U.S. House Passes USCIRF Reauthorization Bill Following Senate Approval
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C., September 25 – On Monday night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Act of 2024 (S. 3764) under the suspension of rules procedure, requiring a two-thirds majority vote. The bill passed with 365 votes in favor and 20 against, following a unanimous Senate vote earlier last week. This reauthorization ensures that USCIRF will continue its critical work of monitoring and promoting international religious freedom worldwide for the next two years.
The bipartisan legislation underscores the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to protecting religious freedom globally. USCIRF, an independent, bipartisan federal entity, was established in 1998 to monitor religious persecution and discrimination abroad and make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress.
Senator Marco Rubio [R-FL], who sponsored the Senate bill, emphasized the importance of USCIRF’s role: “Let us take a moment to recognize the importance of USCIRF’s mission of defending and protecting religious freedoms worldwide. From the ongoing persecution of Catholics in Nicaragua and Cuba, to the forced abortions and sterilizations against Uyghurs by Communist China, to the rise of antisemitism, religious freedoms worldwide are at stake.”
The reauthorization comes at a crucial time, as religious persecution continues to escalate in many parts of the world. Over the past year, USCIRF has reported on the increasing suppression of religious minorities in regions like South Asia, the Middle East, and China. With this renewed mandate, USCIRF can continue investigating violations, issuing reports, and advocating for victims of religious oppression.
Former USCIRF Chair and current IRF Secretariat President, Nadine Maenza welcomed the reauthorization, stating:
“Even in a contentious election year, USCIRF once again shows it has strong bipartisan support by passing both the House and the Senate by overwhelming margins. Thanks to Senators Rubio and Cardin and Representatives Chris Smith and Eshoo for leading the effort, and Speaker Johnson for prioritizing its vote on the House floor. It’s time to ask Congress for a permanent reauthorization so USCIRF can better plan and use their resources to meet their mission to advance international religious freedom or belief, by independently assessing and unflinchingly confronting threats to this fundamental right.”
The USCIRF reauthorization reinforces the U.S.’s commitment to standing against regimes and groups that violate religious freedom. USCIRF's work, including its Annual Report, helps guide the designation of "Countries of Particular Concern" (CPCs) and provides recommendations for sanctions or diplomatic actions. This framework supports policymakers in addressing religious freedom violations and ensuring accountability.
The bill will now be sent to President Joseph Biden for signature, securing USCIRF’s future until 2026.
The recently appointed Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Stephen Schneck adds:
“Civil society is essential to the work USCIRF does in advancing international religious freedom and indeed to its reauthorization. The IRF Roundtable’s Congressional Working Group worked tirelessly to share the value they find in USCIRF’s mandate and ongoing work. The time and effort spent by a diverse coalition of groups and individuals, including the 218-strong-signature-letter, showed members of congress that people from various backgrounds and belief groups depend on USCIRF’s independent and objective research and unflinching recommendations to the President, the State Department, and Congress in amplifying their voices to further advance freedom of religion or belief.”
The aforementioned, International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable, played a key role in encouraging congressional offices to bring this bill to the Senate and House floors for a vote. Congressional Working Group co-chairs, Anna Sineva and Kyle Cristofalo stated, “By reauthorizing the USCIRF, Congress has sent a clear message: the protection of religious freedom is not just a moral obligation but a key element of U.S. national security and foreign diplomacy. With violations of religious freedom on the rise, we are grateful USCIRF can continue its vital work in the next Congress.”
About USCIRF:
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government entity established by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The Commission monitors religious freedom abroad and makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress to strengthen the United States' promotion of this fundamental right.
All media inquiries and press communications for the IRF Roundtable are managed and facilitated by the IRF Secretariat.
For further information, please contact:
Kaylee Fisher
kfisher@irfsecretariat.org
