A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.
International Religious Freedom: Support and Protection
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This resolution declares that the right to practice any religion—or no religion at all—is a basic human right. It states that protecting this freedom should be a top priority for how the United States interacts with other countries to help foster global peace and stability.
- The document highlights serious human rights violations in several countries, including the imprisonment of over 1,000,000 people in China and the destruction of hundreds of churches, mosques, and other holy sites in places like Burma, India, and Ukraine.
- It calls on the State Department to use its power to punish people and governments that attack religious groups. This includes using sanctions, which are financial penalties that can block bad actors from using the United States banking system or traveling to the country.
- The resolution also suggests that the United States should look at a country's record on religious freedom before agreeing to any new free trade deals. This would use American economic influence to encourage other nations to protect the rights of their citizens.
- The Senate expresses grave concern over the thousands of people who were imprisoned or killed for their faith in 2023. It specifically condemns laws in 96 countries that make it a crime to speak out against a religion or to change one's faith.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 105.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment and with a preamble. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S596-597)
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(9)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.