[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REFORM AND 
                      REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2011

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2867, a bill 
to reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom 
(USCIRF).
  Around the world, millions of people suffer persecution merely 
because they practice a different religion than other people around 
them. No one should be made to feel that the practice of their religion 
is a crime or a source of shame. Such persecution violates their 
inalienable human right to practice the religion of their own choosing 
and promotes political instability. The historical record is replete 
with incidents of violence and conflicts that have their source in 
sectarian and religious differences and rivalries.
  The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is an 
important advocate for the freedom of religion and helps promote the 
issue as an integral part of the U.S. foreign policy and national 
security agendas. Additionally, by providing data analysis and 
assessment of conditions in affected areas, USCIRF enables the U.S. to 
impact acts of religious repression and intolerance in countries around 
the world.
  USCIRF helps to advance the visibility of religious freedom as a 
priority of U.S. foreign policy and helps to address the challenges of 
religious extremism, intolerance, and repression throughout the globe.
  I support the USCIRF and its mission and I encourage my colleagues to 
join me in support of H.R. 2867.

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