United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025

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Bill ID: 119/hr/1744
Last Updated: March 28, 2026

Sponsored by

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

📚 How does a bill become a law?

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

Federal Budget & Appropriations Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Congressional Rules & Procedures Transportation & Infrastructure Government Operations & Accountability National Security & Intelligence Small Business & Entrepreneurship State & Local Government Affairs Civil Rights & Liberties
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$59,154
21 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$32,754
Committees
$0
Individuals
$26,400

No PAC contributions found

1
OTOE MISSOURIA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
2 transactions
$6,600
2
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
3 transactions
$5,300
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
3 transactions
$3,300
4
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
1 transaction
$3,300
5
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
1 transaction
$2,900
6
MILLE LACS BAND OF OJIBWE INDIANS
2 transactions
$2,500
7
MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
1 transaction
$2,000
8
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
1 transaction
$1,500
9
FOND DU LAC BAND
1 transaction
$1,000
10
PRAIRIE ISLAND TRIBAL COUNCIL
1 transaction
$1,000
11
BILL HITTE TRUST
1 transaction
$1,000
12
PRECISION DIE TECHNOLOGIES
1 transaction
$1,000
13
LOWER SIOUX INDIAN COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$500
14
SOBOBA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
1 transaction
$500
15
THE CHICKASAW NATION
1 transaction
$250
16
WINRED
1 transaction
$104

No committee contributions found

1
HUSS, ALVIN JR
2 transactions
$6,600
2
HUSS, RUTH
2 transactions
$6,600
3
BLUE, ALLEN
2 transactions
$6,600
4
BROWN, TEAL
1 transaction
$3,300
5
BURNETT, JASON
1 transaction
$3,300

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

1
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHTS FUND
Organization BANNING, CA
$2,000
Oct 30, 2023
2
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
Organization CHOCTAW, MS
$2,000
Oct 5, 2023
3
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$2,000
Sep 30, 2024
4
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,300
Oct 21, 2024
5
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LAKESIDE, CA
$1,000
Oct 28, 2024
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$700
Oct 21, 2024
7
AHMED, TAIMOOR
MARKHOR LOGISTICS CEO
Individual SACRAMENTO, CA
$3,300
Mar 30, 2023
8
GARHWAL, HARI
GARHWAL, CHAN & WILLIAMS CPA
Individual SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Mar 23, 2023
9
GARHWAL, HARI
GARHWAL, CHAN & WILLIAMS CPA
Individual SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Mar 23, 2023
10
GARHWAL, SANJEEV
WWMG PHYSICIAN
Individual SEATTLE, WA
$3,300
Mar 29, 2023

Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]

ID: B001257

Top Contributors

10

1
COOL MASTER PRO LLC
Organization TAMPA, FL
$6,600
Mar 8, 2023
2
ARTECHE, LEON
V-ME MEDIA INC. CFO
Individual DORAL, FL
$5,000
Jan 18, 2024
3
OF FLORIDA, SEMINOLE TRIBE
EMPLOYEE RECOGNIZED TRIBE
Individual HOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 2, 2024
4
LAGOS, JAMES H.
LAGOS LAGOS, PLL ATTORNEY
Individual SPRINGFIELD, OH
$3,300
Sep 9, 2024
5
RICE, WILLIAM LLOYD
FALFURRIAS CAPITAL PARTNERS
Individual MINT HILL, NC
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
6
WANEK, RON
ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Individual TAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
7
WANEK, TODD
ASHLEY FURNITURE CEO
Individual TAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
8
WANEK, JOYCE
N/A N/A
Individual TAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024
9
WANEK, KAREN
SUPERIOR FRESH OWNER
Individual TAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
10
HEPSCHER, WILLIAM S
RX MANAGE USA BUSINESS OWNER
Individual TAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024

Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28]

ID: C001063

Top Contributors

10

1
TIGUA INDIAN RESERVATION
Organization EL PASO, TX
$3,000
Dec 31, 2023
2
THE CHICKASAW NATION
Organization ADA, OK
$2,500
Jun 30, 2023
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Jun 22, 2023
4
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Apr 30, 2024
5
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE
Organization LIVINGSTON, TX
$1,000
Sep 27, 2024
6
GARIBAY, RUBEN
SELECT DEDICATED SOLUTIONS MEMBER
Individual SAN ANTONIO, TX
$6,600
Dec 28, 2023
7
GARIBAY, SOPHIA S.
SELECT DEDICATED SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR
Individual SAN ANTONIO, TX
$6,600
Dec 28, 2023
8
GARIBAY, RUBEN JR
SELECT DEDICATED SOLUTIONS MEMBER
Individual QUEMADO, TX
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024
9
GASTELUM, JUAN C.
GREEN CORRIDORS LLC SVP LAND PORTS OF ENTRY
Individual LAKEWAY, TX
$3,300
Oct 24, 2024
10
JAVED, MUHAMMAD T.
RICELAND HEALTHCARE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Individual BEAUMONT, TX
$3,300
Oct 29, 2024

Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]

ID: S001201

Top Contributors

10

1
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Aug 3, 2024
2
SCOTTO LLC
Organization WOODBURY, NY
$1,650
Aug 30, 2024
3
PATROON OPERATING CO. LLC
Organization NEW YORK, NY
$1,000
May 13, 2024
4
THE KLAR ORGANIZATION
Organization EAST MEADOW, NY
$1,000
Aug 8, 2024
5
TERIAN, OLIVIA
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$9,400
May 2, 2024
6
TERIAN, OLIVIA
OLIVIA TERIAN ART & DESIGN BUSINESS OWNER
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Mar 8, 2024
7
MORAN, MARY
NOT EMPLOYED RETIRED
Individual GREENWICH, CT
$6,600
Mar 28, 2024
8
MORAN, MARY
Individual GREENWICH, CT
$6,600
May 2, 2024
9
FAIVUS, HARRY E.
MOUNT SINAI PHYSICIAN
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Oct 31, 2024
10
SOSNICK, AARON
Individual RENO, NV
$3,392
Jun 25, 2024

Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]

ID: L000582

Top Contributors

10

1
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
Organization TEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Sep 24, 2024
2
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
Organization PALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Dec 19, 2023
3
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
Organization ATMORE, AL
$3,300
Jun 4, 2024
4
DEMOCRACY ENGINE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
Organization WASHINGTON, DC
$2,000
May 19, 2024
5
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LOS ANGELES, CA
$2,000
Jun 21, 2024
6
ONEIDA NATION
Organization ONEIDA, WI
$1,000
Oct 8, 2024
7
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$1,000
Sep 28, 2024
8
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
Organization EL CAJON, CA
$1,000
Aug 20, 2024
9
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$1,000
Dec 27, 2023
10
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
Organization ATMORE, AL
$1,000
Oct 3, 2023

Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]

ID: C001121

Top Contributors

10

1
NAFTZER, KEITH MR.
SELF EMPLOYED FARMER
Individual ALBANY, IL
$1,400
Nov 14, 2023
2
MORGAN, DAVID MR.
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual LITCHFIELD, AZ
$1,000
Jan 31, 2024
3
CHAPMAN, DIANE M MS
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual MOLINE, IL
$500
Oct 14, 2023
4
CLOSE, DAVID
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual REYNOLDS, IL
$500
Oct 25, 2023
5
DOLAN, WILLIAM MR.
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual PHOENIX, AZ
$500
Dec 6, 2023
6
FREDERICK, LEONARD MR.
FREDERICK AND SONS AC TECH
Individual CHANDLER, AZ
$500
Dec 15, 2023
7
DAIL, TODD MR.
SELF EMPLOYED FARMER
Individual ERIE, IL
$500
Jan 26, 2024
8
KIEHNA, CONNIE MS
TRINITY EALTH SEC.
Individual MILAN, IL
$326
Oct 14, 2023
9
HIXSON, MIKE MR.
QC AIRPORT MANAGER
Individual ROCK ISLAND, IL
$312
Oct 14, 2023
10
TOLLEY, RUSSELL C
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual MANHATTAN, KS
$6,600
Jan 26, 2024

Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]

ID: M001157

Top Contributors

10

1
SOUTH SPUR LP
Organization HOUSTON, TX
$3,300
Jan 31, 2024
2
TRACEY FOX KING & WALTERS
Organization HOUSTON, TX
$1,000
Feb 17, 2023
3
CHILDS, JOHN W.
JW CHILDS ASSOCIATES OWNER
Individual VERO BEACH, FL
$50,000
Dec 12, 2023
4
LANIER, BECKY MRS.
LANIER LAW FIRM ATTORNEY
Individual HOUSTON, TX
$50,000
Mar 4, 2024
5
LANIER, MARK W.
LANIER LAW FIRM ATTORNEY
Individual HOUSTON, TX
$50,000
Mar 4, 2024
6
CHILDS, JOHN W
Individual VERO BEACH, FL
$38,400
Mar 15, 2024
7
CHILDS, JOHN W.
JW CHILDS ASSOCIATES OWNER
Individual VERO BEACH, FL
$38,400
May 7, 2024
8
CHILDS, JOHN W
Individual VERO BEACH, FL
$33,400
Nov 14, 2024
9
CARLTON, C. CRAIG MR.
C.C. CARLTON INDUSTRIES OWNER
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$25,000
Feb 13, 2024
10
LUROS, HILARY
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual SUGAR LAND, TX
$25,000
Feb 27, 2024

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]

ID: S000168

Top Contributors

10

1
POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS
Organization ATMORE, AL
$3,300
May 26, 2023
2
POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS
Organization ATMORE, AL
$3,300
Jun 7, 2024
3
MICCOSUKEE TRIBE
Organization MIAMI, FL
$1,000
Dec 19, 2023
4
DIAZ-OLIVER, REMEDIOS MRS.
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual MIAMI, FL
$6,600
Dec 29, 2023
5
FALIC, JANA
HOMEMAKER HOMEMAKER
Individual BAL HARBOUR, FL
$6,600
Dec 31, 2023
6
MENDOZA GOMEZ, ROSSY A.
ROSE CAFE OWNER
Individual CORAL GABLES, FL
$6,600
Dec 29, 2023
7
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual SURFSIDE, FL
$6,600
Oct 17, 2023
8
WEEKLEY, RICHARD
SELF-EMPLOYED REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
Individual HOUSTON, TX
$6,600
Nov 7, 2023
9
BARQUET, ROY
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP ATTORNEY
Individual MIAMI, FL
$6,600
Dec 6, 2023
10
PETERFFY, THOMAS
INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP CHAIRMAN
Individual PALM BEACH, FL
$6,600
Dec 27, 2023

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

ID: L000599

Top Contributors

10

1
MURTAGH, COSSU, VENDITTI & CASTRO-BLANCO, LLP
Organization WHITE PLAINS, NY
$1,000
Feb 24, 2024
2
BATMASIAN, JAMES
INVESTMENTS LIMITED OWNER
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 27, 2023
3
BATMASIAN, JAMES
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 29, 2023
4
AUSTIN, ROBERT
UNAKA CO., INC. BUSINESSMAN
Individual DALLAS, TX
$6,600
Jul 18, 2024
5
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual SURFSIDE, FL
$6,534
Feb 15, 2024
6
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
Individual SURFSIDE, FL
$6,534
Feb 22, 2024
7
SCALA, MARY ELLEN
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual PORT CHESTER, NY
$5,300
Aug 27, 2023
8
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
SELF PRESIDENT
Individual SPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,900
Jun 24, 2024
9
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
Individual SPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,900
Jun 25, 2024
10
PERLMUTTER, RAFUEL
GOLDEN TASTE CEO
Individual SPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,400
Jun 24, 2024

Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]

ID: H001058

Top Contributors

10

1
POKAGON BAND OF POTAWATOMI INDIANS
Organization DOWAGIAC, MI
$3,300
Dec 11, 2023
2
THALOP LLC
Organization INDIANAPOLIS, IN
$1,000
Aug 29, 2024
3
BARREL DOG, LLC
Organization HOLLAND, MI
$1,000
Sep 1, 2024
4
NOAH HOMES LLC
Organization INDIANAPOLIS, IN
$1,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
THALOP LLC
Organization INDIANAPOLIS, IN
$1,000
Sep 30, 2024
6
B&B DAIRY
Organization PLAINVIEW, TX
$500
Jul 28, 2024
7
B&B DAIRY
Organization PLAINVIEW, TX
$500
Sep 5, 2024
8
STRAIGHT LINE RED ANGUS
Organization BANGOR, MI
$250
Jul 23, 2024
9
VAN ANDEL, AMY
THE STEVE AND AMY VAN ANDEL FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Individual ADA, MI
$75,000
Mar 29, 2024
10
VAN ANDEL, STEPHEN
AMWAY CHAIRMAN
Individual ADA, MI
$75,000
Mar 29, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

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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

16 Orgs5 Individuals