Bill Sponsor
Senate Simple Resolution 162
115th Congress(2017-2018)
A resolution reaffirming the commitment of the United States to promoting religious freedom, and for other purposes.
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on May 11, 2017
Overview
Text
Introduced
May 11, 2017
Latest Action
May 11, 2017
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Simple Resolution
Simple Resolution
A form of legislative measure introduced and potentially acted upon by only one congressional chamber and used for the regulation of business only within the chamber of origin. Depending on the chamber of origin, they begin with a designation of either H.Res. or S.Res. Joint resolutions and concurrent resolutions are other types of resolutions.
Bill Number
162
Congress
115
Policy Area
International Affairs
International Affairs
Primary focus of measure is matters affecting foreign aid, human rights, international law and organizations; national governance; arms control; diplomacy and foreign officials; alliances and collective security. Measures concerning trade agreements, tariffs, foreign investments, and foreign loans may fall under Foreign Trade and International Finance policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
Republican
Oklahoma
Republican
Arkansas
Democrat
Delaware
Republican
Louisiana
Republican
Missouri
Republican
North Carolina
Republican
South Carolina
Senate Votes (0)
No Senate votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to promoting religious freedom as a fundamental human right.

Calls for the President to: (1) strengthen U.S. foreign policy on behalf of individuals persecuted in foreign countries on account of religion; (2) develop an action plan on international religious freedom and integrate that plan into U.S. diplomatic, development, and national security strategies; and (3) develop a strategic plan to direct grants for implementing innovative programs in key countries to train and work with local religious leaders on the importance of pluralistic societies, rights guaranteed under international law, and reporting mechanisms available within international institutions.

Urges the State Department to: (1)  implement Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act provisions that direct the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center to conduct training on religious freedom for all Foreign Service officers and all outgoing deputy chiefs of mission and ambassadors, and  (2) develop a training curriculum for American diplomats in international religious freedom policy.

Urges: (1) the President, the State Department, and relevant agencies to develop a comprehensive response to protect victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes and to provide humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery assistance to affected individuals from religious and ethnic groups in Iraq and Syria; (2) the President and the State Department to reestablish the Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group; and (3) the President, State Department, and U.S. Trade Representative to ensure that trade negotiations include religious freedom conditions mandated by the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.

Text (1)
Actions (2)
05/11/2017
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2920-2921)
05/11/2017
Introduced in Senate
Public Record
Record Updated
Jan 11, 2023 1:36:21 PM