Chris Smith’s religious freedom bill becomes law

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is celebrating the enactment of legislation he authored to extend the work of a U.S. commission that monitors religious persecution abroad.

Signed into law Nov. 3 by President Donald Trump, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the commission’s work and authorizes funding through fiscal year 2028, according to a Nov. 11 press release from Smith’s office.

“The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is the U.S. government’s most effective, unbiased, and respected voice for victims of religious persecution throughout the globe,” he said. “I am grateful to President Trump, as well as my colleagues in both chambers of Congress, for recognizing the timeliness and importance of this critical legislation.”

Established in 1998, the independent, bipartisan commission reviews religious freedom violations abroad and recommends policy responses to the president, secretary of state, and Congress, the release said.

Smith’s office also highlighted support from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which it said has long advocated for the commission’s mission, citing a February 2024 letter supporting an earlier reauthorization.

“The Catholic Church has long viewed religious freedom as a basic human right since it is rooted in the dignity of the human person and is critical to the health of societies,” the bishops wrote.

The USCCB emphasized the commission’s role in drawing attention to people persecuted for their faith.

“At a time when international religious freedom is increasingly imperiled, it is vital that USCIRF be reauthorized so that it can continue to highlight the need to protect those who are discriminated against, harassed and even killed for their faith,” the bishops continued.

The law’s enactment follows Trump’s September appointment of three new members to the commission, including Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron, as Zeale News previously reported.

Smith said USCIRF has issued 27 annual reports and recommended designating 26 countries as “countries of particular concern,” with the State Department ultimately designating 18.

He also highlighted the commission’s work addressing antisemitism, including reports, hearings, and recommendations to the State Department.

Smith said, “History has shown that when the U.S. elevates religious freedom and that priority is conveyed to Countries of Particular Concern, conditions often change for the better, prisoners of conscience gain their freedom, and progress is made toward freer exercise of religious liberty.”