Kevin Brady: “Mr. Chairman, America has never run from taking a stand on injustice in this world. It is not in our history, it is not…”

“Mr. Chairman, America has never run from taking a stand on injustice in this world. It is not in our history, it is not in our heart. I know that the right to freedom of religion is under assault, renewed assault, throughout the world. Religious believers in many countries face severe forms of persecution, torture, beatings, rape, slavery and death for their peaceful beliefs. Mr. Chairman, it is important that we take a stand, not simply denounce, but take a stand. So I appreciate the author of this bill, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), and the leadership of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), in bringing this dialogue and bill to the floor. The goal of my amendment is simple, to strengthen the impact of the act, to provide more tools to fight religious persecution, to enhance the accountability and heighten a year-round profile in the fight against religious persecution. Specifically, this amendment provides more tools, among them establishment of a religious freedom Internet site, expanded international broadcasting, publication of religious prisoner lists, training for foreign service officers and equal access to U.S. missions abroad.”