Date: 2016-05-16
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 1150. amending the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act. I support this measure because the right to freedom of religion has been a cornerstone of the American conscience. Many of our countrys first leaders fled religious persecution abroad and went on to establish laws protecting religious freedom. This core belief of our great nation does not stop at our national borders. we offer refuge to those suffering from religious persecution throughout the world. A testament to this commitment was the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 which was a landmark piece of legislation seeking to make religious freedom a higher priority in U.S. Foreign policy. The Act was approved by Congress unanimously in 1998 and signed into law by President Clinton. The Act condemns violations of religious freedom and promotes and assists other governments in the promotion of the fundamental right to freedom of religion. While strides have been made in establishing worldwide practice of freedom of religion. it is currently under attack. Let me also note that people are being prosecuted under blasphemy laws for freedom of expression. which is why I introduced the bipartisan measure H. Res. 290. calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws. I support H.R. 1150 because we must continue to work to preserve religious freedoms as well as making sure that religion is not a pretext for prosecution or persecution in the world. Indeed. one of the key amendments to IRFA would be to relocate the Office of International Religious Freedom within the Office of the Secretary of State. This action would allow for greater coordination of strategic focus and the minimization of duplicated efforts. streamline mandates. and centralize efforts to engage religious communities and promote human rights more generally in regards to religious freedom. Currently. the office is headed by the Ambassador atLarge for International Religious Freedom which monitors religious persecution and discrimination worldwide to develop policy recommendations. programs. and awareness. Besides being placed in the Secretary of States office. the Ambassador at large would be able to make every effort to collaborate and coordinate across all U.S. agencies and departments to formulate strategic religious freedom policies. programs. and activities. These two changes will provide a greater ability for us to advance religious freedom throughout the world. H.R. 1150 will also allow us to assist emerging democracies to implement freedom of religion while also helping older partners maintain their freedom of religion practices and conscience. H.R. 1150 calls to ensure that our diplomats and foreign policy experts are well versed in the importance of religious freedom and how to address atrocities related to religion. H.R. 1150 also addresses how to improve our ability to promote freedom of religion by enhancing the capabilities and knowledge of our diplomats. Our Foreign Service Officers (FSO) are on the front lines everyday carrying out American foreign policy while also shaping it. which makes sure that they are adequately trained on religious freedom. H.R. 1150 directs the Secretary to develop mandatory religious freedom training for all Foreign Service Officers. This major change will enhance FSO capabilities to identify severe persecutors to help assemble the Ambassadors Annual Report on International Religious Freedom. In addition to the Annual Report. H.R. 1150 calls for an updated lists of persons that are currently being persecuted and forced to renounce their faith. This is essential in bringing awareness to countries that need to be monitored or that have nonstate actors that have high levels of detainment. disappearance. torture. or murder based on someones religion. Another key aspect of H.R. 1150 is to enhance engagement and coordination with the executive branch on issues pertaining to international religious freedom policies and global religion engagement strategies. This would be achieved through amendment of The National Security Act of 1947. calling for the appointment of a Special Adviser for Global Religious Engagement and establishing the Interagency Policy Committee on Religious Freedom and Engagement. Mr. Speaker. I urge all Members to support adequate funding in order to enable rapid and decisive efforts of supporting democracy and preservation of human rights.