United States Representative Chris Smith, who represents New Jersey's 4th congressional district, has disclosed that the Obama administration blocked Nigeria from being designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a status recommended by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Since 2009, USCIRF has consistently recommended Nigeria for CPC status due to the widespread killing of Christians and non-radical Muslims by Islamist extremists every year.
Floor Debate on USCIRF Reauthorization
Speaking during a floor debate on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2026 (HR 1744), Smith highlighted progress made under the Trump administration. He stated, "USCIRF recommended Nigeria for the CPC list in 2009 and has done so every year since. But the Obama Administration would not make the designation."
Smith further noted, "The first Trump Administration got it done in 2020, but the Biden Administration returned to the Democratic position of attributing this horrific modern martyrdom to climate change and tribal conflict. The second Trump Administration restored Nigeria to the CPC list last year. Through it all, USCIRF recommended CPC status, calling it like it is and pulling no punches."
USCIRF's Role and Independence
Smith, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized the importance of USCIRF as an independent and bipartisan legislative branch agency created through the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 (PL 105-292), of which he was an original cosponsor. The law established a coordinated U.S. government response to address global religious persecution and created several religious freedom-focused offices at the State Department and the National Security Council.
According to Smith, USCIRF defends the universal right to freedom of religion abroad by sponsoring hearings, conducting fact-finding trips, reviewing reports of religious freedom violations, and making policy recommendations. He urged colleagues to support the reauthorization, saying, "USCIRF is a genuinely independent force, a constructive influence on the State Department... USCIRF is important to millions of people of all faiths. I therefore ask all our colleagues to join us in reauthorising it for two more years."
House Passage of HR 1744
The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2026 (HR 1744), ensuring the commission's continued work in promoting religious freedom worldwide.
