U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) have introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The commission, which is set to expire on September 30, 2026, monitors religious freedom issues worldwide.
Senator Cruz stated, “Countless people around the world face persecution, violence, and execution for practicing their faith. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom exposes these abuses and helps hold oppressive regimes accountable. I am proud to join Senator Budd in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the commission.”
Senator Budd emphasized the ongoing need for USCIRF’s work: “Since its inception in 1998, USCIRF has played an indispensable role in exposing violations of religious freedom around the world through reporting and providing recommendations to strengthen U.S. foreign policy. Every day, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other religious minorities face brutal and unjust persecution, imprisonment, terrorism, and even death for practicing their faith. These assaults on religious freedom, impacting religious minorities in countries such as China, Nigeria, Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Russia, cannot go unaddressed. Alongside Senator Coons, I am proud to lead a strong bipartisan coalition to reauthorize this vital commission and ensure their work continues at this pivotal moment.”
Senator Coons highlighted the broader significance of protecting religious rights: “As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I know far too many people around the world are unfairly and brutally targeted for their beliefs. The right to worship whomever you want – or no one at all – is fundamental to democracy and stability around the world. I’m proud to once again lead this bipartisan effort to highlight the importance of promoting international religious freedom everywhere and for all persons, regardless of belief or non-belief, sexual orientation, gender, race, or other protected classes.”
Senator Risch noted his support for continuing USCIRF’s mission: “Religious freedom is the cornerstone of American society and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom helps to safeguard this most inherent right. I’m proud to work with my colleague, Senator Budd, to reauthorize this important commission and ensure religious freedom is protected around the globe.”
The USCIRF was established by Congress through the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) as an independent body tasked with advising U.S. policymakers on ways to promote global religious liberty. It consists of nine commissioners appointed by either the President or Congressional leaders.
In its most recent annual report released in 2025, USCIRF documented various violations against religious groups worldwide:
- In China: Authorities targeted Catholics, Protestant Christians, Muslims and others by destroying places of worship and detaining leaders.
- In Iran: Government forces were linked with widespread attacks on religion following an October 7th terrorist incident involving Hamas that led to increased antisemitic violence globally.
- In Nigeria: Nonstate actors carried out deadly attacks against Christians and other minorities.
- In Syria: Kurds, Druze communities as well as Christians faced violence including detention and torture.
Ted Cruz has previously secured election victories in Texas Senate races; he defeated Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% of votes compared to Allred's 44.6%. He also won against Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with a margin of about two percentage points.
The full text of the proposed legislation can be accessed online.
