United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025 would renew and extend the funding authorization for USCIRF through fiscal year 2028. By amending the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the bill shifts the previous funding authorization window (through 2025 and 2026) forward to 2027 and 2028, and extends the overall expiration date for authorization to September 30, 2028. The bill does not change USCIRF’s mandate or powers; it simply guarantees continued annual appropriations for two additional years (FY 2027 and FY 2028). In practical terms, this ensures USCIRF can maintain staffing, programs, and operations to monitor, report on, and make policy recommendations regarding international religious freedom without a lapse in funding authorization. The act preserves the status quo of USCIRF’s mission and oversight role, aligning funding authority with the current policy framework.
Key Points
- 1Short title established: United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025.
- 2Authorization of appropriations extended: Amends the funding authorization to cover fiscal years 2027 and 2028 (previously 2025 and 2026).
- 3Extension of authorization period: Extends the expiration of the authorization to September 30, 2028 (previously September 30, 2026).
- 4No change to USCIRF’s mandate: The bill does not alter the Commission’s duties, powers, or reporting requirements; it solely extends funding authorization.
- 5Bill status and sponsorship: Introduced in the House on February 27, 2025, by Rep. Smith (NJ) with Reps. Sherman, Bilirakis, and Cuellar; referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.