Congress Should Reauthorize Commission on International Religious Freedom

Washington

As the December 11 funding deadline nears for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Freedom House issued the following statement:

"Congress should act immediately to reauthorize USCIRF," said Mark P. Lagon, president. "The Commission plays an important role in protecting freedom of religion and belief by tracking and reporting on abuses around the world. Its independent recommendations to the President and Congress are a needed tool for effectively addressing persecution. Congress should make USCIRF reauthorization a priority."

Background:

USCIRF's authorization expired on September 30 and was temporarily funded in the Continuing Resolution that expires December 11. This week the House will vote on S.2078, a bill to reauthorize the Commission until 2019. Created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, USCIRF includes nine commissioners: three appointed by the President, two selected by members of the President's party in Congress, and four selected by members of Congress not from the President's party.

The United States is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2015, Free in Freedom of the Press 2015, and Free in Freedom on the Net 2014.