Expressing concern regarding severe restrictions on religious freedom abroad.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 738
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-25T08:05:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This resolution expresses concern over severe restrictions on religious freedom in multiple foreign countries. It highlights the United States' role in promoting religious liberty globally and references international standards for freedom of religion.
Key provisions
- Affirms that the free exercise of religion is an inalienable right and cites Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects the right to adopt and manifest a religion or belief.
- Notes U.S. contributions to religious freedom and diplomatic relationships with countries that violate these rights.
- Lists specific concerns about religious freedom violations in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, including prosecutions under blasphemy laws, closure of places of worship, destruction of religious sites, and restrictions on minority groups.
- References recommendations from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom for placing certain countries on a Special Watch List.
- Resolves that the House of Representatives affirms U.S. leadership in advancing religious freedom abroad, urges the Secretary of State to engage with allies on the issue, and recognizes the roles of the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.
Significant changes to existing law This non-binding resolution does not amend any statutes or create new legal requirements. It serves as an expression of congressional opinion without altering current U.S. law.
Potential impacts
- May encourage stronger diplomatic pressure by the Department of State on the listed countries regarding religious freedom issues.
- Could affect U.S. bilateral relations and partnerships with nations such as Algeria, Egypt, and Turkey.
- Supports continued operations of offices focused on international religious freedom and antisemitism within the executive branch.
Main stakeholders affected
- The U.S. Department of State and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
- Religious minority communities in the countries mentioned, including Christians, Muslims, Baha'is, Yazidis, and others.
- Foreign governments in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.
- U.S. diplomatic personnel and offices handling international religious freedom.
Notable legal, constitutional, or political implications
- Reinforces U.S. support for international human rights standards without creating enforceable domestic obligations.
- Highlights tensions between U.S. foreign policy goals and practices in partner nations.
- Emphasizes the importance of specific executive branch positions dedicated to religious freedom and antisemitism monitoring.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-09-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing concern regarding severe restrictions on religious freedom abroad. — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (6 pages)