The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) unanimously elected Asif Mahmood as Chair and CeCe Heil as Vice Chair for the 2026–2027 term, the bipartisan federal commission announced this week. Faith & Freedom News extends its congratulations to Dr. Mahmood on his election to lead one of the world’s foremost bodies dedicated to defending freedom of religion or belief.

“Threats to international religious freedom are occurring every day, making USCIRF’s mandate to analyze and recommend policy solutions to the U.S. government key to advancing religious freedom abroad,” said Chair Asif Mahmood. “I am honored to serve as chair alongside Vice Chair CeCe Heil and the other Commissioners as USCIRF continues to advocate for freedom of religion or belief for all.”

Chair Mahmood was first appointed to USCIRF by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) in 2024 and reappointed for a second term in 2026. During his previous term he served as Vice Chair. He resides in California and is a practicing physician, human rights activist, and philanthropist.

“A Remarkable Journey”

Reacting to his election, Dr. Mahmood shared a personal reflection on social media, describing the path that brought him to the role.

A Bipartisan Voice for Religious Freedom

Vice Chair Heil was appointed to USCIRF by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). She is Senior Counsel and International Legal Director for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), and is a human rights attorney who advocates for religious freedom, rule of law, and the protection of vulnerable faith communities worldwide.

“Freedom of religion or belief is a universal right for everyone, which is why USCIRF’s bipartisan composition provides a uniquely effective voice to the United States Government to advance international religious freedom for all.” CeCe Heil, Vice Chair, USCIRF

USCIRF Commissioners are appointed on a bipartisan basis — three by the President, three by the leadership of the U.S. Senate, and three by the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives. Also serving on the Commission are David A. Anderson, Gunisha Kaur, Rachel Laser, and Gene Mills.

From Pulmonology to Policy

Dr. Mahmood is a practicing pulmonologist, human rights advocate, and community leader, bringing a clinical perspective to his humanitarian work drawn from a medical career that includes a pulmonary fellowship at Columbia University’s Harlem Hospital. He has authored commentaries in national outlets including The Hill and Newsweek on civil liberties violations worldwide, and his advocacy and humanitarian interventions have supported communities in crisis-stricken regions including Kashmir and Tigray.

A two-term member of the Medical Board of California, Dr. Mahmood also serves as a board member for Hope the Mission, the largest provider of homeless services in the Greater Los Angeles area, and for the Organization for Social Media Safety, where he works to combat online hate speech.

USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad, making foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief.

Khurram Ali Raza

Khurram Ali Raza writes for Faith & Freedom News on religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and interfaith affairs across the Middle East and South Asia.