# Christopher Smith Republican Representative · NJ-4 [Official site ↗](https://chrissmith.house.gov) [JSON](https://whovotedwhy.com/data/politicians/S000522.json) [Report an error](mailto:hello@jonasneves.com?subject=WhoVotedWhy%20correction%3A%20member%20S000522&body=Row%20or%20page%3A%20member%20S000522%0AWhat%20is%20wrong%3A%0APrimary%20source%20that%20shows%20it%3A%0A) 5 press releases on AI Data as of: votes Oct 21, 2026 · statements Oct 19, 2026 · contributions Oct 19, 2026 · super PAC spending Oct 23, 2026. [What changed](https://whovotedwhy.com/data/changes.json) ## Said and voted ### Same bill, both records Bills this member both voted on and cited in a release. Shown side by side; no score is drawn from them ([why](https://whovotedwhy.com/about)). [Ratepayer Protection Act](https://whovotedwhy.com/bills/a43d67bbafe647d3) YEA [On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/2b7d2d9f22b81270) passage under suspension · Sep 16, 2026 · Passed 417-3 toward oversight Sep 17, 2026 Smith voted for the Ratepayer Protection Act to require AI data centers, not families, to pay for their energy infrastructure costs. [Read the release ↗](https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415843) ### What they said toward oversight Sep 17, 2026 Smith voted for the Ratepayer Protection Act to require AI data centers, not families, to pay for their energy infrastructure costs. “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 protec…” [Source ↗](https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415843) [cites HR.9340](https://whovotedwhy.com/bills/a43d67bbafe647d3) toward oversight Aug 27, 2026 Smith backs Manchester Township's ordinance banning AI data centers, citing environmental risks and burdens on local water, electricity, and ratepayers. “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-…” [Source ↗](https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415807) toward oversight Aug 26, 2026 Smith supports banning AI data centers in Manchester, saying residents' concerns must not be steamrolled by tech companies seeking profit. “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 t…” [Source ↗](https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415808) toward oversight Aug 25, 2026 Smith joins county and township officials in opposing AI data center development, urging land-use safeguards and due diligence before approval. “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 ov…” [Source ↗](https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415803) toward oversight Aug 24, 2026 Smith joins local officials in opposing AI data center development in Ocean County, backing land-use safeguards and due diligence because of environmental, water, and electricity burdens on residents. “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…” [Source ↗](https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415797) Summaries and stance tags are written by a model; the release is the record. ### How they voted YEA Sep 16, 2026 [Ratepayer Protection Act](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/2b7d2d9f22b81270) passage under suspension · H.R. 9340 · Passed 417-3 NAY Jul 22, 2026 [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/4e1afa79062efed0) motion to recommit · H.R. 8800 · Failed 213-216 YEA Jul 22, 2026 [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/0738d91905dc4b0e) passage · H.R. 8800 · Passed 216-212 YEA Jun 29, 2026 [KIDS Act](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/66fd8f27dd804f2b) passage under suspension · H.R. 7757 · Passed 267-117 YEA Jan 20, 2026 [AI for Main Street Act](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/e27463e864c986ac) passage under suspension · H.R. 5764 · Passed 395-14 NAY Dec 10, 2025 [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/0100b757ace90999) procedural · S. 1071 · Failed 209-216 YEA Dec 10, 2025 [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/a25c2a752d51bf81) passage · S. 1071 · Passed 312-112 NAY Sep 10, 2025 [Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026](https://whovotedwhy.com/votes/568b5e8fcd2727ab) motion to recommit · H.R. 3838 · Failed 208-219