I 
109TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 3108 
To establish the Commission on Religious Freedom and Respect in the Armed 
Forces to assess the freedom of religion and respect for the diversity 
of spiritual values in the Armed Forces. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 29, 2005 
Mr. ISRAEL (for himself, Mrs. CAPPS, and Mrs. DAVIS of California) intro-
duced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed 
Services 
A BILL 
To establish the Commission on Religious Freedom and Re-
spect in the Armed Forces to assess the freedom of 
religion and respect for the diversity of spiritual values 
in the Armed Forces. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Religious Freedom and 
Respect in the Armed Forces Commission Act’’. 
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. 
There is established a commission to be known as the 
‘‘Commission on Religious Freedom and Respect in the
Armed Forces’’ (in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Commis-
sion’’). 
SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. 
In this Act, the term ‘‘religious freedom’’ means the 
freedom to choose one’s religious beliefs, to express such 
beliefs, and to exercise one’s religious beliefs, rituals, and 
traditions, without coercion or intimidation. 
SEC. 4. DUTIES AND POWERS. 
(a) DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.—The Commission 
shall conduct a review to assess religious freedom, and re-
spect and tolerance for the diversity of spiritual values, 
in the Armed Forces. The review conducted by the Com-
mission shall include—
(1) an examination of the issues of religious 
freedom and respect for the diversity of spiritual val-
ues in the Armed Forces; 
(2) an assessment of the policies, procedures, 
and responsibilities for the accommodation of reli-
gious exercise in the Armed Forces; 
(3) a review of the report titled ‘‘The Report of 
the Headquarters Review Group Concerning the Re-
ligious Climate at the U.S. Air Force Academy’’, 
issued on June 22, 2005; and 
(4) a review of any reports by the Government 
Accountability Office or an Inspector General, and
any recommendations from other governmental or 
nongovernmental sources, regarding religious free-
dom and respect for the diversity of spiritual values 
in the Armed Forces that the Commission considers 
appropriate. 
(b) AREAS OF REVIEW.—As part of the review under 
subsection (a), the Commission shall identify and make 
findings regarding— 
(1) opportunities to clarify guidelines for reli-
gious freedom in the Armed Forces; 
(2) areas within the Armed Forces where ac-
commodation of religious freedom can be enhanced 
and improved; and 
(3) ways to improve and enhance respect and 
tolerance for the diversity of spiritual values in the 
Armed Forces. 
(c) HEARINGS.—The Commission may, for the pur-
pose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, take testi-
mony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers 
appropriate. The Commission may issue subpoenas to 
compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of 
documents, and may administer oaths to witnesses ap-
pearing before it. 
(d) OBTAINING OFFICIAL DATA.—Subject to sections 
552, 552a, and 552b of title 5, United States Code, the
Commission may secure directly from any department or 
agency of the United States information necessary to en-
able it to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chair-
man of the Commission, the head of that department or 
agency shall furnish the information to the Commission. 
(e) CONTRACTS.—The Commission may contract, as 
the Commission considers appropriate, for the provision 
of services, facilities, studies, and reports that will assist 
the Commission in carrying out its duties, responsibilities, 
and powers. 
SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP. 
(a) NUMBER AND QUALIFICATIONS.—The Commis-
sion shall be composed of 12 members, appointed from 
among individuals who are scholars, experts, or other indi-
viduals with substantial knowledge of or experience in— 
(1) the constitution and church-state relations; 
(2) pastoral care; or 
(3) professional development in the Armed 
Forces. 
(b) APPOINTMENT.—Of the members described 
under subsection (a)— 
(1) four shall be appointed by the President, 
not more than 2 of whom may be of the same polit-
ical party;
(2) two shall be appointed by the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives; 
(3) two shall be appointed by the minority lead-
er of the House of Representatives; 
(4) two shall be appointed by the majority lead-
er of the Senate; and 
(5) two shall be appointed by the minority lead-
er of the Senate. 
(c) OPERATIONS.— 
(1) APPOINTMENT.—Members of the Commis-
sion shall be appointed not later than 30 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(2) CHAIRMAN.—The President shall designate 
one member of the Commission to serve as Chair-
man of the Commission. 
(3) MEETINGS.— 
(A) FREQUENCY.—The Commission shall 
meet monthly at the call of the Chairman and 
at additional times as the Commission considers 
appropriate. 
(B) QUORUM.—Seven members of the 
Commission shall constitute a quorum but a 
lesser number may hold hearings. 
(4) COMPENSATION.—Members of the Commis-
sion shall serve without pay, but shall receive travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, 
in accordance with applicable provisions under sub-
chapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
Code. 
(5) PROFESSIONAL
STAFF.—The Commission 
may employ, pursuant to laws and regulations gov-
erning the civil service, an executive secretary and 
any clerical, professional, and technical assistants as 
may be necessary. 
(6) TERMS
AND
VACANCIES.—Each member 
shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. A 
vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the 
manner in which the original appointment was 
made. The appointment of the replacement member 
shall be made not later than 30 days after the date 
on which the vacancy occurs. 
SEC. 6. REPORT. 
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Commission shall submit a report 
to the President and Congress on the Commission’s find-
ings. The report shall include the following: 
(1) An assessment of religious freedom, and re-
spect and tolerance for the diversity of spiritual val-
ues, in the Armed Forces.
(2) Recommendations to clarify the right of re-
ligious freedom in the Armed Forces and to ensure 
that the rights of those who engage in religious exer-
cise and expression, as well as those who do not, are 
respected. 
(3) Recommendations regarding how the Armed 
Forces can promote and enhance tolerance and re-
spect for the spiritual values of all people. 
SEC. 7. TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION. 
The Commission shall terminate 60 days after the 
date on which the Commission submits the report required 
under section 6. 
SEC. 8. FUNDING. 
Funds for activities of the Commission shall be pro-
vided from amounts appropriated for the Department of 
Defense. 
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