Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA), who in 1988 introduced the legislation that established the Office of International Religious Freedom within the State Department, is proposing a new bill that would amend that law. The text of HR 1856 is not yet available, but according to a CBN report, the legislation would heighten the role of religious freedom in US foreign policy.
Among other things, Wolf's legislation would:
- Require religious freedom training for all Foreign Service officers.
- Strengthen the "countries of particular concern" designation process for nations that deny religious freedom.
- Elevate the international religious freedom ambassador so he or she reports directly to the Secretary of State.
