Following President Trump's call to action and the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), members of the House Appropriations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee have delivered a joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria to the White House. The report is based on an investigation that included interviews with experts, hearings, roundtables, bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria, and collaboration with the Trump Administration.
The committees found that Nigeria is currently considered one of the most dangerous places for Christians due to ongoing violence by jihadist groups. According to committee members, weak enforcement and limited accountability have allowed these networks to continue attacks against civilians. The report emphasizes that addressing these threats is necessary not only for protecting religious freedom but also for maintaining regional stability and safeguarding U.S. national security interests.
Among its recommendations, the report calls for a bilateral agreement between the United States and Nigeria aimed at protecting Christian communities, eliminating terror activity, increasing economic cooperation, and countering adversaries in the region. It also suggests withholding funding from the Nigerian government until it takes action against violence targeting Christians through implementation of appropriations legislation. Other proposed measures include publicizing CPC Presidential Directives, imposing sanctions on those involved in violence against Christians, continuing visa restrictions for perpetrators, demanding repeal of sharia codes and anti-blasphemy laws, and using leverage over cattle exports to encourage disarmament among Fulani herdsmen.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said: “Liberty continues when strength stands guard. The freedom to worship is not a fleeting ideal, it is a cornerstone of America. From U.S. beginnings, our shores drew those seeking to pray without fear, and that promise must endure. So, though oceans stand between us, the call to protect faith and humanity does not fade with distance. President Trump made that clear when taking decisive action in Nigeria while simultaneously tasking us to deliver a report on further actions to protect persecuted Christians. I commend the work of our Vice Chair and NSRP Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Riley Moore, and our committee members in leading efforts to stop extremism and systemic violence against innocent people. Our joint report focuses on defending lives, upholding religious liberty, and stopping terrorists. We affirm a necessary duality, no matter where we are: we defend U.S. principles by enforcing security. We protect faith by dismantling terror. And we recognize that a world where believers are safe is not achieved through hope alone – it is secured through vigilance that deters evil, confronts violence, and stands watch so prayer is never left undefended.”
Mario Díaz-Balart added: “During my official travel to Nigeria, I heard directly from witnesses and experts about the horrific violence being carried out against Christians. No one should face persecution or death for practicing their faith. President Trump’s America First foreign policy makes clear that defending fundamental freedoms including religious liberty is a core U.S priority at home and abroad...We must stand with vulnerable communities including Christian communities...and ensure those responsible for this violence are held accountable.”
Riley Moore stated: “Following today’s productive meeting at the White House...I want to thank President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern...Since President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC...I have worked diligently with my colleagues to produce the report we presented today....I traveled on a bipartisan delegation...and saw with my own eyes the horrific atrocities Christians face....Through Congressional hearings...we have provided a clear picture of the threat environment....This report outlines concrete steps...to impose accountability measures...and lays out a plan ...to bring security....Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long....Together we must address these pressing security challenges..."
Robert Aderholt commented: “Religious freedom is not simply an American value; it is a universal right rooted in dignity....That light must continue ...for persecuted believers around the world....The violence against Christians ...demands more than concern; it requires steadfast action....When we defend religious liberty abroad,...we reaffirm principles..."
Scott Franklin remarked: “During our visit..., I saw firsthand ...the devastating impact ...on Christian communities....Religious freedom is ...a fundamental human right,...Congress has responsibility ...for strong oversight ....The United States must continue standing for religious liberty..."
Juan Ciscomani said: “Last December,...I traveled ...with bipartisan group ...and saw firsthand ...the devastating toll ....Families are living in fear,...extremist networks are exploiting instability ....Protecting religious freedom ...requires decisive leadership ....With President Trump’s redesignation ..., we have critical opportunity..."
Brian Mast stated: "The U.S will not turn blind eye ....This report shows unrelenting plight Christians have faced ....Thanks to President Trump,...America paying greater attention ...."
Chris Smith added: "President Trump’s bold ..., was not just declaration – it was directive.....For nearly twenty years..., Nigerian government has been complicit .....By failing punish ..., Nigerian government has only emboldened these terrorist thugs .....This joint report – requested by President Trump ..., compiled by House Appropriations ..., provides comprehensive recommendations ......It well past time dismantle culture denial surrounding religious persecution ......this report provides proper tools do so."
According to information available from its official website, Tom Cole serves as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations—marking him as its 43rd chair—and leads efforts related to federal spending bills each year.
Both committees’ involvement highlights Congress's continued focus on global issues affecting vulnerable populations such as persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
