Elected in 1980, U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-Manchester, N.J.) is serving his 23rd term representing New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District. A senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he chairs its Africa Subcommittee, overseeing U.S. policy and funding related to Africa, including key agencies like USAID and PEPFAR. Smith also co-chairs the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, while serving on the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, focusing on issues like human trafficking, religious freedom, and labor rights.

Smith has a long record of bipartisan leadership, chairing numerous caucuses including Pro-Life, Autism (which he co-founded), Alzheimer’s, Human Trafficking, and others. According to GovTrack, he ranks first in the House for the number of laws authored, with 50 enacted laws to his name.

He has been a leading advocate for autism research and support, authoring multiple landmark laws including the Autism CARES Act of 2024 and its predecessors that collectively fund billions in research and services. Smith is also a foremost figure in combating human trafficking, authoring five major anti-trafficking laws including the original Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and its subsequent reauthorizations.

Among his other significant legislation are laws addressing genocide relief, international child abduction, veterans’ benefits, stem cell research, and international notification of traveling sex offenders through the International Megan’s Law. His work often reflects a strong commitment to human rights, health, and security both domestically and globally.

A lifelong New Jersey resident born in Rahway and raised in Iselin, Smith lives in Manchester with his wife Marie. He holds a business degree from The College of New Jersey and has experience in sales and nonprofit leadership before entering Congress.