The House overwhelmingly passed legislation June 8 to extend the independent federal watchdog that monitors and exposes violations of religious freedom around the world and authorize its annual funding through fiscal year 2028.
The measure, H.R. 1744, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2026, was authored by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., who is Catholic and is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
In a press release, Smith described the vote as a strong bipartisan statement in support of monitoring and advancing religious freedom abroad. USCIRF, an independent bipartisan agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act — which Smith originally cosponsored — issues annual reports, recommends designations of “Countries of Particular Concern,” and advises U.S. policymakers on religious persecution worldwide.
“USCIRF’s high-quality reporting and high-profile commissioners influence the State Department’s work on religious freedom, making it more transparent, honest and effective,” Smith said during floor debate.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has also expressed support for USCIRF, according to Smith.
“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 USCCB wrote in a 2024 letter cited by Smith. “Over the years, USCCB has advocated strongly for the mission of USCIRF because of its critical role in promoting human rights around the world by monitoring and promoting religious freedom.”
According to Smith’s release, the bishops added that the USCIRF’s work is “vital” to ensuring the commission can “continue to highlight the need to protect those who are discriminated against, harassed and even killed for their faith,” especially at a time when “international religious freedom is increasingly imperiled.”
The bill now heads to the Senate. If signed into law, it would keep the commission authorized through fiscal year 2028.