Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) welcomed the release of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)’s 2026 Annual Report on Mar. 10, calling it a “sobering reminder that millions of people around the world still face imprisonment, violence, and discrimination simply because of their faith.” The report, led by USCIRF Chairwoman Vicky Hartzler, evaluates religious freedom conditions in dozens of countries and makes recommendations to U.S. leaders under the International Religious Freedom Act.
The annual report is significant as it highlights ongoing threats to religious liberty worldwide and guides U.S. policy responses. Smith said, “Global threats to religious freedom are only growing, as evidenced by the additions of Libya and Syria to the CPC recommendation list.” He is the prime author of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, which aims to strengthen U.S. efforts through diplomacy and foreign assistance.
The report identifies sustained violations in countries such as China, Cuba, Iran, Nigeria, Nicaragua, and North Korea—places where governments continue to perpetrate or tolerate persecution against religious communities and minorities. It recommends adding Libya and Syria to the Countries of Particular Concern list for systematic violations and placing Qatar on a Special Watch List for severe abuses that do not meet the highest threshold.
To address these issues, Smith has chaired more than 30 hearings across three congressional committees focused on examining trends in religious persecution globally. On March 5th, he chaired a hearing titled “U.S. Presidency of the G20–An Opportunity to Champion Human Rights,” emphasizing that “one of the most pressing crises today is the denial of freedom of religion—of the right to live as people of faith, free from fear and persecution.” Citing Open Doors data during his remarks at this hearing, Smith noted that approximately 25,000 Christians have been killed for their faith globally over five years.
Smith has also introduced legislation such as the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), which would require detailed reporting from the Secretary of State about efforts to address mass atrocities in Nigeria. Additionally, he authored pending legislation—the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 1744)—to reauthorize USCIRF’s board.
“For decades, Congress has made it clear that religious freedom is a core American value and a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy,” Smith stated. “Through informative hearings, comprehensive legislation, and incisive oversight, we will continue to press for enhanced accountability and stronger actions against regimes that imprison, torture, or kill citizens because of their beliefs.”
Smith is currently serving in Congress representing New Jersey’s 4th district after replacing Frank Thompson in 1981 according to the official biography. He was born in Rahway in 1953 and lives in Manchester Township according to NJ.com. Smith graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s degree in science in 1975.
