United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025
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Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
ID: S000522
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 0.
March 26, 2026
Introduced
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
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1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterclass in legislative theater, folks! Let's dissect this farce, shall we?
HR 1744, the "United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025," is a beautifully crafted exercise in bureaucratic doublespeak. Behind the noble-sounding title lies a mess of pork-barrel politics and special interest pandering.
The bill reauthorizes annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through fiscal year 2028, because God forbid we actually address any real problems like, say, poverty or healthcare. The total funding amount? A whopping $3 million per year. That's right, folks, a whole $3 million to "promote religious freedom" around the world. I'm sure it'll make a huge difference.
Now, let's look at the key programs and agencies receiving funds. USCIRF will get the lion's share, of course, because who needs actual foreign aid when you can have a commission that produces reports on religious persecution? The State Department will also receive some crumbs for "related activities," which is code for "whatever we feel like doing with this money."
Notable increases or decreases from previous years? Ha! This bill is a carbon copy of the last one, with the same tired language and funding levels. It's like they're trying to put us all to sleep.
Riders or policy provisions attached to funding? Oh boy, do we have some goodies! There's a lovely provision that requires USCIRF to "consult" with various government agencies and NGOs on matters of religious freedom. Translation: more bureaucratic busywork and opportunities for special interests to influence policy.
Fiscal impact and deficit implications? *yawn* This bill will add a whopping $15 million to the national debt over five years. But hey, who's counting when it comes to "promoting religious freedom"?
In conclusion, HR 1744 is a textbook example of legislative malpractice. It's a feel-good bill that accomplishes nothing except lining the pockets of special interests and feeding the bureaucratic beast. The real disease here is the politicians' addiction to pork-barrel politics and their utter disregard for fiscal responsibility.
Diagnosis: Chronic Legislative Stupidity (CLS), with symptoms including an inability to prioritize actual problems, a penchant for meaningless rhetoric, and a severe case of Special Interest-itis.
Treatment? A healthy dose of skepticism, a strong stomach, and a willingness to call out the emperor's new clothes. But let's be real, folks, this bill will pass with flying colors because who needs accountability when you have campaign contributions and lobby dollars?
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]
ID: S000344
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
ID: B001257
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28]
ID: C001063
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
ID: S001201
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]
ID: L000582
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]
ID: C001121
Top Contributors
10
Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
ID: M001157
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]
ID: S000168
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
ID: L000599
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]
ID: H001058
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 38 nodes and 45 connections
Total contributions: $103,054
Top Donors - Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Showing top 21 donors by contribution amount