the freedom and humanitarian treatment of these individuals a priority in your discussions with Beijing,” the letter adds. “Several of these prisoners face serious medical conditions that warrant immediate consideration for medical or humanitarian release or transfer.” During the first summit between the second Trump administration and the Chinese Communist Party earlier this year, Trump raised the issue of releasing Pastor Ezra Jin, who was imprisoned for operating a non-state-approved church in China, which eventually led to his release from a Chinese prison. In his letter to the president and the secretary of state, Smith urged them “to bring that same commitment directly to the table with President Xi.” Among the prisoners are eight leaders of Zion Church, who were orig… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2096 | Congressman Van Drew Urges FCC to Reject Verizon Plan to End Copper Service in South Jersey | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging the FCC to reject Verizon's proposal to discontinue copper-based telephone service in parts of New Jersey, including Salem County. "Many people in South Jersey still depend on these copper lines, especially in rural areas where cell service can be unreliable," said Congressman Van Drew. "These lines are used for medical-alert systems, alarm monitoring, elevator phones, and dependable 911 access. I have heard the concerns from people across South Jersey, and I agree with them. I am asking the FCC to turn this proposal down and make sure residents are not left without a reliable option." | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-introduces-ai-kill-switch-legislation | Kean Introduces AI Kill Switch Legislation | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (SEPTEMBER 24, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the AI Emergency Button Act to require artificial intelligence developers to install an emergency kill switch. “While AI can be a helpful tool, it is essential that humans remain in control of complex artificial intelligence systems,” said Congressman Kean. “This legislation would ensure that advanced artificial intelligence systems include a technical capability for a human operator to shut down the system.” Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the AI Emergency Button Act in the Senate earlier this month. In July, Congressman Kean introduced the Spot the Fakes Act with Representatives Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Liccardo (CA-16) to require that all AI-generated content carry a label embedded in its metadata, giving Americans the transparency they need to verify the authenticity of the content they view. In September 2025, Congressman Kean introduced the LIFT AI Act with Congressman Amo (RI-01) to improve artificial intelligence literacy for students K-12. The bill passed the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in June of this year. Read the text of the bill HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415853 | The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'Families Call for Release of Loved Ones in China as Xi Visits US' | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Eva Fu Published September 23, 2026 WASHINGTON—These are the faces that Beijing doesn’t want the world to see. They are political prisoners, ranging in age from their early 20s to nearly 80, each held behind bars because their beliefs or speech do not align with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Each of them is a father or a mother, a son or a daughter. In the United States and elsewhere, someone is thinking of them, waiting for the day they will be allowed to go home. Among those waiting are a mother of an 8-year-old, and a daughter undergoing chemotherapy, wishing to hold her father’s hand. As the U.S.–China summit looms over Washington, advocates see an opening to make that happen. One phone call to Beijing from the Oval Office, they argue, and these detainees could walk free. On Capitol Hill, the plight of the political prisoners has galvanized bipartisan lawmakers ahead of the bilateral talks. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said at a presser that he believes the “release of the hostages” is on the agenda. Five Democratic lawmakers have also presented the president with the names of 22 prisoners he could bring up with Chinese counterparts. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) hosted two hearings this month championing their cause. “It’s like that could be me. That could be my wife if she lives in China,” he told The Epoch Times. “We’re all God’s children. If we don’t raise [this cause], who will?” Butterfly in the Kitchen On the kitchen counter of her Florida home, Ziba Murat keeps an embroidered image of a swallowtail butterfly. It’s a small, tangible piece of Gulshan Abbas, Murat’s reticent mother, who’s now in Chinese jail under a 20-year sentence on terrorism-related charges. The United States has deemed those accusations as unfounded. Ziba Murat holds a photo of her mother, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, at Murat's home in Virginia in 2024. Ziba Murat keeps a framed image of a butterfly that was cross-stitched by her mother, jailed political prisoner Dr. Gulshan Abbas, in her kitchen. It was hard for… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415866 | On the eve of Trump-Xi meeting in Washington, D.C.Capitol Hill hearing features heartfelt appeals to Xi Jinping: let these wonderful people go | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | At yesterday’s Capitol Hill hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), lawmakers heard compelling, emotional testimony about the people imprisoned and persecuted by the Chinese government, the families and religious communities working for their freedom, and the retaliation faced by those who speak out on their behalf in China. “Behind every statistic about political prisoners is a person with hopes and dreams, and a life filled with isolation and pain. Behind every person in a Chinese prison is a family waiting, praying, and hoping that someone will not forget them. And behind many of those families is an entire community that feels threatened and intimidated,” Smith said during his opening remarks. “Today, we appeal to Xi Jinping to release women and men of conscience and goodness—as a tangible good faith expression of good will, benevolence, respect, and strength. We appeal to Xi Jinping’s heart,” continued Smith, the Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). “We again ask President Trump—who helped Pastor Ezra Jin gain his freedom—to appeal to Xi Jinping to show compassion and courage.” At the hearing—entitled “The Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP”—members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) heard from multiple highly anticipated witnesses, including Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, the founder and pastor of China’s underground Zion Church, who was recently released from Chinese detention after spending more than 260 days in custody. During the first panel of witnesses, Pastor Jin—accompanied by his daughter and translator, Grace Jin Drexel—testified before Congress for the first time since his long-awaited release in July. Pastor Jin described the persecution, harassment, and intimidation inflicted upon his church and congregants by the Chinese government, explaining that “the government put pressure on the landlords to terminate our leases, police came to stop church activities and demanded that attendees register thei… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-gillen-van-drew-introduce-legislation-reduce-commuting-expenses | Kean, Gillen, Van Drew Introduce Legislation to Reduce Commuting Expenses | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (SEPTEMBER 23, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04), and Congressman Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the Lowering Commuting Costs Actthat would help hardworking families save money on their daily commutes to work. "Commuting costs strain hardworking New Jerseyans' bottom lines," said Congressman Kean. "The Lowering Commuting Costs Act would create a new deduction for taxpayers to save thousands of dollars of costs incurred when commuting, whether on train fare, on congestion pricing tolls, and more. I am proud to co-lead this bill to help families keep more of their hard-earned money and reduce the monetary strain of daily commutes.” “Hardworking Long Islanders are forced to pay skyrocketing costs just to get to work, making the cost of living crisis even worse,” said Rep. Gillen. “With the rising price of gas, LIRR fares and the NYC congestion tax, working families are left with no affordable way to get to their jobs. This bipartisan bill will help families save money as they commute to work and contribute to the economy by creating the first-ever tax credit for personal commuting expenses.” “For millions of Americans, just getting to work every day is expensive,” said Rep. Van Drew. “Gas is expensive, tolls are expensive, and for a lot of families, those costs add up to thousands of dollars a year. If businesses can deduct the cost of doing business, working people should be able to deduct what it takes to get to and from their jobs. I am proud to join Congresswoman Gillen on this bill and give some of that money back to the people who earn it.” The Lowering Commuting Costs Act would establish a federal income tax deduction of $340 a month for individuals or $680 for joint filers, for personal commuting expenses, including the cost of gas, public transit, and tolls such as New York City’s congestion pricing. Congressman Kean has championed efforts to provide tax relief and lower costs for New Jersey families in the U.S. House of Repr… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415867 | The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'"Bring Them Home": Americans Push to Free Loved Ones Jailed in China' | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Eva Fu Published September 23, 2026 WASHINGTON—With the U.S.–China summit approaching, Americans who have loved ones detained in China are pleading with President Donald Trump not to forget them. One of them is 20-year U.S. Army veteran Nelson Wells, whose son, Nelson Wells Jr., has been in Chinese prison for 12 years on charges that the family says are dubious. At a hearing held by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on Sept. 22, Wells appealed to the U.S. president “father to father.” Weeks ago, his son was diagnosed with hepatitis C. He is set to be released in 2041. But with Wells Jr.’s deteriorating health, including chronic pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and seizures, Wells said he’s not sure whether his son could last that long. “He’s sick. His family has suffered. There’s no justice in allowing him to die in prison,” Wells said. He said Wells Jr.’s daughter, now 12, “has never seen her father outside photographs” and prays at night “for someone who can bring him home.” Trump can be that someone, he said. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who hosted the hearing, agreed that the United States cannot look away. Freeing political prisoners needs to be on the U.S.–China summit agenda, he told The Epoch Times. “It has to be—period,” he said. The congressman said he hopes the president can convey “a sense of urgency and compassion” for “these suffering individuals.” Seated next to Wells at the witness table was Tim Hunt, whose sister, Dawn Michelle Hunt, like Wells’s son, was arrested in China in 2014 for alleged drug smuggling. Both families deny the accusations. While visiting his sister in July, Hunt said, he didn’t recognize the sibling he had last seen two years ago. “She has aged dramatically. Her posture is that of someone much older. She is slumped over,” he said. He noticed how her teeth had yellowed and shifted, and how her hair had grayed. When they met, he said, she kept asking when she would be freed, and he couldn’t give her an answer. In January, their father passed … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415868 | The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'Congress Warned About Beijing's Repression on US Soil' | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Eva Fu Published September 23, 2026 WASHINGTON—The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) sweeping repression targeting one faith group is creating a challenge to the United States and allowing Beijing to expand its toolbox to persecute other communities, a Falun Gong spokesperson testified to Congress. Erping Zhang described a wide spectrum of Beijing-linked tactics targeting the spiritual community, playing out in America—including assault, anonymous violent threats, spying, disinformation, and frivolous lawsuits. The tactics can be used against “any group the CCP decides is a problem,” Zhang told the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on Sept. 22. “The regime’s actions undermine the basic rights of Americans and the rule of law,” he said in his written testimony. “The impact of this activity reaches far beyond our own community, creating a playbook of tactics that the regime can use against other targets while undermining U.S. democracy, freedom, and sovereignty.” Zhang pointed to a June report by the Falun Dafa Information Center, which identified more than 600 cases of transnational repression incidents across 30 states. Falun Gong practitioners have faced these threats for simply practicing their faith in the United States, Zhang said. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a meditation practice with spiritual teachings based on the core tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. In the 1990s, 70 million to 100 million people began practicing, with many crediting Falun Gong for uplifting their physical and mental well-being. In 1999, the Chinese communist regime marked it for eradication. Organizations monitoring the persecution have verified thousands of deaths, which they say represent a drop in the ocean. Between March and April, nearly 800 practitioners in China reported experiencing harassment, arrest, or house raids, according to Minghui.org, a clearinghouse for such information. The oldest of them was 94. Since 1999, Falun Gong practitioners have been “detained by the m… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415850 | The Washington Times Op-Ed by Rep. Smith'A presidential appeal to release unjustly detained U.S. citizens' | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Rep. Christopher H. Smith - Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Political prisoner in China Jimmy Lai illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times OPINION: President Trump and General Secretary Xi Jinping will meet in Washington this week with trade, technology, Taiwan and Iran on a crowded agenda. These critical, wide-ranging disputes require intense focus and attention but are unlikely to be resolved in a single day. Yet, the summit can produce one immediate result: bringing home Americans unjustly detained in China and political prisoners such as Jimmy Lai, whose time behind bars must come to an end. Mr. Xi should leave the U.S. knowing four names by heart: Nelson Wells Jr., Dawn Michelle Hunt, Youlin Chen and Min Zin. Mr. Trump already understands why detention cases require leader-level diplomacy. In May, Mr. Trump personally raised the case of Mr. Lai, the 78-year-old Hong Kong publisher nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, who is serving a 20-year sentence for his peaceful advocacy. We hope the president will raise Mr. Lai again. Only Mr. Xi can approve a release of that political significance. Only Mr. Xi can do the same for Americans whose cases have already become U.S. priorities. Mr. Wells and Ms. Hunt have spent more than 12 years behind bars. Mr. Wells is a Louisiana-born father of three. Ms. Hunt is a Chicago artist. They were prosecuted in a judicial system controlled by the Communist Party. Testimony at hearings I have chaired has documented failures of evidence, legal defense and due process in these cases. Mr. Wells was first sentenced to life; his sentence was later reduced to 22 years, which could keep him imprisoned until 2041. Ms. Hunt received a death sentence with a two-year reprieve, which was later commuted to life. Their health is now deteriorating. Mr. Wells’ family reports seizures, diabetes and high blood pressure. He also has endured physical attacks in prison. Ms. Hunt needs blood transfusions, has experienced sexual abuse and mistreatment while in prison, and has sever… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415851 | Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at CECC hearingThe Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | The following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China’s (CECC) September 22nd hearing, entitled “The Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP”: Behind every statistic about political prisoners is a person with hopes and dreams, and a life filled with isolation and pain. Behind every person in a Chinese prison is a family waiting, praying, and hoping that someone will not forget them. And behind many of those families is an entire community that feels threatened and intimidated. Perhaps, that is what the Chinese Communist Party wants. It wants the prisoner isolated. It wants the family frightened. And it wants everyone watching to conclude that speaking out is either futile or simply too costly. But today, we are here to say: we will not look away. The real cost is failing to speak out. Silence is not an option. Today, we appeal to Xi Jinping to release women and men of conscience and goodness—as a tangible good faith expression of good will, benevolence, respect, and strength. We appeal to Xi Jinping’s heart. We again ask President Trump—who helped Pastor Ezra Jin gain his freedom—to appeal to Xi Jinping to show compassion and courage. Pastor Jin founded Beijing Zion Church, which grew to a congregation of approximately 1,500 people before Chinese authorities forcibly shut down its sanctuary in 2018. Even after the physical church was closed, the congregation continued to meet, worship, teach, and evangelize across China. By 2025, Zion Church had nearly 100 meeting points in 40 cities. The response from the Chinese Communist Party was a nationwide crackdown. In October 2025, authorities carried out arrests in 11 cities, taking approximately 30 pastors and church leaders into custody. Eighteen were ultimately criminally detained. Pastor Jin was one of them. His amazing daughter, Grace, came before this Commission and told us what his imprisonment meant for him and their family. Both Congress an… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415852 | OSV News article on Smith hearing'Ezra Jin Mingri, lawmakers call on Trump to push Xi to free prisoners of conscience' | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Kate Scanlon Published September 22, 2026 at 5:03 PM WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Ezra Jin Mingri, founder and pastor of an underground church in China and a former prisoner of conscience in that country, called for the release of other individuals imprisoned for their religious beliefs Sept. 22 at a hearing by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. With his daughter Grace Jin Drexel acting as translator, Jin said in remarks at the hearing that “reuniting with my family after eight years apart and watching the fireworks together on America’s 250th Independence Day felt like a dream.” “Even as I rejoice and enjoy such freedom and joy with my family, I cannot stop thinking and worrying about my eight fellow church leaders who remain in prison,” he said. Jin was released from imprisonment and reunited with his family in the U.S. shortly before Independence Day. President Donald Trump previously sought his release during a May summit with China’s President Xi Jinping. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington March 10, 2021. (OSV News photo/Ken Cedeno, Pool via Reuters) Ezra Jin Mingri, founder and pastor of an underground church in China and a prisoner of conscience in that country until his release, is pictured in a 2018 file photo in Beijing. Mingri arrived in Los Angeles July 3, 2026, after he was released from imprisonment and reunited with his family in the U.S. shortly before Independence Day, U.S. officials said. (OSV News photo/Thomas Peter, Reuters) Ezra Jin Mingri calls for release of pastors As Trump prepared to host Xi for a state visit in Washington, advocates have urged him to again push for the release of additional prisoners of conscience and political prisoners of interest to the U.S., including Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s prominent Catholic and pro-democracy campaigner. Lai remains in prison, where he is serving a 20-year sentence. “I sincerely hope that the members of Congress will continue to pay attention to religious persecution and human rights within Ch… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415870 | The Washington Stand article featuring Smith's commentary'Advocates, Lawmakers Press Trump to Uphold Prisoners of Faith, Conscience during Xi Visit' | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Dan Hart Published September 22, 2026 With President Trump set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday as part of a state visit to Washington, human rights advocates and lawmakers are urging the commander in chief to champion the cause of Christians and other citizens who are imprisoned in China simply for practicing their faith or for advocating for freedom. A large-scale crackdown on non-government approved churches is being carried out by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over the past year. Last October, almost two dozen pastors and other workers from a single church called Zion Church were arrested, including founder and head pastor Ezra Jin. But in July, the power of personal advocacy was put on display as Xi’s communist regime released Jin following a personal appeal to Xi from Trump in May for Jin’s release. Now, human rights advocates such as Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton are highlighting the plight of other imprisoned pastors such as John Cao. As detailed by Family Research Council’s Bob Fu, Cao “spent seven years in a Chinese prison for conducting humanitarian work along the China-Myanmar border,” but even two years after completing his sentence, he is still being prevented from reuniting with his family in the U.S. by the CCP. Others are urging Trump to fulfill a promise to secure the freedom of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media mogul and champion of democracy. As Fu catalogs, the list of the wrongfully imprisoned in China goes on and on: Gao Zhisheng, a human rights lawyer; Dr. Wang Bingzhang, a leader of the overseas Chinese democracy movement who was kidnapped by CCP agents in Vietnam; Zhang Zhan, a citizen journalist who exposed the truth about COVID-19. Then there are the eight pastors and members of Ezra Jin’s Zion Church who remain imprisoned, as well as Elder Li Yingqiang, Pastor Yang Rongli of Golden Lampstand Church, and Pastor Wang Yi of Early Rain Covenant Church. These Christians are imprisoned simply for refusing to surrender the authority of their churches to the Comm… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415849 | The Washington Times article featuring Smith's commentary'Republican Rep. Chris Smith urges Trump to confront Xi about Americans jailed in China' | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Kerry Picket Published Monday, September 21, 2026 With as many as 300 Americans detained in China, where some are subjected to sexual abuse and torture, Rep. Chris Smith is demanding that President Trump make their release a centerpiece of his upcoming summit with China’s President Xi Jinping. The New Jersey Republican, who co-chairs the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, warned that quiet, piecemeal diplomacy has only emboldened Beijing to keep taking American hostages. Mr. Smith, who has been chairing hearings with witnesses testifying about people imprisoned and persecuted by the Chinese government, told The Washington Times that China “only recognizes strength.” He cited his 1994 meeting with Chinese dissident Wei Jingsheng, who warned that Western pleading is held in contempt by the Chinese Communist Party. “They only recognize one thing, and that is strength. I met with [Wei Jingsheng] in 1994 when he was released briefly in Beijing,” Mr. Smith said. “They rearrested him. … We worked really hard to make sure he got out, because they were going to kill him. When we, the West, and especially the United States, in any way kowtow … they hold that in contempt.” Mr. Smith said, “That’s why we have to be firm. Very civil, but very firm. Our hope is that the president will have a very well-defined list … to effectuate the release of these individuals.” Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been advocating for all American citizens unlawfully or wrongfully detained in China. Among the people detained or imprisoned by China, the most well-known include Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai; Uyghur economics professor Ilham Tohti; American think tank scholar Min Zin; American businessman Kai Li; Americans Dawn Michelle Hunt, Nelson Wells Jr., and John Chen; Chinese journalist Dong Yuyu; and the Zion 8 — eight pastors and co-workers of Beijing Zion Church. A senior official told The Washington Times that Mr. Trump raises the issue of Americans and others detained in China every time he has met wit… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415846 | The Washington Stand article on Smith Special Order'Hyde Amendment Approaches 50th Anniversary Having Saved almost 3 Million Babies' | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Quinn Delamater Published September 18, 2026 “An innocent, defenseless human life, in a caring and humane society, deserves better than to be flushed down a toilet or burned in an incinerator.” Such are the words of Henry Hyde, the former U.S. congressman from Illinois who tirelessly championed life and introduced the Hyde Amendment in 1976. Almost 50 years later, the legislative rider faces the opportunity to be renewed again. For a half-century, the Hyde Amendment has stopped taxpayer dollars from funding abortion. On Wednesday evening, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, hosted a Special Order on the House floor to acknowledge the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment on September 30. “The promise of America is that life is not just for the privileged, the planned, or the perfect,” Smith said, quoting Hyde. “This may sound odd, even ironic; you are here in the flush of victory. And yet it is precisely now that I ask you to contemplate the possibility of defeat, perhaps even the necessity of defeat. If you don’t know the principle or the policy for which you are willing to lose your office, then you are going to do damage here.” Quena González, senior director of Government Affairs at Family Research Council, explained to The Washington Stand that Smith and Hyde have a history. “Representative Chris Smith served with Representative Henry Hyde for 26 years; he’s been a tireless defender of the unborn in Congress for 45 years and comes as close as anyone to carrying Hyde’s inimitable mantle.” After the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, the U.S. government paid for an estimated 300,000 abortions each year via Medicaid. According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, since the Hyde Amendment’s first enactment in 1976, approximately 2.7 million lives have been saved. During Wednesday’s event, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) asserted that society has a duty to protect the unborn. “Life matters. Who are we as a people if we cannot stand up in defense of the most innocent form… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415847 | Tues., Sept. 22: Rep. Chris Smith to chair CECC hearing“The Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP” | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | On Tuesday, September 22nd, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), will chair a congressional hearing on people imprisoned and persecuted by the Chinese government, the families and religious communities working for their freedom, and the retaliation faced by those who speak out on their behalf. The hearing will examine the treatment of prisoners in China, the prolonged detention of U.S. citizens, and the persecution of Christians, Falun Gong practitioners, and Uyghurs. Witnesses will also discuss Beijing’s campaign to suppress Uyghur and Tibetan identity, including through the new Ethnic Unity Law, and the threats, surveillance, legal harassment, pressure on relatives, and online abuse directed at advocates outside China. WHAT: Congressional hearing on how Congress and the Administration can press for the release of those still detained in China, protect their loved ones and the people who advocate for them, and impose consequences on those responsible for their persecution—including through the passage and enactment of the Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt Unjustly Detained in Communist China Act (HR 5491), introduced by Rep. Smith earlier this Congress. WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 2:30 PM WITNESSES: (Partial list) Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, Founder and Pastor, Zion Church Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director, Campaign for Uyghurs Erping Zhang, Spokesperson for Falun Gong Nelson Wells Sr., Father of Detained American Citizen Nelson Wells Jr. Tim Hunt, Brother of Detained American Citizen Dawn Michelle Hunt WHERE: 216 Hart Senate Office Building and livestreamed here WHO: Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman Dan Sullivan (R-AK), other members of the CECC, and witnesses ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415843 | Shielding NJ families and communities from high energy costsSmith votes for Ratepayer Protection Act to protect Americans from footing AI data centers’ energy costs | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Yesterday, with Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-Manchester) strong support and vote, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (HR 9340)—by a margin of 417-3—to protect hard-working Americans from shouldering the hefty energy costs associated with the construction and operation of data centers. “Protecting families and communities from increased energy costs is paramount—especially after years of skyrocketing energy costs driven by Joe Biden’s ‘Green New Scam,’” said Smith. “The Ratepayer Protection Act will inject transparency and public scrutiny into the system to ensure that the largest users of energy—including hyperscale data centers—pay for energy infrastructure upgrades and generation capacity,” continued Smith, who cosponsored HR 9340. The Ratepayer Protection Act amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act by adding a new ratemaking standard for large-load customers, ensuring that the costs associated with grid upgrades and new generation requirements are borne by the project customer and not American families. “American families deserve protection from exorbitant and unpredictable energy bills, and this legislation ensures that the companies who want to build and operate data centers will be made to pay for the massive amounts of electricity they consume. “I strongly support the Ratepayer Protection Act, and although the Senate blocked unanimous consent for the legislation, I urge my colleagues in that chamber to immediately reconsider this bill, pass it, and send it to President Trump’s desk for his signature,” concluded Smith. ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415845 | The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'Jimmy Lai's Son Pleads for Ailing Father's Release Ahead of Xi's US Visit' | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Eva Fu and Frank Fang Published September 17, 2026 WASHINGTON—The son of imprisoned Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai has appealed for his father’s release on humanitarian grounds ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s expected meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Lai founded the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. He was detained in 2020 under the Beijing-imposed national security law and sentenced to 20 years in prison in February. Sebastien Lai described the “painful realization” of imagining his elderly father’s physical and mental state if they were ever reunited, five years after their last meeting. Sebastien Lai (R) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) stand for a photo after a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing regarding the continued imprisonment of his father, Jimmy Lai, on Capitol Hill on Sept. 16, 2026 Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo Jimmy Lai outside West Kowloon Magistrates' Court in Hong Kong on Sept. 18, 2020. Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times “I hear about his health declining every single day,” Sebastien Lai said on Sept. 16 at a congressional hearing hosted by the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China. “It’s really sad. It’s really worrying.” Sebastien Lai’s sister, Claire Lai, was diagnosed with cancer recently and is undergoing chemotherapy in London. “My father learned of his own daughter’s diagnosis from a maximum-security prison. He cannot hold her hand. She wants nothing more than to have him with her for this fight,” Sebastien Lai said. “We hope the Chinese authorities will consider what compassionate release would mean for her and for a 78-year-old man who has already suffered enough. “My father poses no threat. His imprisonment makes him a symbol of injustice. His death in prison would be a disgrace.” He said that his father’s release was just a “phone call away” for Xi. Sebastien Lai speaks with reporters after a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing regarding the continued imprisonment of his father, Jimmy Lai, on Capitol Hill on… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415848 | WATCH: 'Free Jimmy Lai: Rep. Chris Smith | The World Over with Raymond Arroyo' | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), sat down with host Raymond Arroyo on EWTN's The World Over with Raymond Arroyo to discuss the congressional hearing he chaired this week to press for the release of incarcerated Hong Kong businessman and Catholic Jimmy Lai, and the hope that Lai might be released after next week's summit in DC between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping. The full interview can be viewed by clicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415831 | Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at CECC hearingA Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | The following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)’s September 16th hearing, entitled “A Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai”: Today’s hearing is about Jimmy Lai—and an earnest appeal to Xi Jinping from Jimmy’s children to set him free on humanitarian grounds. They are grateful that President Trump has personally raised Jimmy Lai’s release with Xi Jinping, and they respectfully ask him to do so again at the upcoming summit. We will hear directly from Jimmy Lai’s son, Sebastien, speaking for himself and on behalf of his sister, Claire, who was initially scheduled to join her brother today. Sadly, Claire was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and has begun treatment. We are thinking of her, praying for her, and wishing her a full recovery. Sebastien, who testified on behalf of his father in 2023, will tell us today: “My father learned of his own daughter's diagnosis from a maximum-security prison. He cannot hold her hand. She wants nothing more than to have him with her for this fight. We hope the Chinese authorities will consider what compassionate release would mean for her, and for a 78-year-old man who has already suffered enough…Let Jimmy Lai come home to his family and let him sit beside his daughter in her hardest moment.” Jimmy Lai is 78 years old. He has spent six years in detention. In February, a Hong Kong court sentenced him to 20 years in prison following his conviction under the National Security Law. It was the longest sentence, thus far, imposed under that law. For a man of Jimmy Lai’s age, and given the serious concerns about his health, a 20-year sentence carries an obvious and deeply troubling humanitarian consequence. His son, Sebastien, has described it as a death sentence. That is why time matters. Jimmy Lai is not being imprisoned because he committed an act of violence. His son has emphasized that his father has never advocated violence. Rather… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415836 | Providing critical funding for Lyme disease researchKay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act passes House, on its way to President Trump’s desk | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation to provide $150 million over five years in continued funding for Lyme disease research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sending the bill to President Trump’s desk for his signature. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act (S. 2398)—sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)—is the identical Senate companion legislation to Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) HR 4348, which passed the House in late July. Having now passed both chambers, the President is expected to sign the final Senate version into law in the next several days. The soon-to-be law will fund critical vector-borne disease research programs and initiatives at the CDC that were due to expire on September 30th. “My colleagues will recall that our distinguished colleague, North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan, suffered a tick bite and died in 2019 from encephalitis caused by Powassan virus—the current law and reauthorization is named in her honor,” said Smith, the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus, during the bill’s debate on the House floor. “Vector borne diseases are now endemic in regions of the country where they have not historically been present. Disease-laden ticks are now found in all 48 contiguous U.S. states. The problem is exploding—not abating,” said Smith. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act will allocate $50 million over five years for the CDC’s regional Centers of Excellence and provide funding for states in regions that have an elevated risk of Lyme or other tick-borne disease outbreaks, enabling them to work in tandem with the federal government to quickly identify and address such outbreaks. “Critically, this new bill reauthorizes cooperative agreement funding for states and localities—$100 million over five years—to tangibly assist state public health departments and other local entities to support the development and implementation of evidence-based research, interventions, and treatment,” Smit… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415837 | Ahead of planned Trump-Xi meeting in Washington, D.C.An appeal from Jimmy Lai’s son | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | At today’s Capitol Hill hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), lawmakers examined the unjust imprisonment of Jimmy Lai—a well-known free-speech advocate and the publisher of the pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily—by Hong Kong officials, as well as what his case reveals about the continued erosion of the freedom of the press, judicial independence, and the rule of law in Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-controlled Hong Kong. “Today’s hearing is about Jimmy Lai—and an earnest appeal to Xi Jinping from Jimmy’s children to set him free on humanitarian grounds,” said Smith, the Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). Smith pushed for Jimmy’s release on humanitarian grounds, highlighting the “human dimension of this case.” He noted that “for more than five years, Jimmy Lai’s children have had to live with the reality that their father is imprisoned thousands of miles away,” and that Jimmy’s son, Sebastien, “has spoken publicly about the possibility that he may never see his father again.” “Jimmy’s children are grateful that President Trump has personally raised Jimmy Lai’s release with Xi Jinping, and they respectfully ask him to do so again at the upcoming summit,” said Smith. The hearing was intentionally scheduled in anticipation of the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and General Secretary Xi Jinping in Washington, D.C. on September 24th. Given Jimmy’s advanced age—78-years-old—and the “serious concerns about his health,” Smith argued that “a 20-year sentence carries an obvious and deeply troubling humanitarian consequence. Sebastien has described it as a death sentence. That is why time matters.” Sebastien, who testified at today’s hearing about the urgency of his father’s release, spoke on behalf of himself and his sister, Claire—who was initially scheduled to testify alongside her brother, but was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. “My father learned of his own daughter’s diagnosis from a maximum-security prison. He cannot hold her hand. She… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415839 | Daily Signal article on Smith hearing'Congress Hears Pleas for Release of God-Fearing Chinese Democracy Advocate' | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Pedro Rodriguez Published September 16, 2026 A top congressional panel on Wednesday examined the imprisonment of Chinese media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai and the state of press freedom and judicial independence in China. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing, titled “A Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai,” comes a week before the Chinese Communist Party leader’s visit to the United States. The hearing featured testimony from Sebastien Lai, the son of the imprisoned media entrepreneur, who called for the immediate release of the 78-year-old democracy activist. Jimmy Lai was sentenced to prison after founding a non-state-sponsored newspaper and “believing in the almighty,” the panel’s chairman, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said during the hearing. People gather in front of the Chinese Consulate General to protest the unjust conviction of media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai on Feb. 14, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images) “America understands, in his pains, that freedom dies with the last men willing to defend it. And that the cost of not standing up for liberty is not felt until it is too late,” Sebastien Lai said. “My father poses no threat. His imprisonment makes him a symbol of injustice. His death in prison would be a disgrace.” Lai also said during his testimony that his sister, Claire Lai, was supposed to testify before the panel alongside him Wednesday but was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month and is currently undergoing chemotherapy in London. The congressional panel also heard from Steve Yates, senior research fellow for China and national security at The Heritage Foundation, who provided the committee with insight into the Chinese Communist Party’s control. “This is no longer principally an appeal to law, foreign or domestic,” Yates said. “It is a litmus test of whether there remains any reason to believe there is a future in Xi Jinping’s China for the kind of man that Jimmy Lai is.” During his testimony, Yates, who lost his 25-year-ol… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415840 | OSV News article on Smith hearing'Advocates urge Trump to push for Jimmy Lai release during Xi’s state visit to the US' | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Kate Scanlon Published 2:43 PM September 16, 2026 WASHINGTON (OSV News) — President Donald Trump is scheduled to host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House in late September, and advocates for Hong Kong’s prominent Catholic media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai said Trump should push for his release from prison during the summit. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a Catholic, who is a longtime lawmaker and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, held a hearing Sept. 16 examining Lai’s imprisonment, with Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, among the witnesses. Trump and other U.S. officials have pushed for Lai’s release and have cast the charges leading to Lai’s conviction on national security offenses under the city’s controversial national security law as fabricated, arguing that they were evidence that the Chinese Communist Party is seeking to silence dissent. Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong Catholic, philanthropist and media mogul, poses for a portrait in London Dec. 15, 2025, next to a campaign poster featuring imagery of his father during an interview with Reuters. He gave the interview after his father was found guilty under Hong Kong's national security law of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and to publish seditious material. Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment Feb. 9, 2026. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his trial. (OSV News photo/Toby Melville, Reuters) Smith: Trump ‘has to be absolutely unmovable’ At a May summit in China, Trump asked Xi to release political prisoners of interest to the U.S., including Jimmy Lai and Ezra Jin Mingri, founder and pastor of Zion Church. U.S. officials expressed grave religious freedom concerns in both cases. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is pictured in an Oct. 11, 2022. Smith, a Catholic who is a longtime lawmaker and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, held a hearing Sept. 16, 2026, examining Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment, with Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, among the w… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415841 | “The Hyde Amendment reaffirms the fundamental truth that every life is precious and irreplaceable.”Smith hosts Special Order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Tonight, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, hosted a Special Order on the House floor to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans. Rep. Smith’s remarks are provided below: Fifty years ago—on September 30th, 1976—Congress first enacted an amendment offered by the late, great Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois to prohibit federal Medicaid funds from being used to subsidize the killing of unborn children by abortion. During debate in the House, Henry said: “An innocent, defenseless human life, in a caring and humane society, deserves better than to be flushed down a toilet or burned in an incinerator. The promise of America is that life is not just for the privileged, the planned, or the perfect.” Mr. Speaker, according to Dr. Michael J. New of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, approximately 2.7 million people are alive today—and each year, another 60,000 evade the irreversible consequence of abortion and survive—because of Henry Hyde’s amendment. Thanks to Henry Hyde, 2.7 million people—who would have otherwise been aborted—have experienced the joys and challenges and opportunities to thrive. Beginning in 1981, I had the honor of serving alongside Henry Hyde in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was brilliant, compassionate, tenacious, incredibly articulate, self-effacing, a man of great wisdom and humor—a one-of-a-kind lawmaker—who, to this day, remains the greatest defender of unborn children and their mothers. He was so good at debate, you always wanted him to be your closer. Henry believed sound moral principles and courage should inform and guide the decisions we make in government, and he addressed the 1990 class of incoming freshman Members of Congress with these words: “This may sound odd, even ironic. You are here in the flush of victory. And yet it is precisely now that I ask you to contemplate the possibility of defeat—perhaps even the necessi… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2094 | Congressman Van Drew's PROOF Act Passes House to Crack Down on Fraud in Federal Programs | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that H.R. 10326, the Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act, has passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would give federal investigators a direct way to obtain records from states when investigating fraud in programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, unemployment benefits, disaster assistance, and other federally funded programs. "To me, it is simple. If taxpayer money is being stolen, investigators should be able to get the records they need to find out where it went," said Congressman Van Drew. "Right now, that does not always happen. We just saw four states refuse twice to provide SNAP data, to the point where the Justice Department had to take them to court just to get the information. Meanwhile, the states that did cooperate provided data that showed billions of dollars a year going to overpayments and fraud. "The PROOF Act fixes this problem. If the Attorney General is investigating fraud involving federal taxpayer dollars, the state has to provide the records needed for that investigation. We also made sure there are strong privacy protections in place to ensure that the information is only used for the investigation. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar not going to a family, senior, or individual counting on that help. It is our responsibility to make sure that these programs are working as they were intended." Click here to read the text of the bill. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2095 | Congressman Van Drew Celebrates Passage of Major South Jersey Water Infrastructure Priorities | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew celebrated the passage of the Water Resources Development (WRDA) Act of 2026 through the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation includes eleven priorities he secured for South Jersey, and it is expected to be signed into law. "This is exactly the kind of work I came to Congress to do," said Congressman Van Drew. "South Jersey is surrounded by water, and our towns deal with flooding, erosion, aging dams, and waterways that need our full attention. I fought to get these priorities into the bill because they will directly address these concerns and make a real difference in the safety of the residents of South Jersey. Now they are on their way to becoming law. I am proud of what we were able to get done here, and I am going to stay on top of these projects to make sure the work gets done." Priorities Secured: East Point Lighthouse Shore Protection- Expands the ongoing Maurice River dredging study to include shoreline protection for the East Point Lighthouse. North Wildwood Shore Protection- Expedites the North Wildwood hurricane and storm damage reduction project using Hereford Inlet as the source of sand. Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund Study- Includes Congressman Van Drew's provision directing a study to create a dedicated funding source for beach projects. Dam Assessment and Mitigation Support (DAMS) Act- Reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through 2031 and includes Congressman Van Drew's DAMS Act provision to strengthen dam safety nationally. Great Egg Harbor River Watershed Assessment- Adds the Great Egg Harbor River Watershed to the Corps' authorized watershed and river-basin assessment list. New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway Rerouting- Authorizes a study to reroute the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway near Ventnor City to solve navigation challenges related to the Dorsett Avenue bridge. Absecon Island Shoreline Project- Accelerates the Atlantic City hot spot erosion study. Hot Spot Erosion Program Improvements- Strengthens Congress… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415842 | EWTN News article on Smith hearing'Jimmy Lai’s family, advocates press for his release before Xi-Trump meeting' | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Tessa Gervasini Published September 16m, 2026 at 5:32 PM ET Family members and advocates of imprisoned Catholic pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai offered urgent pleas for his release ahead of President Xi Jinping’s planned trip to the U.S. to meet with President Donald Trump. In anticipation of Xi’s visit to Washington on Sept. 24, Sebastien Lai, Jimmy Lai’s son, met with leaders to advocate for his father. He joined a Sept. 16 congressional hearing led by Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey. “Jimmy Lai is not being imprisoned because he committed any act of violence whatsoever,” Smith, co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said. Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, left, holds a congressional hearing with testimony from Sebastien Lai on Sept. 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Tessa Gervasini/EWTN News “His son has emphasized that his father has never, never advocated violence. Rather, Jimmy Lai used his voice, his newspaper, and his public platform to support freedom and democracy,” he said. Smith said he introduced legislation Sept. 16 that would require the State Department to quickly assess any death in custody of a Hong Kong political prisoner and impose sanctions on officials found responsible. He titled the bill the “Jimmy Lai Hong Kong Political Prisoner Accountability Act of 2026.” At the hearing, Sebastien Lai offered testimony along with Steve Yates, a research fellow on China and national security policy, and Mark Clifford, president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation. “I want to thank America, President Trump, who has been a true champion of my father’s, his administration, and the senators and members of both parties whose support has never wavered and only gotten stronger. That is moral courage, and my family does not take it for granted,” Sebastien Lai said. “By the end of this year my father will have spent six years in a maximum-security prison in solitary. At 78, he is the oldest political prisoner in Hong Kong. With a 20-year sentence looming ov… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415828 | Hyde Amendment violations & transparency failures revealedNew GAO report: Taxpayers bankrolled Obamacare health insurance plans covering elective abortions for 4.4 million individuals in 2026 | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | A new report from the U.S. government’s nonpartisan watchdog agency revealed that federal taxpayers subsidized 1,719 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) that covered elective abortions for an estimated 4.4 million individuals this year alone. The report also showed that 683 more abortion-covering QHPs were available through the ACA than when GAO issued a similar brief in 2014. The recent report, compiled by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), was requested by House and Senate majority leadership, Co-Chairs of the House and Senate Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and Values Action Teams, and Chairmen of the House and Senate Committees of jurisdiction. Upon the release of the report—first reported by The Daily Wire—Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Chairman of the House Values Action Team (VAT), issued the following statement: “For far too long, pro-life Americans have been deceived by the ACA and strongarmed into paying for health plans that do not respect the sanctity of life. American taxpayers deserve complete transparency and truthfulness as to where their hard-earned dollars are going—and under the ACA as it currently stands, that’s just not possible. “Today’s GAO report confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years: the ACA fails to apply the longstanding and bipartisan Hyde Amendment law, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans. “The ACA allows premium tax credits to be directed towards health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion. Federal taxpayer dollars—even from individuals living in pro-life states—are subsidizing plans that include elective abortion coverage for over 4.4 million people. “The report also found that some insurance issuers failed to comply with the ACA’s consumer transparency provision, which requires plans to prominently disclose abortion coverage. “As we approach the 50th annive… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415829 | The Daily Wire exclusive article on Smith-requested report'EXCLUSIVE: Obamacare Plans Use Taxpayer Dollars For Abortions, Watchdog Finds' | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Mary Margaret Olohan Published September 15, 2026 WASHINGTON—A nonpartisan federal watchdog on Tuesday revealed that Obamacare subsidizes abortions, upending a longtime Democrat talking point, The Daily Wire can first report. Nearly a third of Affordable Care Act plans cover abortions, the Government Accountability Office found. Of the 6,655 qualified health plans offered on Obamacare exchanges, 1,719 cover “non-excepted abortion services,” meaning elective abortions that are not the result of rape, incest, or danger to the mother’s life. States that have banned abortion prohibit exchange plans from covering these services. About 4.4 million Americans are enrolled in Obamacare plans that cover abortions, the report found. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images) “As a strong defender of life, I find the results of today’s GAO report deeply concerning,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told The Daily Wire. “American taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize elective abortions in violation of the longstanding Hyde Amendment.” Republicans have long said that the Hyde Amendment — which bans the use of federal funds to pay for abortions except in cases where the unborn baby is conceived through rape or incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger — should apply to Obamacare plans. Critics say that Democrats have misled the public about when Obamacare plans are subject to Hyde rules. Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) “Today’s GAO report confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years,” New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith told The Daily Wire. “The ACA fails to apply the longstanding and bipartisan Hyde Amendment law, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans.” Earlier this year, some Republicans pushed back strongly when President Donald Trump suggested that they should be flexible on the Hyde Amendment. Smith, who leads the co… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415830 | Washington Examiner article on Smith-requested report'GAO finds millions of Obamacare enrollees have abortions covered' | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Rena Rowe Published September 15, 2026 1:32pm ET A new report from the Government Accountability Office found that federal premium tax credits have helped subsidize Affordable Care Act health plans that cover abortions for millions of enrollees this year. The GAO found that 1,719 of the 6,655 ACA plans available nationwide in 2026, or roughly 26%, covered abortions. Those plans covered an estimated 4.4 million people. That is an increase of 683 plans from the number GAO found in a similar review in 2014. The availability of abortion coverage varied widely by state, largely because of varied state abortion laws. The findings come as Congress approaches the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, a long-standing federal policy that bars federal funds from being used to pay for abortions, with exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest and cases in which the woman’s life is endangered. But Obamacare is not funded annually through the appropriations process, so it is not required to follow the rules of the Hyde Amendment. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), chairman of the House Values Action Team, said the report shows Obamacare does not provide the same Hyde protections to marketplace plans as those that apply to other federal programs. “The ACA allows premium tax credits to be directed towards health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion,” the lawmakers said, calling for stronger Hyde protections and greater transparency about abortion coverage. Smith has also called on the Trump administration to take action on abortion coverage in Obamacare plans until Congress passes legislation extending Hyde protections to those plans. “Today’s GAO report confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years: the ACA fails to apply the longstanding and bipartisan Hyde Amendment law, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans,” the law… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-hosts-fourth-annual-seniors-distinction-event | Kean Hosts Fourth Annual Seniors of Distinction Event | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (September 15, 2026) BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted his fourth annual Seniors of Distinction event at the Bridgewater Township Senior Center to honor the outstanding seniors of New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. This year, Congressman Kean celebrated 24 seniors representing all six counties within New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. Each honoree was nominated by their friends, families, or local officials in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication to others. The Seniors of Distinction were selected for their long history of giving back to their communities. “The people we recognize today represent what is best about our communities,” said Congressman Kean. “They have spent years giving their time, sharing their experience, helping their neighbors, and strengthening their hometowns. So much of what makes a community strong comes from people who simply choose, day after day, to show up for others. It is a privilege to recognize these extraordinary New Jerseyans and to thank them for the example they continue to set for all of us.” “I want to thank Congressman Kean for being here and for holding this event,” said 2026 Honoree Gloria Padgett. “It was great getting to know the people here and hearing about their volunteering. They are doing wonderful things for their communities, and when you give to people, it deserves to be recognized.” “I want to thank Congressman Kean for hosting the Seniors of Distinction event and for his advocacy, which has made a real, measurable difference in our district,” said Bernard Rosario. “For working families and seniors on fixed incomes in a high-property-tax state like New Jersey, the SALT deduction that Congressman Kean fought is often the difference between being able to afford to stay in the home and community we have spent our lives in or being forced to relocate out of state in retirement. Thank you, Congressman Kean, for your continued dedication to NJ-07 and for fighting for policies that keep our c… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2092 | Congressman Van Drew Chairs Hearing on New Jersey Voter Roll Scandal | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew, Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, held a hearing examining how 6,600 people who indicated they were not U.S. citizens were improperly registered to vote in New Jersey, with almost 400 later casting votes. "The part that should make every person in New Jersey angry is that the state knew there was a problem in June of 2024 and did not tell the public what happened until two years later," said Congressman Van Drew. "How do thousands of noncitizens get registered, hundreds vote, and nobody thinks the people of New Jersey deserve to know? Now we are asking questions to find out exactly what went wrong, and we have been met with resistance from the state every step of the way. That is why I chaired this hearing today. Elections can come down to one vote, so yes, we are going to keep asking questions to make sure that it is only Americans voting in American elections." | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415832 | National Review article on Smith-requested report'One in Four Obamacare Plans Cover Elective Abortions Despite Hyde Amendment Restrictions, GAO Finds' | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Kamden Mulder Published September 15, 2026 5:42 PM Twenty-six percent of Obamacare exchange plans cover elective abortions, even as the Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funds from being used to pay for such procedures, according to a new Government Accountability Office report. The Hyde Amendment only allows federal money to be used to pay for abortions under limited circumstances: when the life of the mother is at risk, or when the pregnancy is the product of rape or incest. But the GAO report found one in four Affordable Care Act plans cover “non-excepted abortion services.” Of the 6,655 Obamacare plans on the market, 1,719 cover abortions outside of the federal exceptions. Pro-life advocates have long voiced concerns about how the Hyde Amendment applies to Obamacare insurance plans and how effectively it prohibits taxpayer-subsidized insurance coverage from including abortion. Affordable Care Act forms in 2013(Jonathan Bachman/Reuters) “Obamacare was the largest expansion of taxpayer-funded abortion in American history after Roe v. Wade. Tax dollars have paid for the violent deaths of countless babies, in an end run around the longstanding protections of the Hyde Amendment. Democrats’ gaslighting is inexcusable,” SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. “While the Hyde Amendment has saved nearly 2.7 million lives in its 50-year existence, Obamacare is a glaring exception.” Representatives Chris Smith (R., N.J.) and Robert Aderholt (R., Ala.) similarly said the report “confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years: the ACA fails to apply the longstanding and bipartisan Hyde Amendment law, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans.” “The ACA allows premium tax credits to be directed towards health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion,” the pair added in a joint statement. “Federal taxpayer dollars—even from individuals living in pro-life states—are subsidizing pla… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-visits-somerville-highlight-1942000-secured-federal-funding-0 | Kean Visits Somerville to Highlight $1,942,000 Secured in Federal Funding | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (September 14, 2026) SOMERVILLE, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited downtown Somerville with Mayor Brian Gallagher to highlight the $1,942,000 he secured in a House funding bill through the Community Project Funding process. The funding will be used for two complementary capital improvement projects: the Division Street Arts Plaza and the Giardina Walk Improvements. Together, these projects will transform two heavily traveled public corridors into vibrant, safe, and fully accessible pedestrian spaces that anchor Downtown Somerville’s arts and cultural identity. “Downtown Somerville is truly the heart of Somerset County, and this investment will help make it an even better place to live, work, shop, and dine,” said Congressman Kean. “I fought for this funding because Somerville deserves a downtown that reflects the energy, character, and pride of this special community. This project will be transformational in supporting local businesses, improving the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.” "I'm grateful to Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. for securing nearly $1.94 million in federal funding for the Division Street Arts Plaza and Giardina Walk improvements,” said Mayor Brian Gallagher. “This investment will make our downtown safer and more accessible, strengthen Main Street as a regional destination, and benefit the entire community. Congressman Kean's persistence in advancing this funding through Washington reflects his genuine commitment to Somerville and the region, and we're thankful for his leadership and partnership." “The Division Street and Giardina Walkway improvements are an investment in the future and economic vitality of Downtown Somerville, the county seat,” said Dana Kessel, Executive Director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. “This project demonstrates what is possible when a community, its businesses, municipal partners, and a strong Main Street organization work together toward a shared vision. By creating inviting places to gather, shop, dine, and experienc… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2090 | Congressman Van Drew Condemns Immigration Failure After Attack on Six-Year-Old Girl in NJ | 2026-09-12 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after an illegal immigrant who had previously been in ICE custody was charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl in New Jersey. "There are no words for what this little girl and her parents are going through," said Congressman Van Drew. "Nothing we say can make this right. There is only one thing we can do, and that is to make sure this never happens again. This man should have been deported in 2024. He was already in ICE custody, but instead he was released back into our communities. And while this is happening, taxpayers should certainly not be funding legal defense programs for illegal immigrants fighting deportation. This little girl deserved to be protected. She was failed. We cannot allow that to happen again." | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415826 | Remembering the Victims of 9/11 | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | The following are excerpts of remarks prepared by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) for Monmouth County’s September 11th Memorial Ceremony in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey: “Twenty-five years later, we solemnly remember those who lost their lives and the pain suffered by the nearly 3,000 individuals—including 147 Monmouth County residents— who were murdered by radical jihadists and the anguish endured by their families and friends, both then and now. “We remember and honor the courageous first responders running up the stairs of the burning buildings—with total disregard for their own safety—attempting to save others at the expense of their own lives. “We honor the heroic firefighters, police officers, paramedics and civilian support staff members, who have suffered and died from illnesses related to the rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of one of the darkest days in U.S. history. “According to the World Trade Center Health Program, an estimated 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Over 96,000 people have been diagnosed with physical and mental health conditions as a result of exposure to the dust, smoke, debris and traumatic events of 9/11, and more than 9,000 people have died from illnesses directly linked to the attack. “It is widely believed that Flight 93 was headed to Washington, D.C. to attack the Capitol or the White House when it was brought down in Shanksville, thanks in large part to N.J. hero Todd Beamer and his call to fellow passengers: ‘Let’s roll!’ “A member of my staff since 2006, Kathy Wisniewski—then a Howell resident—lost her beloved husband, Alan, on 9/11. “Alan was associate director for Sandler O’Neill Investment, and his office was on the 104th floor of the South Tower. His last phone call before his tower fell was to say: ‘I’m OK.’ Then United Airlines flight 175 crashed into his building. “Through Kathy, and their three children—as well from the other survivors, like the ‘Jersey Girls’—we’ve all gotten… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415827 | Wed., Sept. 16: Rep. Chris Smith to chair CECC hearing“A Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai” | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | On Wednesday, September 16th, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), will chair a congressional hearing examining the imprisonment of Hong Kong media entrepreneur and democracy advocate Jimmy Lai and what his case reveals about the continued erosion of freedom of the press, judicial independence, and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Given the planned summit between President Trump and General Secretary Xi Jinping, the hearing will underscore the appeal from Jimmy Lai’s children to Xi Jinping for their father’s immediate release and examine the broader implications of Lai’s continued imprisonment. WHAT: Congressional hearing on the unjust, politically motivated imprisonment of Jimmy Lai, as well as what additional steps Congress, the Administration, and international partners can take to secure his release and hold accountable the officials responsible for undermining internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms. WHEN: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 9:30 AM WITNESSES: (Partial list) Sebastien Lai, Son of Jimmy Lai; Leader, #FreeJimmyLai Campaign Steve Yates, Senior Research Fellow for China and National Security and Chung Ju Yung Fellow, The Heritage Foundation Mark L. Clifford, President, Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation; Author of The Troublemaker, a biography of Jimmy Lai WHERE: 2255 Rayburn House Office Building and livestreamed here WHO: Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman Dan Sullivan (R-AK), other members of the CECC, and witnesses ### | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/remembering-911-kean-commemorates-25th-anniversary-september-11th-terrorist | Remembering 9/11: Kean Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (SEPTEMBER 10, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced two pieces of legislation to honor the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Congressman Kean said: “September 11th is deeply personal to New Jersey. For families across our state, that day still has a name, a face, an empty chair at the table. Hundreds of our neighbors left home that morning and never came back. Twenty-five years later, we carry their memory with us, along with the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger and the service members who answered the call to defend our country. “The truth of September 11th is clear. Innocent Americans were murdered in an act of evil against our country and our way of life. Our responsibility is to tell that story with honesty, to honor the people we lost, to stand with the families who still carry that loss, and to make sure every generation understands what happened that day and what followed. “This package is about fulfilling that responsibility to preserve the firsthand voices of September 11th, honoring the Americans who brought justice to the terrorists responsible in the years that followed, and supporting the victims and families. A quarter-century has passed, but our promise remains the same. We remember them. We honor them. America will never forget.” The 9/11 Legacy Preservation Act of 2026: The 9/11 Legacy Preservation Act that Congressman Kean introduced with Representative Don Beyer (VA-08), would direct the Director of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to establish an oral history program to collect video and audio recordings of personal histories from survivors of September 11, 2001. Read the text of the bill HERE. The Seal Team Six Congressional Gold Medal Act: The Seal Team Six Congressional Gold Medal Act would award a Congressional Gold Medal to SEAL Team Six in recognition of their critical role in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. Congressman Kean introduced the bill with Representatives Mad… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415824 | New York Post article featuring Smith commentary'Unlicensed, illegal migrant drove car that killed baby in NJ parking lot: officials' | 2026-09-05 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Adry Torres Published September 5, 2026 at 12:06 p.m. ET The unlicensed driver who crashed into a New Jersey family in a grocery store parking lot — killing a 9-month-old boy and injuring his mother and sister — and the car’s owner are both illegal immigrants who ICE is now seeking to deport, officials said. María Cobon-Guzmán, 20, a Guatemalan national living in Trenton, was charged Tuesday with five counts including manslaughter after she struck and killed Yitzchok Rosenberg on Aug. 28, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. She has never held a driver’s license, investigators said. Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, a Mexican national living in Toms River, was charged with knowingly creating a substantial risk of death for letting Cobon-Guzmán drive. Ocean County Jail records show US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers filed against both women. Judge Kimarie Rahill denied them both bail. ICE seeks the custody of María Cobon-Guzmán, who was operating a car without a license at a supermarket parking lot in Jackson, New Jersey on Aug. 28 when she struck and killed a nine-month-old and injured his mother and sister. Ocean County Jail Cobon-Guzmán was behind the wheel of a Ford Fusion when she slammed into Golda Chana, who was pushing Yitzchok in a stroller, and her 5-year-old daughter, according to VIN News. All three victims were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where Yitzchok died. A Department of Homeland Security official told Fox News Digital that Cobon-Guzmán and Lazaro-Flores crossed the US-Mexico border illegally during the Biden administration. Lazaro-Flores did so on five occasions in October 2023 and was removed from the country each time. The DHS official said that Cobon-Guzmán entered the US once and was released, but an immigration judge approved a deportation order July 31. ICE is seeking the deportation of Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, in connection to the death of a nine-month-old boy who was struck by a vehicle dri… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415825 | Save Jersey article featuring Smith commentary'Deported FIVE Times, Still Licensed in N.J.: Smith Blasts Sanctuary Policies After Baby’s Death' | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By The Staff Published September 4, 2026 JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Congressman Chris Smith (R, NJ-4) is demanding an end to New Jersey’s sanctuary-state policies following revelations surrounding the horrific Jackson crash that killed a nine-month-old baby last week. Smith, whose 4th Congressional District includes Jackson Township, said Thursday that Ariadna Lazaro-Flores — the 22-year-old owner of the vehicle involved in the August 28th crash — had previously been deported from the United States five times and was nevertheless able to obtain a New Jersey driver’s license. “Despite being deported from the United States five times and being previously charged with operating a motor vehicle without a license,” Smith said, Lazaro-Flores “was still able to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey.” “That is shocking,” the veteran Republican congressman added. The vehicle allegedly struck a mother and her two children outside the NPGS grocery store on West County Line Road. The nine-month-old child died while his mother and five-year-old sister were hospitalized. Authorities say Lazaro-Flores was not behind the wheel. The alleged driver, 20-year-old Maria Cobon-Guzman of Trenton, had never possessed a valid driver’s license, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Smith said both women were in the country illegally. Cobon-Guzman faces manslaughter, assault by auto and other charges. Lazaro-Flores was charged with knowingly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death to another person. Smith laid blame for the circumstances surrounding the tragedy squarely at the feet of lax immigration enforcement. “Had these individuals been properly vetted and denied entry into the United States, this innocent baby would still be alive, and a young family’s lives would not have been completely shattered,” Smith said. The congressman also turned his fire on Trenton. New Jersey has allowed residents without lawful immigration status to obtain standard driver’s licenses since 2021. The state’s Imm… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2088 | New Jersey Congressional Delegation Unites in Push to Bring F-35s to Atlantic City | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that the entire New Jersey congressional delegation has joined him in calling on Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink to select the 177th Fighter Wing in Atlantic City as a future home for the F-35 Lightning II. "The 177th Fighter Wing is one of the best locations in the United States for the F-35, and I am so glad we were able to bring the New Jersey delegation together behind this effort," said Congressman Van Drew. "Regardless of political party or philosophy, we are all on the same page about how important this is. The corridor between Washington and New York is critical to our country, and the 177th plays an important role in keeping it safe. I want to thank all of my colleagues for joining me on this letter and for working together to do everything we can to bring the F-35s to South Jersey. We have also been laying the groundwork to make sure Atlantic City is ready. I secured $68 million in authorization for a new six-aircraft maintenance hangar that is critical to supporting next-generation fighters like the F-35, and we expect that project to be included in the President's budget next year. Now we are taking the next step and making the case directly to the Air Force." Click here to read the full letter. | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2089 | Congressman Van Drew Rejects Atlantic City Electric's "Two-Cent" Response | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew responded to Atlantic City Electric's claim that refunds tied to the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) audit would amount to less than two cents per month. "First we were told nothing was wrong, and people were simply using more electricity," said Congressman Van Drew. "Then we were told residential customers were not impacted by this. Now we are being told the impact is less than two cents a month. The only thing worth two cents is Atlantic City Electric's response. No one in South Jersey is buying it. FERC has confirmed that transmission customers were overcharged, and those transmission costs are ultimately passed through in what customers pay. During the same period, families watched their electric bills double and, in some cases, triple. We are not going to dismiss that as a coincidence or accept another typical corporate response. We will be following up with FERC, and I still expect the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to finally do its job and get to the bottom of this. "Atlantic City Electric has broken the trust of the people of South Jersey. The answer is simple: show us the full numbers, refund every dollar people are owed, lower the rates, and lower the transmission and delivery costs. We are not letting this go." | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415820 | House reaffirms U.S. support for IsraelSmith backs the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026, stands up for Jewish- and Israeli-American students | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | With Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) full support and vote, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 (HR 4795). HR 4795 blocks federal higher education funding for U.S. colleges and universities that engage in non-expressive commercial boycotts—defined as “commercial action[s] (including engaging in refusals to deal and terminating business activities) that [are] intended to limit commercial relations… and [are] not based on a valid business reason”—of Israel, a major strategic partner, and/or prohibit students and faculty from participating in academic programs or exchanges with Israel. “Despite being a strong ally of the United States, Israel has been unfairly maligned and discriminated against by many of our colleges and universities, who have engaged in non-expressive commercial boycotts of Israel and sought to undermine partnerships with Israeli institutions of higher learning,” said Smith, the Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. “HR 4795, which I am proud to support, takes concrete actions to ensure that U.S. funding is not misused to advance and underwrite antisemitism, especially on our college campuses,” continued Smith. “Many recent actions taken by U.S. colleges and universities towards Israel—including commercial boycotts and the removal of academic programs and opportunities in the country—have created a culture of hostility on our campuses, fanning the flames of antisemitism and putting Jewish-American students at risk. “This critical legislation stands up for Jewish- and Israeli-American students, sending a strong message that the United States will no longer subsidize colleges or universities that engage in antisemitic or discriminatory practices against a leading strategic partner, Israel,” Smith concluded. ### | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415822 | Fighting to end modern-day slaverySmith marks 188th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’ escape from slavery—the namesake of his anti-human trafficking legislation | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a longtime leader in the global fight against human trafficking, today commemorated the 188th anniversary of famed abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass’ escape from slavery on September 3rd, 1838. “Today, we mark 188 years since former slave Frederick Douglass—one of the most influential and awe-inspiring figures in American history—courageously self-emancipated from the shackles of slavery,” said Smith, a staunch and prolific human rights lawmaker. “After attaining freedom in New York City, Frederick dedicated the rest of his life to the noble cause of abolishing slavery and helping other enslaved individuals break free from bondage. In recognition and appreciation of Frederick’s lifelong fight for freedom, I have continued to name America’s key reauthorization bill to combat human trafficking—the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act of 2025 (HR 1144)—in his honor. “HR 1144 reaffirms and strengthens the United States’ commitment to combating and ending modern-day slavery, enhancing programs and creating initiatives to protect survivors, prosecute traffickers, and prevent human trafficking from happening in the first place,” continued Smith, the author of five major anti-human trafficking laws, including the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) (PL 106-386). “Inspired by Frederick’s extensive work to help newly emancipated African Americans acclimate to their free lives, HR 1144—which was drafted with input from Frederick’s great-great-great grandson, Kenneth B. Morris Jr.—assists survivors during their transitions out of trafficking situations. “This bill creates a wrap-around approach to provide survivors with safe housing, mental health support, education services, life skills training, and employment assistance,” noted Smith, the Co-Chair of the newly formed Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus. “As Frederick once wisely said, ‘If there is no struggle, there is no progress.’ Each an… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415823 | Smith, Moolenaar lead bipartisan letter to Sec. Mullin requesting update on DHS actions to implement and enforce Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), and John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, led six lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, requesting a briefing on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to prevent goods linked to forced labor from entering the United States, as well as an update on the agency’s actions to implement and enforce the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The letter marks another effort led by Rep. Smith—the original author of the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) (PL 106-386)—to combat human trafficking and forced labor, as well as hold the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) accountable for its ongoing campaign of repression against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). In addition to Reps. Smith and Moolenaar, the letter was signed by CECC Ranking Members Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA); Select Committee Ranking Member Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Members Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL); and House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS). “Congress enacted these [trade] laws to ensure that illegally traded goods, particularly those made with forced labor, do not enter U.S. commerce and do not make American consumers complicit in atrocities, including genocide, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR),” the group of bicameral and bipartisan lawmakers write. “Strong enforcement protects human rights, supports American workers, and helps ensure that U.S. businesses are not undercut by illegal and unfair trade practices,” they continue. In addition to requesting an update on DHS’ implementation of the UFLPA—with specific references to the forced labor allegations surrounding “Labubu” dolls and Chinese seafood supply chains—the eight Members of Congress urge Sec. Mullin to expa… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-introduces-legislation-ban-taxpayer-spending-first-class-flights-members | Kean Introduces Legislation to Ban Taxpayer Spending on First Class Flights for Members of Congress | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (SEPTEMBER 3, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the No Taxpayer Funds for Congressional First Class Flights Act (H.R. 10244). This legislation would prohibit the use of official travel funds by Members of Congress for flight accommodations that are not coach class. “Public service should never be used for personal luxury, and taxpayers should not be footing the bill for Members of Congress to fly first class,” said Congressman Kean. “Every taxpayer dollar should be treated with respect and used responsibly. I am fighting to ensure that politicians put the public first and put an end to any kind of abuse that funds special privileges for elected officials.” Throughout his time in the House of Representatives, Congressman Kean has been a leader in ethics reform, spearheading efforts to ban members of congress from trading individual stocks. In July, he voted in favor of the Stop Insider Trading Act to ban members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing publicly traded, individual stocks. A copy of the bill text is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2080 | Congressman Van Drew Again Calls on NJBPU to Resign Following Federal Audit of Atlantic City Electric | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew sent separate letters to Atlantic City Electric (ACE) and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) following a federal audit that identified five areas of financial noncompliance at ACE. Congressman Van Drew is demanding a full accounting from ACE, refunds for any ratepayers who were overcharged, and the resignation of the entire NJBPU Board. "Atlantic City Electric needs to show us exactly how much money was improperly charged, where that money went, and whether those costs were ultimately passed along to families and businesses," said Congressman Van Drew. "The audit found overbilling at the transmission level, and those costs do not just disappear. Let's be clear: these costs are part of the system people are paying for every month, and that burden is passed directly onto the ratepayer. If South Jersey families paid even one dollar more because of these failures, they deserve that dollar back. "The NJBPU does not get to escape responsibility here either. This Board approved rate increase after rate increase while people were getting crushed by their electric bills. Meanwhile, the company they were supposed to be watching had years of financial compliance problems. The NJBPU is supposed to protect the public from this kind of thing. Instead, people kept paying more, ACE kept making money, and it took a federal audit to uncover problems that should have been caught in New Jersey. That is why I am once again calling on the entire NJBPU Board to resign. "Now Atlantic City Electric needs to open the books, refund every dollar that is owed, and bring these rates down. South Jersey families have paid enough." Click here to read the letter to Atlantic City Electric. | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415813 | Urges NJ to reverse so-called sanctuary state statusSmith condemns tragic death of Jackson infant caused by unlicensed illegal immigrant driver | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ-04) issued the below statement following reports that two illegal immigrants were arrested after their car caused the death of a 9-month-old baby and hospitalized a woman and a 5-year-old child in Jackson: "Despite being deported from the United States five times and being previously charged with operating a motor vehicle without a license, Ariadna Lazaro-Flores—the owner of the vehicle that caused the death of a nine-month-old baby and the hospitalizations of his mother and five-year-old sister—was still able to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey. That is shocking. "Likewise, Maria Cobon-Guzman—the individual in the driver’s seat at the time of the accident—was also in the United States illegally and had never been licensed to operate a motor vehicle. "Had these individuals been properly vetted and denied entry into the United States, this innocent baby would still be alive, and a young family’s lives would not have been completely shattered. "This tragedy was completely avoidable, if not for the Biden Administration’s lax and grossly irresponsible immigration enforcement policies. Criminals who are in this country illegally should not be and should never have been able to obtain a driver’s license, either personal or commercial, in the United States. "The State of New Jersey must repeal its so-called sanctuary state status and allow local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officials and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime—and all others—are held accountable and/or removed from the United States." ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kean-hosts-veterans-affairs-roundtable-secretary-collins | Congressman Kean Hosts Veterans Affairs Roundtable with Secretary Collins | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (September 2, 2026) SOMERVILLE, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted a Veteran Services and Advocacy Roundtable with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins. The roundtable brought together federal, state, and local leaders, Veterans Service Organizations, veteran-serving nonprofits, and other veterans from New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Participants discussed the priorities and challenges facing veterans and their families, while working to identify solutions and strengthen the support available to those who have served. “It is my priority to ensure that New Jersey’s veterans receive the care, benefits, and support they have earned,” said Congressman Kean. “I appreciate Secretary Collins coming to New Jersey and hearing directly from the veterans and organizations serving our communities. From the Lyons VA to local veterans’ organizations across our district, I am focused on identifying what is working, fixing what is not, and strengthening the services veterans rely on. I will continue working to cut through obstacles and make sure the men and women who served our country can access the care and support they deserve.” “Under President Trump and thanks to the steadfast support of strong leaders like Rep. Kean, VA is making major improvements for Veterans in New Jersey and across the nation,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Kean to make VA benefits better, faster and easier to use than ever before.” “The Veterans of Foreign Wars thanks Congressman Kean and Secretary Collins for their leadership and cooperation with veteran advocates to improve the lives and welfare of New Jersey's veterans,” said Ken Hagemann, VFW State Commander, Department of New Jersey. “It was a true privilege to sit at this table. I was honored to contribute to this vital conversation with our leadership, focusing on how we can better support our veterans, their needs and valuable community presence,” said Jacquie Petersen, Warren County VSO. “Partici… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2079 | Congressman Van Drew Demands Refunds After Federal Audit Finds Atlantic City Electric Overbilled Customers | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew responded to findings from a federal audit of Atlantic City Electric (ACE) that found the company overbilled customers and made errors related to federal tax law. "For years, we have been saying something was wrong with what people in South Jersey were paying for electricity," said Congressman Van Drew. "We were told that we were crazy and that there was nothing to see here. We held public hearings on the issue, we pushed ACE for answers, we challenged the explanations we were being given, and when the numbers still did not add up, I asked FERC to step in and audit the company. Now the result of this audit shows exactly why we were right to demand answers. This has to be made right. The people who paid more than they should have deserve refunds now. And this audit must lead to real rate decreases, so families are not continuing to pay some of the highest electric costs in the country, especially after the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities spent years approving increase after increase instead of looking into this. Once again, I am calling for their resignation. | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415819 | IntraFish article on new Smith bill'Lawmaker moves to ban Chinese seafood from Congressional dining facilities' | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Rachel Spain Published September 2, 2026 at 13:04 A U.S. House Republican is pushing new legislation that would bar Chinese seafood from congressional dining facilities, citing forced labor concerns and a lack of traceability in the country’s supply chains. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey on Aug. 27 introduced the “No PRC Seafood in Congress Act,” a bill that would prohibit any Chinese seafood product from being procured, served, or sold in cafeterias and restaurants across the U.S. Capitol complex. The measure was referred to the Committee on House Administration. The bill asserts that “forced labor is pervasive in fishing, seafood harvesting, aquaculture, and seafood processing supply chains in the People’s Republic of China,” and argues that poor transparency makes it “impracticable” to verify that seafood from China is free of forced labor. Under the proposal, congressional dining facilities would be required to stop sourcing Chinese seafood entirely. Within 180 days of enactment, covered entities — including the House Administration Committee, the Senate Rules Committee, and the Architect of the Capitol — must issue regulations to implement the ban. A U.S. House Republican is pushing new legislation that would bar Chinese seafood from congressional dining facilities, citing forced labor concerns and a lack of traceability in the country’s supply chains. Photo: Shutterstock Suppliers would also face new documentation requirements. Any vendor providing seafood to congressional dining facilities would need to “certify each and every country in which the seafood contained in such product was fished, harvested, raised, produced, or processed,” and maintain records to substantiate those claims. The bill defines a “Chinese seafood product” as any seafood intended for human consumption that is fished, harvested, raised, produced, or processed — in whole or in part — in China, or caught by vessels owned, operated, or registered in the People’s Republic of China. The definition includes Hong Kong and Macau b… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-expand-access-veteran-mental-health | Kean Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Veteran Mental Health Services | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (September 1, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced legislation alongside Reps. Schrier (WA-08), Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Casten (IL-06), and Cohen (TN-09) that would expand access to Vet Center mental health counseling for veterans and their families across the country. The Veterans Centers-Enabled National Treatment Equitable Resource Supplement (CENTERS) for Mental Health Act of 2026 directs the VA to use census data and the VA's statistical data to ensure every veteran has access to a Vet Center. “Veterans sacrifice so much to keep our nation safe and deserve access to quality mental health care close to home,” said Congressman Kean. “Many veterans in New Jersey and across the country are faced with long, sometimes impossible travel to get the help they need. I worked across the aisle to find a solution. This bill, the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act, would increase access to mental health facilities and ensure our veterans receive access to the benefits they earned. “We have a clear responsibility to make sure that those who have served and protected our country receive the best service and care possible. Recent tragedies in Washington state and Veterans mental health crises across our country are stark reminders of why we need to address the Veteran mental health care gap,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “For rural communities in Washington state, Vet Centers are often hours away and understaffed. We need to do more to ensure Veterans have accessible care that works for them. This bill will ensure that Veterans and their families can easily access centers and mental health resources, improving the health of our entire communities and supporting those who have served our country.” Background: Vet Centers provide a range of services to veterans and their families, including mental health counseling to combat veterans and those who suffered military sexual assault as well as bereavement services to families of servicemembers who die on duty. Vet Centers’ practice of pr… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-secures-15-million-hunterdon-county-senior-center | Kean Secures $1.5 Million for Hunterdon County Senior Center | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (September 1, 2026) FLEMINGTON, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented $1,500,000 to Hunterdon County to expand its senior center, which serves the entire county and houses a number of programs for senior citizens. “Hunterdon County seniors deserve access to the services, resources, and community support they need to live healthy, independent lives,” said Congressman Kean. “I worked to secure this federal funding because this project gives seniors and families across the county state-of-the-art facilities. Our investment will strengthen essential programs, expand opportunities for social connection, and ensure local seniors continue to receive the support they deserve. I will always fight to bring our federal tax dollars home and put them to work for the people I represent.” “The Hunterdon County Senior Center continues to grow year after year, both in membership and in the number and variety of programs we provide. Thanks to a $1.5 million federal grant, Hunterdon County will be able to transform the lower level of the adjacent County building into new programming space for our seniors and install an elevator that will make the facility fully accessible,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John Lanza. “None of this would be possible without strong partnerships at every level of government. Thank you to Congressman Kean for advocating for this federal funding and for your continued support of Hunterdon County and our residents.” “When we talk about the Senior Center, we are talking about much more than a building. We are talking about the network of services that allows our County to support seniors, help them remain connected to their communities, and, whenever possible, continue living independently,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Jeff Kuhl. “Thank you, Congressman Kean, and thank you for your continued partnership with Hunterdon County. Investments like the one we are celebrating today allow us to strengthen that commitment and make sure our services can keep pace with the … | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415811 | Fox News article featuring Smith commentary'Baby killed after illegal immigrant allegedly strikes family at grocery store parking lot' | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Charles Creitz Published September 1, 2026 2:14pm EDT An illegal immigrant from Guatemala was charged with manslaughter after allegedly crashing into a mother and her two children, killing her 9-month-old son, in a New Jersey grocery store parking lot Friday, according to authorities. A 9-month-old boy was pronounced dead at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune after Maria Cobon-Guzman allegedly struck his mother and the baby carriage carrying him and his 5-year-old sister in the parking lot of a kosher grocery store in Jackson on Friday. "An innocent baby would still be alive today had it not been for Joe Biden’s disastrous open border and reckless immigration policy that released countless illegal aliens into our country," a DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Gov. Mikie Sherrill, left; Maria Cobon-Guzman, inset (Jim Watson/Getty Images; Ocean County Sheriff's Office) "We are urging the Ocean County Jail to honor ICE’s detainers on these two criminal illegal aliens to take them out of American communities once and for all," the spokesperson said of the Republican-friendly county in the otherwise blue state. Another woman, Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, was also charged in the incident after she reportedly allowed Cobon-Guzman to drive her car knowing she was unlicensed. An inmate report listed Lazaro-Flores as charged with "endangering the welfare of an incompetent person." Both women illegally entered the U.S. during the Biden administration, with Lazaro-Flores doing so five times in October 2023 and being removed each time, DHS told Fox News Digital. "She last illegally entered the United States through the Biden Administration’s open border at an unknown place and time," the agency said. Cobon-Guzman entered once but was released unvetted into the nation’s interior, DHS added. On July 31, an immigration judge issued an order of removal against her. "New Jersey must honor ICE's detainers on these two criminal illegal aliens to take them out of American communities once and for all," the… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415812 | SeafoodSource article on new Smith bill'US lawmaker moves to ban Chinese seafood from Congress' dining halls' | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Nathan Strout Published September 1, 2026 U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) has introduced a bill to ban Chinese-origin seafood from Congress’ dining facilities. If passed, the No PRC Seafood in Congress Act would prohibit Chinese seafood from being procured for, served in, or sold by congressional dining facilities. The ban applies to any seafood harvested, produced, or processed in China and any seafood harvested by a vessel owned or operated by Chinese nationals or companies. As part of the legislation, Congressional dining halls would be required certify any country a seafood product was “fished, harvested, raised, produced, or processed.” The bill text justifies the ban over forced labor in China’s seafood supply chain. “Forced labor is pervasive in fishing, seafood harvesting, aquaculture, and seafood processing supply chains in the People’s Republic of China,” the bill reads. “The lack of reliable supply-chain transparency and traceability makes it impracticable to verify that seafood products from the People’s Republic of China are free from forced labor.” As a chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) has pushed for restrictions on Chinese seafood imports | Photo courtesy of CECC A series of bombshell investigations released by the Outlaw Ocean Project in 2023 documented evidence of forced labor across China’s seafood supply chain, including the use of Uyghur labor at Chinese seafood processing facilities, the use of North Korean laborers, and a slew of labor violations within China’s distant water fishing fleet. U.S. lawmakers have leaned on those reports to call for increased scrutiny of China’s seafood sector. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) listed seafood as a high-priority sector in enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), a law that bars importing products made with Uyghur labor. As a chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), Smith has pushed … | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kean-and-commerce-secretary-lutnick-visit-magna-power-electronics | Congressman Kean and Commerce Secretary Lutnick Visit Magna-Power Electronics | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 31, 2026) RARITAN TOWNSHIP, NJ – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recently visited Magna-Power Electronics in Flemington. Founded in 1981 by Ira Pitel, Magna-Power Electronics has deep roots in New Jersey. Today, all of its engineering and manufacturing operations are based at its Flemington facility, where they maintain vertically integrated, in-house production of high-power direct current power processing systems. Magna-Power maintains tight control over quality, cost, and lead times while serving national labs, industry, and universities worldwide. “New Jersey is home to cutting-edge manufacturers like Magna Power that are proving American-made technology can compete with anyone in the world,” said Congressman Kean. “I am working to strengthen that advantage by supporting our manufacturers, growing well-paying jobs, and making sure the next generation of innovation is developed and built right here in America. Bringing Secretary Lutnick to Hunterdon County was an opportunity to showcase the incredible work being done in our district and reinforce my commitment to making New Jersey a leader in American manufacturing.” “We chose the hard road forty-five years ago: make it yourself, in America,” said Magna-Power CEO Adam Pitel. “Today that decision is our biggest advantage. Vertical integration means our lead times, our quality, and our intellectual property stay in New Jersey. We were honored to show Secretary Lutnick and Congressman Kean what high-technology manufacturing looks like in New Jersey. They saw new machinery, growing headcount, and a backlog of American-made programmable DC power supplies. Good policy gave us room to invest, and we took it: new machinery, new hires, and a bigger R&D program, all right here.” “Magna-Power is a great example of the innovation and advanced manufacturing happening right here in Hunterdon County,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John E. Lanza. “Their continued growth and creation of highly skilled jobs de… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415809 | Fox News article on Smith-signed letter to NJ Gov. Sherrill'Republicans tighten screws on Sherrill as noncitizen voter probe enters new phase' | 2026-08-30 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Charles Creitz Published August 30, 2026 9:00am EDT A coalition of House Republicans is escalating its push for answers after lawmakers said New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill failed to address most of their questions about the state's noncitizen voter-registration scandal and instead directed criticism at President Donald Trump. Republican Study Committee member Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., told Fox News Digital there will be consequences after Sherrill sent a response that he characterized as "snarky" and politicized and said largely sidestepped the lawmakers' questions. "The response that we got from the governor was almost like she took a political mailer and embossed it upon her official letterhead," Van Drew said. "As governor of the state of New Jersey, it was beneath her, it was beneath me, and it was unfortunate." New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill delivers remarks at her election night watch party at the Hilton East Brunswick Hotel on Nov. 4, 2025, in East Brunswick, New Jersey. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) "I state the obvious," Van Drew said. "If you are an American, you should be voting in an American election. If you're not an American, you shouldn't be voting in an American election." Lawmakers focused their original inquiry on how the registration failure occurred, its potential consequences and how New Jersey would prevent another breakdown. President Donald Trump meets with Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, in Washington. The July 24 letter from dozens of RSC members, led by Van Drew and Chairman August Pfluger, R-Texas, posed 12 specific questions about the registration failure and its potential impact. Sherrill replied that affected residents have been mailed notifications, but Van Drew said the overall response failed to address Congress’ concerns. "We're not done with this," Van Drew pledged. Van Drew said he is planning a hearing as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee’s Oversight Subcommittee, with expert witnesse… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-hosts-roundtable-preventing-nitrous-oxide-misuse | Kean Hosts Roundtable on Preventing Nitrous Oxide Misuse | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 28, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) held a roundtable with constituents, first responders, medical professionals, non-profit representatives, and local leadership to discuss the prevention of nitrous oxide misuse. The discussion coincided with the introduction of Congressman Kean’s bipartisan legislation, co-led with Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-05), the Mitigating Abuse of Nitrous-oxide Nationwide and Reducing Inhalation-Related Neurological Outcomes (MANNARINO) Act, which aims to save lives and protect Americans by restricting recreational access to hazardous nitrous oxide products. These products can also be known as laughing gas, whippets, or Galaxy Gas. “Today we honor the memory of John Robert Mannarino by working to prevent other families from experiencing the harms of nitrous oxide misuse,” said Congressman Kean (NJ-07). “Nitrous oxide whippets and tanks, widely available in corner stores and online, pose a danger to the community and must be treated accordingly. After hearing John’s story, I introduced the MANNARINO Act to raise awareness of the dangers of nitrous oxide and prevent future tragedies from occurring. Thank you to the Mannarino family for bringing this important issue forward and attending this roundtable discussion.” "Nitrous oxide, or ‘whippets,’ are far from harmless — abuse can cause paralysis, nervous system failure, and death. That's why I'm teaming up with Rep. Kean on this bipartisan bill to help states crack down on the sale of nitrous oxide, ban flavored versions marketed to kids, and put real teeth behind these protections. We owe it to every Jersey family to close this loophole before more damage is done and more lives are lost,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “Our family is living with a tremendous loss that can never be replaced because of the misuse of nitrous oxide,” said the Mannarino family. “We lost our loving son, brother, and husband, John, and while we cannot bring him back, we can fight to prevent another family… | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415810 | Christian Daily International article on Smith-led letter'U.S. lawmakers urge protection for Christian girl in Pakistan' | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Christian Daily International / Morning Star News Published August 28, 2026 12:08 EDT Members of the U.S. Congress have urged the Pakistani government to take steps to protect an 18-year-old Christian woman who her family says was abducted and forcibly converted to Islam. In an Aug. 20 letter sent to Pakistan Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, the 11 congressional members expressed concern over legal procedures following the disappearance of Neha Faqir and her subsequent appearance in court after she was located in Lahore, according to Christian Solidarity International (CSI), which is supporting the family. Faqir disappeared on March 24 after leaving her family home in Kot Radha Kishan, in Punjab’s Kasur District, to attend a course at a nearby sewing center and did not return home, according to CSI. A attorney assisting the family later traced Faqir to an Islamic seminary in Lahore, where the family learned that she had converted to Islam mere days after her disappearance, CSI stated. The family disputes the validity of the conversion and says Faqir had never expressed an intention to change her religion, the group added. Neha Faqir (R) in Islamic dress on way to court in Lahore, Pakistan. CSI The family subsequently petitioned the court seeking her return. The Lahore High Court heard their petition on June 9 but dismissed it, according to CSI. The organization said Faqir appeared in court accompanied by Islamic clerics and that her family was not allowed to speak with her. The congressional letter stated the circumstances “have raised serious questions about the cause of her disappearance and whether she was able to communicate her wishes independently.” “We are particularly concerned by reports that her family was not permitted to speak with her before or during those proceedings,” the lawmakers wrote, according to CSI. Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) and 10 other members of Congress signed the letter: James P. McGovern, French Hill, Gus Bilirakis, Andy Harris, Maria Elvira Salazar, … | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415805 | The Hindustan Times article on Smith-led letter'11 US lawmakers demand Pakistan action after Christian woman "abducted, converted to Islam"' | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Karishma Ayaldasani Published August 27, 2026, 14:22:12 IST A bipartisan group of 11 US lawmakers have urged Islamabad to safeguard the fundamental rights of a Pakistani Christian woman who was allegedly kidnapped and converted to Islam. Neha Faqir, an 18-year-old Pakistani Christian woman was allegedly abducted in March and subsequently converted to Islam. Congressman Chris Smith, the co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, asked the Pakistan government to protect the safety and fundamental rights of Faqir. "The circumstances surrounding Neha Faqir's disappearance and subsequent conversion raise profoundly troubling questions about her safety, freedom of religion, and ability to exercise her rights without coercion or intimidation," said Smith. Congressman Chris Smith urged the Pakistani government to protect the safety and fundamental rights of Neha Faqir. (chrissmith.house.gov) How did the case come to light? The US reaction comes after Christian Solidarity International (CSI) raised concerns over Faqir's case on June 10 and reported that she went missing on March 24 after attending a sewing course. Faqir was later found at a madrassa in Lahore, where she had been converted to Islam. However, a Pakistani court has rejected a petition brought by her family seeking her return. What US lawmakers said in the letter Smith, along with ten other members of the US Congress, wrote a letter to Pakistan’s federal minister for law and justice Azam Nazeer Tarar on August 20, expressing concerns over Faqir’s case. They urged the government of Pakistan to take “appropriate action to ensure a just resolution of this matter.” In addition to Smith, the letter was also signed by Reps James P McGovern, French Hill, Gus Bilirakis, Andy Harris, María Elvira Salazar, Riley Moore, Randy Weber, Michael Cloud, Brad Sherman, and Blake Moore. The lawmakers also called Pakistani authorities to take the necessary steps within their judicial system to ensure Faqir's physical safety and well-being, and that she ha… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415807 | 95.9 The Rat article'Manchester Township Introduces Ban on Artificial Intelligence Data Centers' | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By J. Mayhew Published August 27, 2026 at 3:38 PM EDT Manchester Township Council brought forth an ordinance Monday night. It bans AI data centers in the municipality. The measure, Ordinance No. 26-48, came before a packed crowd who carried signs and chanted "No Data Centers. No Means No." The ordinance repeals a measure approved in August 2025 that designated a property owned by Stavola Corporation off South Hope Chapel Road for redevelopment. That earlier legislation included a provision listing data centers as an acceptable use. Council President Michele Zolezi announced the repeal at the start of the public meeting session. Mayor Joseph Hankins was absent due to a prior commitment in Whiting. He attended the executive session to reiterate his opposition. "Tonight the Council took an important step toward listening to the concerns our residents have raised," Hankins said after the meeting, according to Patch. "Repealing this provision removes data centers from our redevelopment plan entirely, and reflects our commitment to ensuring that future development in Manchester Township aligns with the character, resources, and priorities of our community." GETTY IMAGES The ordinance will receive a second reading, public hearing, and final vote on Sept. 14, said township attorney Lauren Staiger. It takes effect 20 days after publication following the final vote in early October. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, who represents the area as part of New Jersey's 4th District, issued a statement Monday afternoon supporting the ban. "AI data centers pose critical environmental risks and impose undue stresses on local resources — including water and electricity — which place significant financial burdens on ratepayers and residents," Smith said. Residents packed the meeting for the second time this month. A packed crowd attended the Aug. 10 council meeting after rumors spread that a developer had approached the town about building a facility in the Pine Barrens. Carl Block, the township's business administrator, said no plans… | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415804 | Smith leads bipartisan congressional letterSmith calls on Pakistan to protect and return abducted Christian woman Neha Faqir to her family | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC), today called upon the government of Pakistan to protect the safety and fundamental rights of Neha Faqir, an 18-year-old Pakistani Christian woman, who was allegedly abducted in March and subsequently converted to Islam. A Pakistani court has rejected a petition brought by her family seeking her return. “The circumstances surrounding Neha Faqir’s disappearance and subsequent conversion raise profoundly troubling questions about her safety, freedom of religion, and ability to exercise her rights without coercion or intimidation,” said Smith. On August 20th, Smith and ten other Members of Congress sent a letter to Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, expressing concerns over Faqir’s case and urging “the Government of Pakistan to take appropriate action to ensure a just resolution of this matter.” In addition to Smith, the bipartisan letter was also signed by Reps. James P. McGovern (D-MA), French Hill (R-AR), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Andy Harris (R-MD), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Riley Moore (R-WV), Randy Weber (R-TX), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Blake Moore (R-UT). In the letter, the lawmakers urge Pakistani authorities to take the necessary steps within their judicial system to “ensure Ms. Faqir’s physical safety and well-being; ensure she has confidential access to independent legal counsel and an opportunity to communicate freely and privately with her family; and ensure that any further judicial proceedings are conducted under conditions that allow her to express her wishes freely and without intimidation or undue influence.” The Members also refer to Pakistan’s own constitutional protections, including Article 20, which guarantees freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion, and Article 25, which guarantees equality before the law. “Pakistan’s Constitution protects religious freedom and equality before the law—but this means little if a young woman cannot safel… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415808 | Patch article'Data Center Ban Introduced In Manchester' | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Karen Wall, Patch Staff Published Wed., August 26, 2026 at 5:34 am ET MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Council took the first step to banning artificial intelligence data centers in the township on Monday night with the introduction of an ordinance to do just that. The ordinance, No. 26-48, was introduced before another overflow crowd that carried dozens of signs and chanted its message: "No Data Centers. No Means No." The council had been faced with an overflow crowd at the Aug. 10 council meeting, where residents turned out in force because of rumors that a developer had approached the town about building one in the midst of the Pine Barrens. Of particular concern was an ordinance approved in August 2025 by the council that designated a property owned by the Stavola Corporation off South Hope Chapel Road for redevelopment and included a provision that specifically included data centers as an acceptable use. (Karen Wall/Patch) The ordinance introduced Monday night repeals the 2025 measure. It also includes a definitive statement banning data centers in any part of Manchester. The ordinance is scheduled for a second reading, public hearing and final vote on Sept. 14, township attorney Lauren Staiger said. It will take effect 20 days after publication of the ordinance following the final vote, in early October, Staiger said. Council President Michele Zolezi announced the repeal ordinance at the start of the public meeting session, after the council returned from executive session discussions. Mayor Joseph Hankins was absent from the meeting due to a prior commitment in Whiting. Zolezi said he attended the executive session to reiterate his opposition to data centers, which Hankins had expressed in a statement after the Aug. 10 meeting. "Tonight the Council took an important step toward listening to the concerns our residents have raised," Hankins said after the meeting. "Repealing this provision removes data centers from our redevelopment plan entirely, and reflects our commitment to ensuring… | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415802 | Calling upon U.S. Postmaster General SteinerSmith leads push with state and local officials to urge USPS to resolve ongoing postal issues in Jackson Township | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ-04) is leading state and municipal officials representing Jackson Township, New Jersey in a new push to address and resolve the ongoing postal service crisis at the Jackson Post Office. In a joint letter to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner, Smith and his fellow elected officials—NJ-LD-12 Senator Owen Henry, NJ-LD-12 Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Robert Clifton, and Jackson Township Mayor Jennifer Kuhn—call attention to the “overwhelming concerns voiced by… the residents and businesses of Jackson Township, [who] have repeatedly expressed frustrations over deteriorating service conditions, unsafe access, excessive wait times,” and inadequacies of the existing facility. “While the USPS has previously stated that they are aware of and looking into the ongoing challenges facing the Jackson Post Office, these issues have only intensified in recent years, resulting in poor customer service, and above all, serious public safety risks,” said Smith. “As Jackson Township’s population continues to grow, so do the shortcomings and limitations of its only postal facility.” The letter notes that “Jackson Township is the third-largest municipality in New Jersey by land area, encompassing approximately 100 square miles,” and stresses that the town’s population has grown exponentially in recent decades. “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Jackson's population increased from 25,644 residents in 1980 to 58,544 residents in 2020, with more recent estimates placing the population at nearly 61,000 residents,” the officials write. “This growth has been accompanied by continued residential and commercial development, significantly increasing the demand for postal services.” “The Jackson Post Office has proven to be woefully ineffective in adequately serving the needs of its booming population,” Smith continued. “Postal customers at this facility have been repeatedly subjected to overcrowded conditions, extended wait times, inadequate parking, severe traffic congestion, and insufficient staffing.” The l… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415803 | Lakewood Alerts article'Congressman Chris Smith Joins Ocean County, Manchester Officials in Strong Opposition to AI Data Centers' | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Lakewood Alerts Published August 25, 2026 Rep. Chris Smith is joining Ocean County and Manchester Township officials in opposing the development of AI data centers in the area, citing concerns over their potential impact on local resources, the environment and residents. Smith met Thursday, August 20, with Manchester Township Mayor Joseph Hankins, Public Works Director Al Yodakis and Ocean County Commissioner Rob Arace to discuss their shared opposition to data center development in Manchester Township and across Ocean County. “AI data centers pose critical environmental risks and impose undue stresses on local resources—including water and electricity—which place significant financial burdens on ratepayers and residents,” Smith said. Smith also voiced strong support for a recently adopted Ocean County Board of Commissioners resolution encouraging municipalities to conduct comprehensive due diligence and establish appropriate land-use safeguards before approving data center projects. The resolution raises concerns about the environmental and resource impacts associated with the construction and operation of the facilities. “The people who will have to endure the negative consequences of data center development in their communities deserve to have their voices heard,” Smith said. “The reasonable concerns of local residents must no longer be steamrolled by tech companies seeking profit over Americans’ quality of life—not on my watch.” | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415797 | Smith joins Ocean County Commissioners, Manchester Twp. Mayor and Council in opposition to data centers | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | From left to right: Ocean County Commissioner Rob Arace, Manchester Twp. Director of Public Works Al Yodakis, Manchester Twp. Mayor Joseph Hankins, and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith. On Thursday, August 20th, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) met with Manchester Twp. Mayor Joseph Hankins, Director of Public Works Al Yodakis, and Ocean County Commissioner Rob Arace to discuss their mutual opposition to the development of AI data centers in the Township—and Ocean County overall. “AI data centers pose critical environmental risks and impose undue stresses on local resources—including water and electricity—which place significant financial burdens on ratepayers and residents,” said Rep. Smith. Smith noted that he strongly supports a resolution recently agreed to by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners—“Encouraging Ocean County municipalities to undertake comprehensive due diligence and adopt appropriate land-use safeguards before approving Data Center development”—which highlights the environmental and resource-based concerns and impacts associated with data center construction and operations. “The people who will have to endure the negative consequences of data center development in their communities deserve to have their voices heard,” continued Smith. “The reasonable concerns of local residents must no longer be steamrolled by tech companies seeking profit over Americans’ quality of life—not on my watch.” During the meeting, the municipal, county, and federal officials also discussed current roadway, environmental, and safety issues impacting Manchester Township, and what steps the federal government can take to better assist. ### | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-introduces-bipartisan-bill-fund-mental-health-support-first-responders | Kean Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fund Mental Health Support for First Responders | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 24, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the Lifeline for First Responders Act with Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Sharice Davids (KS-03). The bipartisan bill would create the first federal grant program dedicated to mental health care for firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers, addressing a gap in support that EMS workers have faced for years. "Emergency medical professionals sacrifice so much to serve our communities. This bill would provide critical access to mental health support for those on the front lines who are at risk of higher rates of trauma and mental health struggles than the general population. Ensuring they have the resources they need will strengthen the safety and well-being of both those in EMS agencies and the communities they serve," said Congressman Kean. "This has been Oregon's most devastating wildfire season on record. Our firefighters and paramedics have felt every bit of it. Just as we ask our first responders to be there for us, we need to be there for them,” said Congresswoman Salinas. “Up to a quarter of firefighters suffer from PTSD, and 37 percent of fire and EMS professionals have contemplated suicide, yet there is no federal program to address it, the way there is for law enforcement. My bill changes that. I'm proud to introduce the Lifeline for First Responders Act with the support of Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and NAMI Oregon to ensure our emergency personnel get the support they deserve.” “As a former law enforcement officer, I know firsthand the toll that serving on the front lines can take on our first responders and emergency personnel. For too long, stigma has kept too many of our nation’s heroes from seeking the support they need. I’m proud to co-lead the Lifeline for First Responders Act to help break down those barriers and ensure the men and women who answer the call for us every day have access to the mental health resources, peer support, and confidential care they deserve,” said Con… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2078 | Congressman Van Drew: Gov. Sherrill Responds to Election Integrity Questions with Political Hit Piece | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew responded to Governor Mikie Sherrill's letter attacking members of the Republican Study Committee who joined Congressman Van Drew's effort to get answers about the failure that placed thousands of individuals who identified themselves as noncitizens on New Jersey's voter rolls. "When we first raised this issue, we did so because we were genuinely concerned about what happened in New Jersey and wanted to understand exactly how it happened," said Congressman Van Drew. "For years, those of us who raised concerns about the integrity of our voter rolls were dismissed as conspiracy theorists. Then New Jersey admitted that thousands of individuals who said they were not citizens were registered to vote, and many registered through the error went on to cast ballots. "We did not blame Governor Sherrill for a failure that occurred under the previous Murphy administration. We did not attack her personally or drag unrelated Democratic politicians into our letter. With the help of my colleagues in the Republican Study Committee, we asked basic, fact-finding questions about how the system failed mechanically and electronically, why the safeguards did not catch it, and what is being done to make sure it never happens again. "Instead of answering those questions, Governor Sherrill responded with Democratic talking points, attacks on President Trump, and personal attacks against me and the Republican Study Committee members who joined me in seeking answers. None of the Members who signed our letter deserved to be demeaned for doing their jobs. Her response was a political hit piece, and it was beneath the Office of the Governor. "This was never about Governor Sherrill or any one political party. It is about New Jersey and the integrity of our country's elections. Our mutual constituents deserve fair and secure elections, and they deserve the truth about how something this serious was allowed to happen. We are going to keep pursuing the facts, demanding accountability, and maki… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415799 | Breitbart article on Smith-signed letter to NJ Gov. Sherrill'NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill Attacks Republicans, Doesn’t Answer for 6,600 Noncitizen Voter Registrations' | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Jasmyn Jordan Published August 24, 2026 New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) responded to a group of House Republicans seeking answers over approximately 6,600 noncitizens who were registered to vote through the state’s motor-vehicle system, but her three-page reply did not directly identify which elections were affected, explain how people who identified themselves as noncitizens were validated as eligible voters, or say who would be held accountable. Nineteen House Republicans, led by Republican Study Committee member Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), sent Sherrill a July 24 letter seeking written responses to 12 questions after her administration disclosed that roughly 6,600 people who indicated they were not U.S. citizens between June 2023 and June 2024 were nevertheless registered to vote, with a preliminary review finding that fewer than 400 cast ballots. “This right here is exactly why we should require ID to vote in our elections,” Van Drew told Breitbart News at the time, adding that lawmakers needed answers about “how this happened, why it was not caught sooner, and whether more ineligible registrations remain.” Heather Khalifa/Bloomberg via Getty Images The lawmakers asked Sherrill to identify the elections in which affected individuals cast ballots, whether any race was decided by a margin smaller than the number of unlawfully cast ballots in that jurisdiction, what voter-eligibility validation failed, whether all affected registrations had been removed, what changes would be made before the 2026 general election, and whether officials or contractors would be held accountable. “We look forward to Governor Sherrill’s prompt response,” Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) said. The lawmakers requested complete written responses by August 21. Sherrill responded on the August 21 deadline to the July 24 letter. She wrote that her administration was “fully committed to ensuring that elections in New Jersey remain free and fair” and said the state treats election integrity “as a matter… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415795 | Urges Nigerian gov’t to protect Christian communitiesSmith condemns latest deadly attacks on Christians in Nigeria | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, today condemned two deadly attacks in Nigeria that reportedly killed more than 30 people on Sunday and at least 23-25 people on Tuesday. As reports of the attacks and casualty figures continue to emerge, Smith called upon the Nigerian government to take immediate action to protect vulnerable Christian communities and bring the perpetrators to justice. “Despite denials by Nigerian government actors, Christians continue to be slaughtered while Nigerian officials fail to provide adequate protection or hold the perpetrators accountable,” said Smith, who has chaired 13 congressional hearings on the religious persecution crisis in Nigeria. “Enough is enough. The Nigerian government must fulfill its most basic responsibility of protecting its citizens.” Smith joined Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia in strongly urging the Nigerian government “to meet their commitments to protect Christian communities and to hold perpetrators of violence accountable.” “The U.S. State Department's recent public message underscores the urgent need for concrete action—not more assurances—as deadly violence continues to devastate vulnerable communities,” continued Smith. “Instead of spending millions of dollars—$9 million, to be exact—in an attempt to improve its image in Washington, the Nigerian government should redirect those resources towards protecting its people and addressing this grave security crisis.” Earlier this year, Smith introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), which would require the U.S. Secretary of State to compile and submit to Congress a comprehensive report on U.S. efforts to address the ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. ### | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415796 | “Freedom of speech and religious liberty are not negotiable”Smith condemns reports of transnational repression in U.S. after anti-CCP professor is blacklisted from U.S.-China Catholic conference | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), today condemned an alarming report that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials allegedly pressured the U.S.-China Catholic Association to remove a Purdue University professor and prominent religious freedom scholar from its conference because of his criticism of the CCP’s persecution of Christians. “If these reports are accurate, this is yet another outrageous example of the Chinese Communist Party extending its long arm of repression into the United States,” said Smith, who has chaired well over one hundred congressional hearings on human rights abuses in China. “Over the past several years, I have been sounding the alarm that the CCP’s persecution of political dissidents, journalists, and religious and ethnic minority groups is no longer confined within China’s borders. We cannot allow Beijing—or any other repressive regimes, for that matter—to export that repression to U.S. soil and silence an American professor for exercising his freedom of speech,” continued Smith. According to reports, Professor Fenggang Yang, who had been invited to deliver the keynote address at the U.S.-China Catholic Association’s biennial conference in Houston, was informed that Chinese government officials had raised objections to his participation and demanded that his name be removed from the program. Yang was subsequently disinvited and reportedly asked to keep the circumstances surrounding his removal confidential. Smith argued that the allegations raise serious concerns about foreign interference, religious freedom, and free speech in the United States: “An American academic should not be removed from a conference at an American institution because Chinese government officials object to his views. “And a U.S.-based religious organization should never be pressured—or voluntarily agree—to censor a scholar to accommodate the demands of a foreign authoritarian government. Americans must never surrender their constitutional freedoms t… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-delivers-530000-city-summit-sidewalk-improvements | Kean Delivers $530,000 to the City of Summit for Sidewalk Improvements | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 21, 2026) SUMMIT, NJ – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented $530,000 to the City of Summit for vital sidewalk improvements on Glenside Avenue. Glenside Avenue is a high-traffic street with access to I-78. These upgrades will include the installation of new ADA-compliant sidewalks. “It is important that people of all abilities can safely use the sidewalks in our communities,” said Congressman Kean. “I am proud to have delivered this funding for these vital improvements that will make Glenside Avenue safer and more accessible for the Summit community. Improved drainage along Glenside Avenue will also reduce hazards for pedestrians and drivers alike. I remain committed to prioritizing the safety of our local families here in New Jersey.” “I want to thank Congressman Kean for securing the federal funds for this important project,” said Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, MD. “Our community is strongest when we listen to the needs of our residents and make thoughtful investments that improve their daily lives, safety, and well-being. This project is an example of what we can accomplish when local and federal partners work together to address community needs and create a safer city for everyone.” “We are grateful to Congressman Kean for recognizing the importance of investing in pedestrian safety here in Summit," said Police Chief Ryan Peters. "The Glenside Avenue project will provide much-needed drainage improvements and new ADA-compliant sidewalks along a heavily traveled corridor, creating a safer and more accessible route for residents of all ages. From a public safety perspective, infrastructure improvements like these are an important part of making our roadways safer for everyone who uses them.” “Investing in our community shouldn’t divide us. This is what happens when people come together around a shared goal and actually get something done,” said Councilman Jamel Boyer. “I’m grateful to Congressman Kean for making this investment in Summit possible.” “Thank you to Congressman Kean for his co… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-secures-1-million-watchung-pedestrian-safety-improvements | Kean Secures $1 Million for Watchung Pedestrian Safety Improvements | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 20, 2026) WATCHUNG, NJ – Last weekend, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited Valley Road in Watchung with Mayor Ronald Jubin. Congressman Kean secured $1,000,000 in a House funding bill for sidewalk improvements on Valley Road through the Community Project Funding process. “Pedestrians should be able to safely walk on the sidewalks in every community,” said Congressman Kean. “Just 7 years ago, a 12-year-old was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured while walking along this exact stretch of road. The funding that I secured will support renovations to the sidewalk to make it safe and accessible for everyone.” “I’m grateful to Congressman Kean for his support in submitting the funding request for the Valley Road sidewalk improvements,” said Mayor Ronald Jubin. “These upgrades will give Watchung families, parents with strollers, and residents with disabilities greater access to safe, healthy activity in our community.” “As a resident who lives on Valley Road, I’m looking forward to the sidewalk improvements,” said Valley Road resident Catherine Furlan. “It will improve walkability in the neighborhood so families can safely walk to and from school or just exercise.” Since taking office, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. has secured more than $3.4 million for accessible walkways across New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process. In July, Congressman Kean announced that 18 Community Project Funding requests made by his office totaling $17,765,906, are included in key House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Learn more HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415794 | APP article on Smith-led letter to U.S. Postmaster General'Jackson wants another post office to alleviate overcrowding' | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Joe Strupp Published August 19, 2026, 5:16 a.m. ET JACKSON – Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet will keep this town from wanting not one but two post offices. Claiming one post office in town is not enough to serve a growing population, township officials and several state legislators are urging the federal government to add a second postal site to the community. Calling the current situation “a crisis," a letter to the U.S. Postmaster went out calling for the addition. “This urgent request comes directly in response to the overwhelming concerns voiced by our constituents,” several officials said in an Aug. 7 letter to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner. “The residents and businesses of Jackson have repeatedly expressed grave concerns over deteriorating service conditions, unsafe access, excessive wait times and the inability of the current postal facility to adequately serve its residents.” The letter, signed by Mayor Jennifer Kuhn, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, Assembly Members Robert Clifton and Alex Sauickie, and state Senator Owen Henry, demands a meeting with federal officials to find a solution. At issue is the township’s lone postal facility at 915 Bennett Mills Road, which they contend is too small to serve a community that stretches across 100 square miles and a population that has more than doubled since 1980 to nearly 61,000. It's not unusual for the line to stream out the door at Jackson Township's only post office on Bennett Mills Road, say officials who want a second postal site to be opened. Joe Strupp “This growth has been accompanied by continued residential and commercial development, significantly increasing the demand for postal service,” the letter said. Located near West County Line Road, the postal site is in the far northeast corner of the community close to the Howell Township line and up to 20 minutes by car from some parts of Jackson. A second post office had been in operation at 520 West Veterans Highway in the past but closed in 2012 due to “lease issues.” “The residents of… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-asks-us-veterans-affairs-expand-veteran-resources-hunterdon-county | Kean Asks US Veterans Affairs to Expand Veteran Resources in Hunterdon County | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 18, 2026) Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Under Secretary of Health, John Figueroa, proposing the establishment of a new VA Vet Center in Hunterdon County. In his letter to Under Secretary Figueroa, Congressman Kean called for expanding VA resources in Hunterdon County to benefit its more than 5,000 veteran residents. In 2023, Congressman Kean introduced bipartisan legislation to broaden access to Vet Center mental health counseling for veterans and their families. This legislation directly led to the creation of two Veteran Center Community Access Points in Morris and Warren counties. "More than 5,000 veterans reside in Hunterdon County, and many would benefit significantly from having these critical resources available closer to home,” Congressman Kean wrote. "This effort aligns with my broader initiatives to expand VA resources throughout Northwest New Jersey.” “The Commissioner Board appreciates Congressman Kean's continued efforts to secure additional health care services for Hunterdon County veterans,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John E. Lanza. “Having a local VA access point is important, and the Commissioner Board reaffirms its offer to provide county office space to the Department of Veterans Affairs free of charge to help make this initiative a reality.” “Access to health care remains one of the most important issues facing our veterans. A local VA access point in Hunterdon County would make it easier for veterans to connect with the care and services they have earned, while reducing the need to travel outside the county,” said Hunterdon County VSO Rich Booth. “We appreciate Congressman Kean's efforts and the County's commitment to helping bring these services closer to home." Read the full letter below and HERE: Dear Secretary John Figueroa: I am writing to respectfully propose the establishment of a new VA Vet Center in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, to ensure local veterans have grea… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415793 | HHS launches new Lyme Clinician LocatorSmith, author of TICK Act, thanks Sec. Kennedy, Pres. Trump for spearheading new Lyme disease initiatives at HHS | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus, applauded Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a variety of new initiatives to improve patient care, enable earlier diagnoses, and accelerate research for Lyme disease. “Under President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s bold leadership, the HHS is taking important steps towards addressing and mitigating the national public health emergency caused by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses over the past several decades,” said Smith, whose legislation (HR 4348) to provide $150 million over five years in continued funding for Lyme disease research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives just last month. “I am grateful to Secretary Kennedy and President Trump for their efforts to improve the lives and outcomes of the millions of Lyme patients throughout the country, and I am glad to see that tick-borne illnesses are no longer taking the back seat in the public health space. “Critically, the HHS is prioritizing early and accurate diagnoses for Lyme disease, ensuring that often-misdiagnosed patients can receive the correct treatments they need in a timely and efficient manner,” Smith continued. “The HHS’s new Lyme Clinician Locator, made possible through their partnership with the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), will help to significantly streamline this process, enabling patients to easily search for Lyme-literate clinicians in their area with a mere click. “As Secretary Kennedy also announced, patients can use their voices and experiences to drive science and research further by utilizing CURE ID to share which treatments have worked for them, which have not, and what is needed for the future—all directly with NIH and FDA,” stated Smith. Smith also highlighted and praised the work of the LymeX Innovation Accelerator… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-secures-850k-mine-hill-township-transite-water-main-replacement | Kean Secures $850K for Mine Hill Township Transite Water Main Replacement | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 17, 2026) MINE HILL, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited Mine Hill Township to view the site for the water main replacement project. Congressman Kean secured $850,000 in a key House Appropriations bill for Mine Hill Township through the Community Project Funding process, which will be used to replace 5,307 linear feet of transite water main. “These pipes have been in the ground for over 40 years, contain asbestos, and are starting to fail,” said Congressman Kean. “I am pleased to secure this federal funding to ensure that Mine Hill families have reliable access to high-quality water for decades to come.” “I can't thank Congressman Kean enough for his care and concern about the people of Mine Hill and the people of the Seventh District,” said Mayor Sam Morris. “His hard work and relentless efforts to secure significant funding for our water safety project is appreciated more than we can express. I want to thank him for caring about us, and I want to thank him for fighting for us." “Thank you to the Congressman for securing this funding, and especially for taking the time to come to Mine Hill and seeing firsthand where it will be used,” said Mine Hill resident Cristina Capsouras. “Explaining why this funding is needed is only half the battle, it’s amazing that he came here in person to see the need for himself. Replacing the water main will provide much needed peace of mind for all of us here in Mine Hill.” In July, Congressman Kean announced that 18 Community Project Funding requests made by his office totaling $17,765,906, are included in key House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Since taking office, Congressman Kean has secured over $3 million for water main and pipe replacement. Learn more HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-hosts-eagle-scout-and-girl-scout-gold-award-event | Kean Hosts Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award Event | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 14, 2026) READINGTON, NJ – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) held his third Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award Event. Scouts from New Jersey's 7th Congressional District who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout or completed their Girl Scout Gold Award in 2025 and 2026 were invited to attend. Family, Scoutmasters and other adult scout leaders from across the district were also welcome to join the celebration with their Scouts. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America organization. To become an Eagle Scout, one must earn a total of 21 merit badges and demonstrate scout spirit, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that scouts plan, organize, lead, and manage. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious achievement in Girl Scouting, requiring Seniors and Ambassadors in grades 9–12 to complete a rigorous, sustainable community service project of at least 80 hours. They must identify a community issue, research its root cause, build a team of volunteers and community experts, and create a sustainable, long-lasting solution. “Very few receive the rank of Eagle Scout or earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, and those who do deserve to be recognized for this achievement,” said Congressman Kean. “Through their generosity and creativity, they are laying the groundwork for lives that will be directed by the values of volunteering, leadership and civic duty, which will impact the world around them in distinct and impactful ways.” “As an Eagle Scout myself, I was pleased to participate in Congressman Kean’s Scout recognition ceremony, where I had the opportunity to say a few words and introduce him,” said Eagle Scout and Readington Township Committeeman Adam Mueller. “Congressman Kean has been a consistent and genuine supporter of Scouting in our district. His commitment to recognizing the hard work, leadership, and service of our Scouts strengthens these programs and the young people who benefit from them. We’re fortunate to have a… | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-secures-500000-phillipsburg-police-technology-equipment | Kean Secures $500,000 for Phillipsburg Police Technology Equipment | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 13, 2026) PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – On Tuesday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) met with the Phillipsburg Police Department to gain insight into the critical need for updating the Department’s investigative, surveillance, and information technology capabilities. Congressman Kean secured $500,000 for the Phillipsburg Police Department through Community Project Funding. “I am proud to have secured this federal funding through the Community Project Funding process to strengthen the Phillipsburg Police Department’s work to protect our communities,” said Congressman Kean. “Supporting our law enforcement officers and ensuring they have the resources necessary to keep residents safe remains one of my top priorities.” “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Tom Kean and his office for securing this $500,000 technology grant for the Phillipsburg Police Department,” saidPolice Chief James McDonald. “This investment will allow us to significantly enhance and expand our camera systems, automatic license plate readers, drone program, and training technology. These tools are force multipliers that will help our officers prevent and solve crimes more effectively, improve situational awareness, and provide an even higher level of service to our community.” Chief McDonald continued, “Most importantly, this funding allows us to make these critical public safety investments without placing the financial burden entirely on our local taxpayers. We appreciate Congressman Kean’s continued support of law enforcement and his commitment to keeping the residents of Phillipsburg and Warren County safe.” “This $500,000 police technology investment will help ensure our outstanding officers have the equipment they need to fight crime safely and effectively,” said Mayor Randy Piazza. “We thank Congressman Tom Kean for his continued support of the Phillipsburg Police Department.” “This $500,000 investment in the Phillipsburg Police Department will provide critical resources to support our officers and enhance public safety in the comm… | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-secures-750k-mount-olive-pd-expansion | Kean Secures $750K for Mount Olive PD Expansion | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 14, 2026) MOUNT OLIVE, NJ – On Wednesday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited the Mount Olive Police Department. Congressman Kean secured $750,000 in a key House Appropriations bill for the Mount Olive PD through the Community Project Funding process, which will be used for the construction and renovation of the expanded Police Department facility. “Our law enforcement officers deserve safe, modern facilities that allow them to effectively serve and protect our community,” said Congressman Kean. “I am proud to fight for $750,000 in federal funding to expand the Mount Olive Township Police Department and provide officers with the space, technology, and resources they need. This investment will strengthen public safety, support our officers, and help the department better serve a growing community.” “Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has been instrumental in securing federal funding for Mount Olive throughout his time in office, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for his continued support of our community,” said Mayor Joe Nicastro. “This funding is especially significant as the township moves forward with the expansion and renovation of the Police Department facilities at Town Hall. The investment will help enhance public safety and ensure our officers have the resources and facilities they need to serve our residents effectively.” Mayor Nicastro continued, “We are grateful for Congressman Kean's commitment to bringing federal dollars back to our local communities. His efforts directly benefit Mount Olive and its residents by supporting critical infrastructure and public safety projects that might otherwise place a greater burden on local taxpayers. His advocacy in Washington continues to make a meaningful difference here at home.” “Congressman Kean's support of this funding opportunity has allowed us to move forward with much needed infrastructure upgrades to our public safety facilities,” said Police Chief Mike Cordileone. “With his assistance and support we were able to secure federal funding… | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-delivers-2400000-phillipsburg-delaware-river-park-revitalization | Kean Delivers $2,400,000 for Phillipsburg Delaware River Park Revitalization | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 13, 2026) PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – This week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented $2,400,000 to the Town of Phillipsburg to revitalize the Delaware River Park. “I am pleased to deliver this federal funding to Phillipsburg,” said Congressman Kean. “Residents should be able to enjoy their local parks, and this $2,400,000 will fund the revitalization of the recreation fields so that families can continue to gather, play, and enjoy safe, well‑maintained community spaces for years to come.” “Open space is incredibly important to our community, but being an older industrial town also comes with unique challenges,” said Mayor Randy Piazza. “This $2.4 million investment will help us address those issues at Delaware River Park while creating a better place for our residents to enjoy. We thank Congressman Tom Kean for helping Phillipsburg make that progress.” “This $2.4 million in funding is a major investment in the future of Delaware River Park and the Phillipsburg community,” said New Jersey Senator Doug Steinhardt. “These improvements will help revitalize the park, create a better recreational space for residents, and strengthen an important asset along the Delaware River. I’m grateful to Congressman Kean for his work helping secure this funding for Phillipsburg.” “We have been very lucky to have a representative in Congress whose lifelong commitment to New Jersey helps him understand the needs of our area,” said Warren County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla. “The $2.4 million to help rehabilitate the Delaware River Park is a game changer for Phillipsburg. As a river town, Phillipsburg has so much potential to be a beautiful place to both live and visit, and Congressman Kean understands this. The residents of Phillipsburg and the surrounding areas deserve to have this park brought back to life and this funding is a huge step forward.” "Thank you for securing $2.4 million in federal funding to revitalize the Delaware River Park,” said New Jersey Assemblyman Erik Peterson. “This funding will allow Philli… | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415791 | Lakewood Alerts article on Smith-led letter to U.S. Postmaster General'Jackson Officials Push USPS to Address Overcrowding, Traffic and Safety Concerns at Post Office' | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Lakewood Alerts Published August 12, 2026 Jackson Township officials are pressing the United States Postal Service for action over longstanding concerns at the Jackson Post Office on Bennetts Mills Road, including overcrowding, lengthy wait times, inadequate parking, staffing shortages and growing traffic and safety issues. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about vehicles backing onto Bennetts Mills Road, traffic extending beyond the post office property and difficulties safely entering and exiting the busy facility. On August 7, a formal letter was sent to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner requesting a meeting to address what local officials described as an ongoing postal service crisis in the rapidly growing township. The effort is being backed across multiple levels of government, with Congressman Christopher Smith, State Senator Owen Henry and Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Robert Clifton joining Jackson Township officials in calling for improvements. Among the solutions being urged are the establishment of a second full-service post office in Jackson, a significant expansion and modernization of the existing Bennetts Mills Road facility, and immediate operational changes to improve staffing, reduce wait times and address traffic and public safety concerns while a permanent solution is developed. Officials stressed that the situation has grown beyond an issue of inconvenience and has become a public safety concern. Jackson has experienced tremendous population growth in recent years, while its postal infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the increased demand. Officials said residents deserve safe and reasonable access to essential postal services and vowed to continue working with USPS toward a long-term solution. | 1 | 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z | 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415792 | Shore News Network article on Smith-led letter to U.S. Postmaster General'Jackson Post Office is Overwhelmed and Understaffed, Congressman Calls for Change' | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Phil Stilton Published August 12, 2026 Jackson, NJ – Anyone who has ever been to the Jackson Township U.S. Post Office on Bennetts Mills Road knows the place is a nightmare, especially after the federal agency closed the town’s other post office many years ago. With the rise in population in Jackson, people often cite their visit to the Jackson post office as not-so-pleasant experience…and it’s getting worse. Now, a coalition of elected officials is urging the U.S. Postal Service to take immediate action to address longstanding service problems at the Jackson Township Post Office, including considering the construction of a second full-service postal facility to meet the needs of one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing communities. They say the location is now a public safety risk. Jackson is expected to hit 200,000 residents within 9 years, according to county officials. Things are going to get worse. Cassville Post Office – 2013. Shut down by USPS in 2012. In an August 7 letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, Congressman Chris Smith, State Senator Owen Henry, Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Robert Clifton, and Interim Mayor Jennifer Kuhn requested a formal meeting with USPS leadership to discuss solutions to what they describe as an ongoing postal service crisis. The officials said residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about long wait times, overcrowding, inadequate parking, traffic congestion and staffing shortages at the Bennetts Mills Road post office. “Our residents and businesses have repeatedly expressed grave concern over deteriorating service conditions, unsafe access, excessive wait times, and the inability of the current postal facility to adequately serve its residents,” the delegation wrote. “As their elected representatives, we have a responsibility to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed.” Congressman, lawmakers say growth has overwhelmed postal system The letter notes Jackson Township has experienced decades of rapid growth, with its population increasing from about 25,… | 1 | 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z | 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-secures-245k-new-providence-police-communications-upgrades | Kean Secures $245K for New Providence Police Communications Upgrades | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 11, 2026) NEWPROVIDENCE, NJ – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) met with New Providence officials to visit the New ProvidencePolice Department. Congressman Kean secured $245,000 for the New ProvidencePolice Department through Community Project Funding. This funding will be used to replace 47 portable radios, which will use upgraded technology to connect radios to a Wi-Fi network. “The $245,000 that I secured for New Providence will improve communications throughout the police department,” said Congressman Kean. “Our valued first responders need access to updated technology to have the most effective connection with other emergency services departments. I am pleased to secure these critical resources for the New Providence Police Department to keep our communities safe.” “Thank you, Congressman Kean, for securing funding for these sorely-needed new police radios,” said Mayor Al Morgan. “The radio system needs to be upgraded, especially with the police department moving into a new facility. This funding will ultimately help the police department, first responders, and residents.” “It is incredible to see a little town like New Providence receive this federal assistance,” said Police Chief Donald Sretenovic. “Congressman Kean’s dedication to law enforcement and first responders is obvious.” At the New Providence Police Department, Congressman Kean presented a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to New Providence Police Chief Donald Sretenovic, who was sworn in on August 1, 2026. In July, Congressman Kean announced that 18 Community Project Funding requests made by his office totaling $17,765,906, are included in key House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Learn more HERE. Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. pictured with New Providence Mayor Al Morgan, Police Chief Donald Sretenovic, local officials, and police officers ### | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415790 | Rep. Smith calls for vulnerable infant at center of legal battle to receive lifesaving care | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, issued the following response to statements by McKenna West that she was pressured to abort a baby she was carrying as a surrogate after a 20-week ultrasound diagnosed a serious but treatable heart condition, and that she is currently engaged in a legal battle that will decide whether the baby receives lifesaving care when he is born: “Ms. West has demonstrated heroic courage and love for this baby. According to reports, despite the threat of financial ruin, she refused to abort the baby boy, filed for custody, and relocated to Texas near a hospital that is equipped to begin treatment for his condition after he is born. Ms. West stated, ‘I want to fight for him because he deserves that chance’ and ‘my goal is to get him surgery.’ “With Ms. West’s due date fast approaching on September 2, 2026, and the two sides vying to decide whether the baby boy receives care, the courts should act decisively to reject the lie that having a diagnosed disability makes this baby unworthy of life. “We must remain committed to building a nation that values human life, insists upon equal justice under the law, and respects the rights and dignity of the disabled and vulnerable. The Courts should immediately give custody of this baby to those willing to welcome him, protect him, and ensure that he has a chance to receive care that could save his life.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-delivers-835000-bernards-township-police-communications-upgrades | Kean Delivers $835,000 to Bernards Township for Police Communications Upgrades | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 6, 2026) BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, NJ – On Tuesday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented $835,000 to Bernards Township for upgrades to their police department’s communications equipment. This federal funding, secured by Congressman Kean through the Community Project Funding process, will upgrade the Bernards Township Police Department’s current radios, which can only operate on one frequency, and be used to purchase 89 tri-band radios that cover multiple frequencies. This will streamline coordination and strengthen emergency response. “The $835,000 that I secured for Bernards Township will enable first responders to have the modern tools they need to effectively protect and serve the community,” said Congressman Kean. “These communications upgrades, made possible by this federal funding, will provide direct radio contact and allow police to communicate more effectively and facilitate deployment, keeping our communities safer.” “Public Safety is among our priorities. We are very grateful to Congressman Tom Kean Jr. for advocating federal funding on our behalf to secure 89 tri-band radios for our officers and front-line police vehicles,” said Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy. “We are very grateful for the funding that enables the Township to provide critical resources for our Police Department without placing the full burden on local property taxpayers.” “We are sincerely grateful to Congressman Tom Kean for his leadership and steadfast support in securing this critical funding for our police radio upgrade,” said Police Chief Timothy King. “Reliable radio communications are essential to officer safety and effective emergency response, and this investment will provide our officers with the technology they need to better serve and protect our community. We truly appreciate the Congressman’s commitment to public safety and to the residents of Bernards Township.” “Congressman Kean's office introduced us to this funding program in January 2024. Without their guidance, we never would have applied for our first Fede… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-assists-reopening-senior-care-facility-complete-care-willow-creek | Kean Assists in Reopening Senior Care Facility, Complete Care Willow Creek | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 5, 2026) SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – On Monday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited the newly reopened Complete Care at Willow Creek, the only long-term care facility for seniors with traumatic brain injuries in New Jersey. He was joined by leadership from Complete Care and staff at the new facility. In September of 2021, during Hurricane Ida, Complete Care Willow Creek was flooded. This caused a mass evacuation of patients and severe structural damage to the facility. During reconstruction, a fire occurred, causing further damage and delay. As Complete Care was finishing construction in February of 2025, it learned that its Medicare Provider Number had been terminated. Applying for a new number involved demonstrating that its facility was meeting a different set of construction standards than what existed at the time the original Provider Number was approved, which would have delayed the opening for at least another two years and incurred significant additional costs. Congressman Kean’s office was contacted regarding this issue. Working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the NJ Department of Health, his office arranged multiple joint conference calls with the parties, and Congressman Kean sent a letter of support for Complete Care at Willow Creek. In part due to his interventions, the reopened facility welcomed its first patient on August 3rd. “It was incredible to see the tangible result that came from years of hard work by Complete Care, and to know my team helped this facility reopen,” said Congressman Kean. “New Jersey’s seniors deserve access to the care they need, especially those with ailments such as a traumatic brain injury. I am pleased to see this facility open its doors to the public and wish them all the best as they continue their critical work.” “We are excited to welcome Congressman Tom Kean Complete Care at Willow Creek today. Congressman Kean’s unwavering support and dedicated advocacy were instrumental in bringing us to today, which coincidentally marks … | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-secures-420k-community-project-funding-bridgewater-food-bank | Kean Secures $420K in Community Project Funding for Bridgewater Food Bank | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 4, 2026) BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) met with Bridgewater Councilman Michael Kirsch, Deputy Township Administrator Rob Field, and Food Bank Network of Somerset County Executive Director Steve Katz to visit the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Congressman Kean secured $420,000 in a House Appropriations bill for the facility through the FY27 Community Project Funding process. This funding will be used to obtain and maintain a cold storage and a food locker unit. “No family should go without food, and strengthening our local food bank network is how we make that a reality,” said Congressman Kean. “I am pleased to secure this federal funding to expand cold storage and food locker capacity for Bridgewater Township and the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. With greater capacity, our local food pantries can take in more donations and deliver vital resources to families who need them most.” “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply appreciative of this initiative by Representative Kean and the Township of Bridgewater to support the Food Bank Network of Somerset County,” said Food Bank Network of Somerset County Executive Director Steve Katz. “This is a great example of cooperation between government and non-profit organizations, and shows that collaboration between different organizations and different parts of our society is necessary to fight against something that has become as chronic as food insecurity.” In July, Congressman Kean announced that 18 Community Project Funding requests made by his office totaling $17,765,906, are included in key House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Learn more HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-hosts-federal-transit-administration-westfield-train-station-alongside-nj | Kean Hosts Federal Transit Administration at Westfield Train Station alongside NJ Transit Leadership | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 3, 2026) WESTFIELD, NJ – Last Wednesday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) toured the Westfield Train Station alongside leadership from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and New Jersey Transit. Building upon his work in the New Jersey Senate, Congressman Kean has continued to advocate for a one-seat ride for commuters on the Raritan Valley Line between New Jersey and New York. Implementing a one-seat ride during peak hours will eliminate the need for commuters to transfer trains when travelling from New Jersey to Penn Station, saving hours of time with family and economic cost. In June, Congressman Kean wrote to the Federal Railroad Administration in support of New Jersey’s Transit’s grant application for investments in the Hunter Flyover Project in Newark, NJ. Congressman Kean has also advocated for the completion of the Gateway Project. These projects are critical steps toward expanding one-seat ride service between the Raritan Valley Line and New York City. “I am leading the fight in Congress to make sure the Gateway Tunnel Project is built to completion,” said Congressman Kean. “I have made Gateway a top priority because it is indispensable to our state’s economy and the daily lives of thousands of commuters. From Gateway to the Hunter Flyover and improvements throughout the Raritan Valley Line, I will continue bringing federal, state, and local leaders together, fighting for the necessary investments, and keeping these projects moving forward until the job is done. I will not allow anyone to delay, diminish, or push aside any of New Jersey’s critical transit priorities.” “FTA is proud to partner with Congressman Kean in delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transportation systems to New Jersey's 7th Congressional District,” said FTA Associate Administrator for Communications and Government Affairs Connor Torossian. “He remains a strong advocate for the Garden State's needs in Washington. His advocacy here in Westfield this morning is a testament to that." In November, he fought for a f… | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-introduces-legislation-make-portable-mortgages-accessible | Kean Introduces Legislation to Make Portable Mortgages Accessible | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (August 3, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the Making Ownership Viable for Everyone (MOVE) Act, legislation that would make portable mortgages accessible, allowing homeowners to transfer their existing mortgage rate, term, and balance to a new property. The MOVE Act will require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, entities that buy mortgages from lenders, to begin purchasing portable mortgages. Making portable mortgages accessible will encourage families to sell their home that is no longer a fit for them, while simultaneously adding more homes to the market to address the housing crisis. “Homeownership is one of the most important ways New Jersey families build equity, stability, and long-term financial security,” said Congressman Kean. “I have heard directly from residents across our state who feel stuck in homes that no longer meet their needs because moving would mean giving up their mortgage rate. I wrote this bill, the MOVE Act, to give homeowners more freedom, help put more homes on the market, and make the American Dream of owning a home more attainable for families across New Jersey.” Congressman Kean has led efforts to address housing affordability in the U.S. House of Representatives, including the introduction of the Make American Housing Affordable (MAHA) Act, and the successful fight to restore the full State and Local (SALT) Deduction for middle-class families in New Jersey. In the 2025 Reconciliation package, Congressman Kean fought to quadruple the SALT deduction to $40,000—a major victory for New Jersey homeowners. Text of the MOVE Act is available HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-visits-branchburg-spotlight-225-million-federal-funds-new-emergency | Kean Visits Branchburg to Spotlight $2.25 Million in Federal Funds for New Emergency Operations Center | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | NJ | Thomas H. Kean, Jr. | K000398 | kean.house.gov | kean | https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (July 31, 2026) BRANCHBURG, NJ – On Thursday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) met with Branchburg officials during a walkthrough of Branchburg’s future Emergency Operations Center. Congressman Kean secured $2,250,000 in the House Appropriations bill for the facility through the FY27 Community Project Funding process. The funding will be used for the renovation of Branchburg’s Emergency Management facility, providing a necessary upgrade to protect Branchburg’s rapidly growing community and heavily trafficked commuter corridors. “First responders put their lives on the line to ensure that our communities are safe, and it is critical that we work to support them,” said Congressman Kean. “This $2.25 million in federal funding will equip the Branchburg Police Department with the best facilities and resources. I am proud to have fought to bring back millions in federal dollars back to our local law enforcement here in Somerset County." “Branchburg Township is deeply grateful to Congressman Tom Kean for his leadership and advocacy in securing $2.25 million in federal funding for our Regional Emergency Operations Center,” said Mayor Jim Schworn. “This is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when local government and our congressional delegation work together to advance the safety and security of our communities.” Mayor Schworn continued, “Congressman Kean and his office understood the importance of this project and worked to secure this critical investment through the federal grant funding process. We are proud of our partnership with Congressman Kean and sincerely appreciate his commitment to Branchburg and to public safety throughout our region.” “In order to meet the growing needs of Branchburg Township, a proper Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is needed to better serve our residents during emergency situations,” said Chief of Police Richard Buck. “This EOC will act as the communication and coordination hub ensuring the effective management of emergency personnel responding to and addressing inci… | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2077 | Congressman Van Drew Demands Answers from Atlantic City Electric Over Another Bill Increase | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | vandrew | https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to Atlantic City Electric (ACE) demanding answers after the company notified customers that the average monthly electric bill could increase from approximately $158 to $184. The notice states that the increase includes an additional $23 in electric supply costs and $5 in delivery costs. "Families across South Jersey are already paying some of the highest electric rates in the country," said Congressman Van Drew. "Many are trying to figure out how to keep their homes cool this summer while still paying for other basic expenses. Atlantic City Electric cannot keep simply passing along increases to the ratepayer, especially when the state has declared a State of Emergency on Utility Costs and directed the Board of Public Utilities to freeze rate increases. The trust between ACE and the people it serves has been completely eroded. Bills have continued to rise, and people have not seen meaningful relief. The company has a chance here to begin rebuilding that trust, but only if it responds with real answers and real relief. And by that, I mean actually bringing people's bills down instead of finding new ways to increase them every few months." | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415789 | OSV News article on new Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus'Bipartisan duo announces new anti-trafficking caucus in Congress' | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | By Kate Scanlon Published July 31, 2026 at 5:35 PM WASHINGTON (OSV News) — A bipartisan pair of lawmakers announced July 30 they will form and co-chair a new caucus in the U.S. House aimed at the prevention of human trafficking. Reps. Chris Smith, R-N.J. and Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., said the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus — named in honor of the abolitionist and statesman — will work to advance legislation to prevent human trafficking, prosecute traffickers, and strengthen support and protection for victims, and facilitate greater cooperation to prevent the trafficking through partnerships between government, law enforcement, private and faith-based organizations. “I am honored to announce the formation of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus alongside my Co-Chair, Rep. Mfume, who is fiercely committed to ending the modern-day slavery that is human trafficking,” Smith, a longtime Catholic lawmaker, said in a statement. Mfume noted they made the announcement on the annual World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. A group of youths is seen in Togo Feb. 8, 2025, marking the beginning of a campaign called "Restoring Hope in Africa: A Jubilee Call to End Human Trafficking." On July 30, 2026, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Reps. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., announced the formation of the bipartisan Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus in the House. (OSV News photo/courtesy PACTPAN) ‘A scourge on our collective humanity’ “Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and a scourge on our collective humanity,” Mfume said. “Nearly 27 million people worldwide are trapped in forms of forced labor and human bondage, and Americans in all 50 states have been victimized as well.” “We owe it to every survivor and victim to pass comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation out of the Congress and send it to the President’s desk,” Mfume continued. “This Caucus and anti-trafficking organization… | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415787 | WATCH: 'Chris Smith: The Congressman Who Wrote America's Trafficking Law' | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) speaks at CPAC’s Summit to Combat Human Trafficking on July 22, 2026. Washington, Jul 30, 2026 ### | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415788 | On World Day Against Trafficking in PersonsReps. Smith, Mfume form new Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus in the House | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher H. Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | chrissmith | https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Reps. Smith (R-NJ) and Mfume (D-MD) speak at their Capitol Hill press conference on the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act of 2025 (HR 1144) on April 23, 2026. On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) announced that they will be co-chairing the new, bipartisan Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Reps. Smith and Mfume also noted that they will be working alongside Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who plans to form a complimentary Caucus in the Senate. The Caucus—named in honor of famed abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass—will serve as a bicameral effort and the principal forum in Congress dedicated to advancing legislation that prevents human trafficking, protects victims and survivors, prosecutes traffickers, and strengthens partnerships with survivors across government, civil society, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and the private sector. “I am honored to announce the formation of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus alongside my Co-Chair, Rep. Mfume, who is fiercely committed to ending the modern-day slavery that is human trafficking,” said Rep. Chris Smith, the author of the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) (PL 106-386). “Human trafficking is an ever-evolving crime, as traffickers are constantly finding new ways—both in-person and virtually—to exploit, manipulate, and abuse victims. To meet these changing and challenging demands, this Caucus will work tirelessly to advance new anti-trafficking legislation—especially and including the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act of 2025 (HR 1144), which Rep. Mfume and I introduced earlier this Congress—that uplifts and empowers survivors and raises awareness of this global problem.” “Today, on the annual World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I am proud to stand alongside Representative … | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
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