House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, along with Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart and Legislative Branch Subcommittee Vice Chair Riley Moore, have expressed support for President Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) because of ongoing persecution of Christians.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers said: “Nigeria is the most dangerous nation on Earth to follow Christ. For simply practicing their faith, Christians are actively being kidnapped, attacked, and slaughtered. With President Trump announcing he will be redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, the United States is making clear in one resolute voice: religious persecution will not be tolerated. The scourge of anti-Christian violence and oppression of other religious minorities by radical Islamic terrorists is an affront to religious freedom. This is a critical step in mobilizing leadership and attention to confront evil extremism.
"The House Appropriations Committee will continue standing with the Trump Administration by advancing policies that protect the freedom to live according to one’s faith without fear of violence and retribution. Defending religious liberty worldwide is both a moral duty and a vital American interest. We pray other world leaders will follow and join the global effort to stop extremist violence before more innocent lives are lost.
"This is also another significant reminder of why reopening the government and passing full-year appropriations bills is so critically important. Mr. President, we are prepared to act on instituting the America First agenda through our FY26 bill. As soon as the Democrat shutdown ends, we will continue moving full-year appropriations across the finish line to uphold your priorities. We know you’ll be ready at your desk with a pen in hand.”
The House Appropriations Committee has stated its commitment to promoting accountability in U.S. foreign policy by supporting policies that condition aid on cooperation from recipient countries and increasing funding for those persecuted due to their faith. The Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill aims to boost support for international religious freedom initiatives while enhancing oversight over U.S.-funded programs assisting Nigerian communities affected by extremist violence.
After four years during which no action was taken under the Biden Administration regarding Nigeria's CPC status, current legislation requires the State Department to explain any failure to act on recommendations from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom and maintains funding for efforts aiding victims in Nigeria.
President Trump’s recent decision comes ahead of congressional action on these measures, emphasizing what lawmakers describe as an urgent human rights issue that continues to draw bipartisan attention within Congress.
