U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statements after their legislation to reauthorize the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 passed the Senate unanimously last evening. The bill extends the authorization of the independent, bipartisan USCIRF to ensure the commission can continue to promote and monitor religious freedom around the world. The bill is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Senator Budd: “These Malicious Attacks Must Never Go Unchecked”

Upon passage, Senator Budd said the systemic persecution of people of faith in adversarial nations like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia represents a grave threat to freedom of religion that cannot be ignored.

“For over two decades, USCIRF has been indispensable in safeguarding American foreign policy interests by exposing the brutal regimes and bad actors that imprison, torture, and even kill innocent people for practicing their faith.” — Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.)

Budd added that he was proud to have led the bipartisan reauthorization of USCIRF in the Senate alongside Senator Coons, thanking colleagues on both sides of the aisle who joined in passing what he called time-sensitive legislation to ensure the Commission can continue its vital work defending religious freedom around the world.

Senator Coons: A Fundamental Pillar of Democracy

Upon passage, Senator Coons said the right to worship — or not worship — is fundamental to democracy and stability around the world, and that with it go freedom of speech, assembly, and petition.

“I urge the president to sign it quickly so our government can get back to the work of protecting religious freedom globally and ensuring that everyone has the space to live and breathe free.” — Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

Coons said he was proud the bill reauthorizing USCIRF passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support.

House Companion Effort

U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-N.J.-04) and Brad Sherman (D-Ca.-32) led the reauthorization of USCIRF in the House of Representatives, which passed in early June of this year.

Background

In March 2026, Senators Budd and Coons were joined by Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and a broader bipartisan coalition in introducing legislation to reauthorize USCIRF through FY2028. In June 2026, the legislation advanced out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, as amended by the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016, declared U.S. policy to condemn violations of religious freedom and to promote the inalienable right to freedom of religion around the world. IRFA also established USCIRF as a bipartisan, independent commission charged with monitoring conditions for religious freedom worldwide.