[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM 
                      REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 19, 2022

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3895, the U.S. 
Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization 
Act. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes USCIRF through 2024 and 
demonstrates strong congressional support for its mission of promoting 
religious freedom as a core objective of U.S. foreign policy.
  As the daughter of immigrants who fled religious persecution abroad, 
I believe the U.S. has a responsibility to stand up for the rights of 
religious minorities around the world. That's why I'm proud to have 
joined Congressman Chris Smith in introducing H.R. 7829, the House 
companion of S. 3895. I'm grateful to Rep. Smith for partnering with me 
on this legislation and for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that 
all people can practice the religion of their choice without fear of 
persecution.
  In 1998, Congress established USCIRF, an independent commission 
dedicated to promoting religious freedom through U.S. foreign policy. 
In the years since its founding, the Commission has lived up to its 
mandate by issuing incisive reports about religious freedom conditions 
abroad, advising Congress and Executive Branch officials, and sounding 
the alarm when religious persecution occurs. Importantly, the 
Commission is independent from the State Department, ensuring that its 
assessments of religious freedom conditions abroad are not influenced 
by, or perceived to be influenced by, other U.S. foreign policy 
interests.
  We live in an era in which religious freedom is threatened in much of 
the world. The Chinese government is perpetrating genocide against 
Uyghur Muslims; Christians in Iraq and Syria have been subjected to 
ethnic strife and the ravages of war; and the Burmese junta continues 
its horrific genocidal campaign against the Rohingya minority. It's 
clear that USCIRF's work is as important today as ever before.
  By reauthorizing USCIRF on a bipartisan basis, Congress will 
demonstrate strong support for the Commission and its critical work to 
promote religious freedom abroad. I urge my colleagues to stand with 
the persecuted religious minorities of the world by supporting this 
legislation.

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