Robert Smith: “as a freshman Senator in 1997, I offered an amendment to the foreign operations bill that predicated foreign aid to the…”

“as a freshman Senator in 1997, I offered an amendment to the foreign operations bill that predicated foreign aid to the Russian Federation on the implementation of a new law restricting religious freedom in Russia. That law, passed by the Russian Duma on July 4, 1997, had the potential of severely restricting freedom of religion in Russia. The bill was ironically titled ``on freedom of conscience and on religious associations.'' That bill was eventually signed into law--a law that required religious groups to register with the State and submit their religious doctrines and practices to scrutiny by a commission of experts with the power to deny religious status. Without this status, these groups would lose the rights to rent or own property, employ religious workers or conduct charitable and educational activities. Clearly that law in Russia and its implementation would have a grave impact on religious freedom in that country. I am happy to report that my 1997 amendment passed the Senate 95 to 4. I would also note that both the bill managers, Senators Leahy and McConnell, voted in favor of this amendment and I thank them for their support. In following years this amendment was included as part of the foreign operations bill. This year it was not. I rise today to offer this same amendment again and understand that it will be accepted by the managers of this bill sometime today during its consideration.”