[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H2594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   URGING PRESIDENT BIDEN TO NOMINATE AN AMBASSADOR AT LARGE FOR THE 
               OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

  (Mr. HILL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the rising 
rate of religious persecution around the world, where billions are 
persecuted for practicing their chosen faith.
  One of the tools we have to combat global religious injustice is the 
Office of International Religious Freedom at the State Department. 
However, this office remains without leadership. Thus far, President 
Biden has neglected to appoint an ambassador-at-large for International 
Religious Freedom.
  That is why I led a bipartisan and bicameral letter to President 
Biden to take action and appoint an ambassador-at-large for 
International Religious Freedom.
  Religious freedom is one of the most basic human rights, Mr. Speaker, 
yet religious persecution continues around the world in countries like 
Iran, Russia, and China.
  President Biden must act now and nominate this ambassador and give 
the U.S. Government a leading voice to combat this persecution and 
ensure a future where all mankind can freely practice their religion of 
choice without fear.

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