Christopher H. Smith

Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.

in committee

Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act

in committee

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025

in committee

“Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Colts Neck Community Church (CNCC), a vibrant non-denominational Christian community in my central New Jersey congressional district, which will celebrate, 50 years of faith-filled fellowship on May 17, 2026, and worship in their church on Merchants Way. The church's history is notably defined by grassroots beginnings, compassionate volunteerism, ministry expansion--within and beyond Colts Neck--and steadfast humility and service in the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. This community pillar is a powerful beacon, with dedicated Christians working tirelessly to serve and bless Colts Neck, New Jersey, and the world. Founded by Don and Alma Stewart in the early 1970s, this vigorous home-based mission quickly outgrew the Stewart house and soon began to worship in nearby churches in Eatontown, Freehold, and Aberdeen. Immersed in scripture readings, inspiring music and Bible study, the congregants also wished, worked and prayed for a new physical structure to call their spiritual home. Their prayers were answered and their work paid off, as they ultimately purchased a 7.5-acre plot of land in the heart of Colts Neck. Under the inspiration and leadership of their first full-time pastor, Reverend John Lindsey, the construction was completed and dedicated in less than four months. Thanks in no small part to volunteer labor from congregants and neighboring churches, as well as assistance from Fort Monmouth chaplains and contributions from local residents, the CNCC at last had its own worship sanctuary, in which they could preach, praise God, spend time in fellowship and grow as a community. And grow, they did. In the 1980s and 1990s, Colts Neck Community Church, led by Pastor Darwin Bacon, expanded in attendance, membership, finances, and ministry scope. The church strengthened its community with fellowship meals and services. It also enhanced its mission works and outreach by establishing a church in Howell, New Jersey, supporting foreign missions with volunteer work and financial assistance, and initiating local ministries, like prison outreach and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. After years of dedicated service to CNCC, Pastor Bacon became a full- time missionary, and Dr. Philip J. Swanson then took the helm. Under Dr. Swanson's leadership, the church emphasized a vision of ``Back to the Basics--Into the Future,'' focusing on foundational ministries while preparing for future growth. This period saw the addition of a parsonage on church property and the Fellowship Hall, which houses a number of special events and programs. In 2005, then-pastor George Russ reemphasized local outreach, which enabled it to strengthen its service in Colts Neck. The church established day-long leadership conferences for local high school students, financial seminars during the economic downturn of 2007 to 2008, fundraisers for the Fire Department and EMT services, and participation in community events, such as Colts Neck Day. The church also inspired its youth to serve the community's elderly with home-improvement volunteer work. In fact, in 2006, the CNCC became the first church in the Northeast to host its first of many World Changers programs. At World Changers, hundreds of teenagers and their sponsors come together every year to mow lawns, repair roofs, install wheelchair ramps and more in the local communities of Neptune and Freehold, New Jersey. Also in 2006, Pastor Chris Durkin, today's current pastor, was tapped to lead the congregation. With hundreds of member families, the church, under Pastor Durkin, continues its strong dedication to meeting the needs of the greater community. Members continue to provide fun, Bible- based summer activities for children through their Vacation Bible School program, fall festival and their well-attended Christmastime living nativity. Additionally, they help support those dealing with loss by facilitating the Griefshare program. Similarly, CNCC members participate in disaster relief and serve local non-profits, such as Jersey Shore Rescue Mission and Solutions Pregnancy Center, showing true Christian love and providing critical support to those in need. Over the years, CNCC has continued to build upon the vision and commitment of its predecessors--sharing the Gospel with more people and expanding the reach of its ministries and services. Their powerful combination of faith and good works knows no bounds. On this joyous occasion of the CNCC's Golden Jubilee anniversary, I am honored to congratulate church leader, Pastor Chris Durkin and his wife, Melissa; my good friend and congregation President, the remarkably effective Glen Dalakian and his wonderful wife, Cyndi; and all the leaders and members of the Colts Neck Community Church. My wife, Marie, and I thank them for their Christ-inspired love and service for our community, and we pray that the church continues to grow, thrive and attend to the good people of Colts Ne”

2026-05-14 · Government Reform

“Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on March 10, 2026, the citizens of Wall, New Jersey will officially recognize the 175th anniversary of the founding of their Township, a historic and vibrant municipality located in the 4th Congressional District of New Jersey. From its critical contributions in support of the American patriots during the Revolutionary War, to the important technological innovations discovered there during the 20th century, to the expansive selection of primary and specialty medical care providers offered there [[Page E194]] today, Wall Township has given its residents much to be proud of and celebrate. Officially incorporated in March of 1851, Wall Township was named in honor of Garret D. Wall, a notable New Jersey lawyer, judge, and U.S. Senator during the mid-19th century. Senator Wall was also a veteran of the War of 1812, who was stationed at Sandy Hook, and a Quartermaster general for the State of New Jersey. And Senator Wall was the only man appointed to Governor who declined to serve. Naming Wall Township in his honor speaks to Senator Wall's humility, patriotism, integrity, and once-in-a-lifetime service. But Wall Township's rich and expansive history can be traced back to before its incorporation--as far back to pre-Revolutionary War times. In 1693, East and West New Jersey Governor Andrew Hamilton established Monmouth County, New Jersey, which, at the time, only consisted of three townships: Freehold, Middletown, and Shrewsbury. Modern-day Wall Township existed within Shrewsbury's historic borders. And during this time, Wall Township established itself as a critical, resourceful, and productive part of Monmouth County and New Jersey as a whole. In 1776, when the Continental Congress issued urgent calls to the colonies to boost salt production, the colonists of early Wall Township answered. They established numerous emergency saltworks, which were critical for preserving fish, meat, and hides, in addition to making gunpowder--vital to the success of our nascent army. Among these emergency saltworks was the infamous Union Saltworks on the Manasquan River, which was repeatedly destroyed by the British and reconstructed by the Americans--showing that the residents of Wall were then, as they are now, the ``salt of the Earth.'' In fact, the repeated rebuilding of Union Saltworks is a testament to the enduring grit that still defines Wall residents to this day. Nearly two centuries later, Wall Township again became a hotspot for making significant contributions to U.S. military operations and national security. In the early 20th century, Wall Township became the birthplace of the Marconi Belmar Wireless Station, a massive trans-Atlantic radio transmission complex built by inventor Guglielmo Marconi. Prior to the United States' entry into World War II, the U.S. Army acquired the Marconi Station in 1941 and established Camp Evans, a military communications center and cutting-edge radar research facility. At Camp Evans, military researchers and scientists developed novel broadcasting and defense technologies, many of which are still used today. Namely, Camp Evans boasted the radar technology that was able to detect the Japanese planes within an hour of their bombing of Pearl Harbor. This technology was also used to aid U.S. air power, playing a vital role in securing Allied success during World War II. Camp Evans is also the home of Project Radar Diana--an unofficial U.S. Army project named after the Roman moon goddess Diana and conducted during the mid-1940s--that contributed to momentous breakthroughs in space exploration. Project Radar Diana laid the foundation for future U.S. space exploration and helped make our first voyage into space possible. Wall Township's innovative spirit lives on through its nearly 27,000 residents, as the home of a diverse small business and growing eco- tourism sector, numerous parks and open spaces, and highly rated schools. Among the scientists, astronauts, entrepreneurs, musicians, political leaders, and decorated war heroes who have all called Wall Township home are the supportive parents, good neighbors, hard workers, and caring citizens that make up this amazing community. I am honored to congratulate the entire municipality and join in celebrating this amazing milestone. It has been a momentous past 175 years, and I can only imagine the great heights to which Wall Township will soar over the next 175 years. ____________________”

2026-03-05 · Government Reform

“Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise, to commemorate the work of my friend and colleague Donald Payne, Jr. on what would have been his 67th birthday had he not passed away far too soon. As we remember Donald Payne, we first and foremost recall that he was a kind man and compassionate lawmaker who cared deeply for the people of his district, our State, the country, those in need, and especially the sick. Like his father before him--Congressman Donald Payne, Sr., who I served with--Donald, Jr. was a dedicated public servant. As a diabetic, he fought to lower the cost of insulin. He wrote the House-passed Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act and the Amputation Reduction and the Compassion Act which would provide full coverage for peripheral artery screening tests for patients at risk of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) to help reduce PAD-related amputations. I was proud to work with him on his Payment Choice Act that would ensure retail stores accept cash--which is the only available payment option for millions of Americans. His TEST for Lead Act was designed to protect children from lead- contaminated drinking water in schools, and he wrote the DHS Interoperable Communications Act that became law in July 2015. As chairman and then ranking member of the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Donald helped lead the charge to improve America's transportation infrastructure, played a key role in securing the Gateway project for New Jersey and New York, and was a powerful ally of Amtrak. Before coming to Congress Donald Payne served two terms on the Newark City Council, including as president, and beginning in 2005, three terms as an Essex County freeholder, which we now call county commissioner. We are grateful for his public service, and offer our continued prayers for his soul and our continued support to his wife, Beatrice, and their children, Donald, III, Jack, and Yvonne. Donald Payne, Jr. is deeply missed. May he rest in peace and may God's perpetual light shine upon him. ____________________”

2025-12-17 · Government Reform