Condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and standing ready to support President Donald J. Trump in taking decisive action to end the existential threat that persecuted Christians face in Nigeria.

Bill Number

H.Res. 866

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-02-26T09:06:45Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This House Resolution (H. Res. 866) aims to condemn the ongoing persecution and violence against Christians in Nigeria, highlighting attacks by groups like Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militants. It expresses support for decisive U.S. action under President Donald J. Trump to address this issue and urges diplomatic and economic pressure on the Nigerian government to protect religious freedoms.

Key Provisions Outlined

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses detailing the context of violence in Nigeria and then outlines specific actions in its "Resolved" section:

• Condemnation of Violence: Strongly denounces the targeted killings, massacres, church destructions, kidnappings, and displacement of Christians by militant groups, as well as the Nigerian government's failure to respond effectively or acknowledge religious persecution.
• Support for U.S. Leadership: Affirms readiness to back President Trump in using tools like sanctions and diplomatic measures to end the threats faced by Nigerian Christians.
• Calls for U.S. Action: Urges the U.S. government to pressure Nigeria to:
• End impunity for those committing religiously motivated violence.
• Protect Christian communities and religious leaders from attacks.
• Help return displaced persons (especially Christians) to their homes.
• Repeal blasphemy laws (which punish insults to religion, often with severe penalties like death in some Nigerian states) and release faith-based prisoners.
• International Coordination: Encourages U.S. partnerships to provide humanitarian aid directly to victims through nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and faith-based groups.
• Affirmation of Solidarity: Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defending religious freedom globally, particularly for Christians facing persecution.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

As a non-binding resolution, this document does not amend or create new laws. It references existing frameworks like the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which allows the U.S. to designate countries as "Countries of Particular Concern" (CPCs) for severe religious freedom violations, potentially enabling sanctions. It notes past U.S. actions (e.g., Trump's 2020 and 2025 CPC designations for Nigeria) and criticizes the Biden administration's 2021 removal of Nigeria from the list, but introduces no legal changes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Could prompt the U.S. Department of State and other agencies to prioritize religious freedom in Nigeria policy, including redesignating Nigeria as a CPC, imposing sanctions, or increasing aid oversight. It may influence congressional oversight of foreign aid to Nigeria.
• On Citizens: Offers moral and diplomatic support to persecuted Nigerian Christians, potentially leading to better protection, aid delivery, and reduced violence through international pressure. U.S. citizens involved in faith-based NGOs may see expanded roles in humanitarian efforts.
• On International Relations: May strain U.S.-Nigeria ties by challenging Nigeria's denial of religious persecution and pushing for reforms, while strengthening alliances with international bodies like the United Nations, European Parliament, and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). It could embolden global advocacy against blasphemy laws and militant groups.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Persecuted Christians in Nigeria: Primary beneficiaries, including communities, clergy, and displaced persons facing violence and displacement.
• Nigerian Government and Militant Groups: Targeted for criticism and pressure, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants.
• U.S. Congress and Executive Branch: Sponsors (e.g., Rep. Moore of West Virginia and co-sponsors) and the Trump administration, who gain political backing for action.
• International and Nongovernmental Organizations: Groups like the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), UN, and faith-based NGOs, which could receive encouragement for advocacy and aid coordination.
• Global Religious and Human Rights Communities: Affected through calls for solidarity against religious intolerance.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Reinforces the U.S. role in enforcing international human rights standards, such as those in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by highlighting violations like blasphemy laws (which conflict with free speech and religion protections). It could lead to legal tools under the International Religious Freedom Act, like targeted sanctions, without requiring new legislation.
• Constitutional Implications: Aligns with the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protections for religious freedom, extending this value to foreign policy without infringing on separation of powers (as it's a congressional statement supporting executive action).
• Political Implications: Signals bipartisan or conservative support for religious liberty issues in U.S. foreign policy, potentially influencing elections or aid debates. By naming President Trump and critiquing prior administrations, it carries partisan undertones but remains focused on humanitarian concerns. Referral to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs suggests it may shape future diplomatic priorities without binding force.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Moore, Riley M. [R-WV-2]

Cosponsors (39)

Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19], Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-11-07: Submitted in House
• 2025-11-07: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and standing ready to support President Donald J. Trump in taking decisive action to end the existential threat that persecuted Christians face in Nigeria. — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (5 pages)