Yesterday, Representatives French Hill (AR-02) and Jim McGovern (MA-02) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives. The resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to advancing religious freedom abroad and highlights countries that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended for placement on the State Department’s Special Watch List due to serious violations of religious freedom.
“Religious freedom is a foundational American value and a basic human right, and we cannot turn a blind eye when people around the world are persecuted simply for exercising their faith. This resolution puts countries on notice that the United States will continue to call out religious oppression wherever it exists. We have a responsibility to use our voice and our influence to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and I am proud to take the lead on this issue alongside my colleague, Representative McGovern,” said Congressman Hill.
Congressman Jim McGovern stated, “International law guarantees all people the right to freedom of religion or belief. This year, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended the placement of twelve countries on the State Department’s Special Watch List due to their governments’ failure to guarantee that right. I am proud to join Representative Hill in introducing this resolution to affirm that the U.S. must lead when it comes to religious freedom.”
The United States established its focus on promoting religious liberty internationally with the passage of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which made it an important part of U.S. foreign policy.
The new resolution draws attention specifically to Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, and Uzbekistan as countries USCIRF has recommended for inclusion on the Special Watch List. These nations are identified as having severe violations of religious freedom but do not meet criteria for designation as Countries of Particular Concern.
The resolution calls for Congress to reaffirm U.S. leadership in promoting global religious liberty and urges strong engagement by the State Department with international partners regarding these issues. It also highlights roles such as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism as important in defending these rights worldwide.
French Hill is currently serving in Congress representing Arkansas’ 2nd district since 2015 after succeeding Tim Griffin. He was born in Little Rock in 1956 and continues living there today; he graduated from Vanderbilt University with a BS degree in 1975.
