Overview

Christopher Henry Smith has represented New Jersey's 4th Congressional District since January 3, 1981. Born March 4, 1953, in Rahway, Union County, Smith graduated from St. Mary's High School in Perth Amboy before earning a bachelor's degree from Trenton State College in 1975. Prior to his congressional career, Smith served as Executive Director of the New Jersey Right to Life Committee and worked in the sporting goods wholesale business. He won his first congressional election in 1980 at age 27, defeating incumbent Frank Thompson.

Throughout his tenure, Smith has focused on human rights advocacy, veterans affairs, and healthcare research. He previously chaired the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he chairs the Africa Subcommittee. Smith has sponsored 68 bills that have been enacted into law, including legislation addressing human trafficking, autism research, and international religious freedom. His district encompasses portions of Ocean, Monmouth, and Mercer counties.

Political Career

Executive Director, New Jersey Right to Life Committee (prior to 1980)

U.S. Representative, New Jersey's 4th Congressional District (1981–present)

Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs (previous Congress)

Chairman, U.S. Helsinki Commission (previous)

Vice Chairman, House International Relations Committee (previous)

Chairman, Africa Subcommittee, House Foreign Affairs Committee (current)

Co-Chair, Congressional Pro-Life Caucus (current)

Co-Chair, Congressional Alzheimer's Task Force (current)

Co-Chair, Coalition for Autism Research and Education (current)

Key Policy Areas

Pro-life legislation and anti-abortion advocacy

Human rights and international religious freedom

Veterans affairs and military benefits

Autism research and spectrum disorder advocacy

Alzheimer's disease research and funding

Human trafficking prevention

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Authored the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, the first comprehensive federal law addressing trafficking in women and children

Authored the Embassy Security Act, which authorized billions in funding for U.S. embassy fortifications

Sponsored the Autism CARES Act of 2024 (H.R. 7213), reauthorizing federal autism research and support programs

Sponsored the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 7025)

Introduced the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (multiple Congresses) to codify Hyde Amendment restrictions

Education

BA, Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), 1975

Personal

Birth date: March 4, 1953

Residence: Robbinsville, New Jersey