Christopher Smith

Christopher Henry Smith, a Republican, has represented the Fourth Congressional District of New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1980.

Iraq War
Smith voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Background
Smith was born March 4, 1953 in Rahway, New Jersey. The former owner of a sporting goods company, first ran for Congress in 1978, but was routed by Democratic incumbent Frank Thompson, Jr.

In 1980, however, Thompson was ensnared in the Abscam scandal, and Smith ran against him again. This was enough to sweep Smith into office. He faced a tough challenge for a second term, but hasn't faced a well-funded opponent since then.

Congressional Career
Smith's voting record is moderate, aside from a strong stance against abortion. He is the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus. In a January 22, 2004 press release Smith stated, "Americans want the abortion holocaust to end," and referred to abortion as "child slaughter."

Unlike most Republicans, Smith has strong ties to organized labor. Following representation from many Irish-Americans, Smith wrote legislation prohibiting the Royal Ulster Constabulary from training in the United States because of alleged humans rights abuses. Critics of Smith's law state that if the Royal Ulster Constabulary were provided with American training, human rights abuses could have been avoided. Nonetheless, in December 2001 the Bush administration declared the Police Service of Northern Ireland (which replaced the RUC) met reasonable human rights standards, and the prohibition was lifted. Smith has spoken critically of the British Inquiries Act 2005, which he believes will allow the British government to prevent effective inquiries into British army collusion with unionist paramilitaries in Ireland.

In 2004, Smith easily defeated Democrat Amy Vasquez for his 13th 2-year term.

In 1982, Smith faced his toughest reelection campaign when he was challenged by former New Jersey State Senate President Joseph P. Merlino. At the end of one of their debates, Smith approached Merlino to exchange pleasantries, Merlino was quoted as saying "Beat it, kid." Smith won the election with 53% of the vote.

2006 elections
In 2006, the Democrats nominated Carol E. Gay to face Smith in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Smith retained his seat.

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Foreign Affairs
 * Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations -Ranking
 * Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on International Relations
 * Subcommittee on Africa Global Human Rights and International Operations - Chair
 * Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere

Coalitions and Caucuses

 * Co-Chair, Coalition for Autism Research and Education (CARE)
 * Chair, Commision on Security and Cooperation in Europe
 * Co-Chair, Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease
 * Co-Chairman, House Pro-Life Caucus
 * Congressional Automotive Caucus
 * Congressional Coastal Caucus
 * Congressional Fire Services Caucus
 * Congressional Human Rights Caucus
 * Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus
 * Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus
 * Minor Leauge Baseball Caucus
 * Older Americans Caucus

Boards and other Affiliations

 * New Jersey Right to Life Committee, Inc. -- Executive Director, 1976-1978

Resources

 * Official website
 * bioguide.congress.gov article on Chris Smith
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Blue Jersey