WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved a five-year reauthorization of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

The independent government agency reports on violations of religious rights abroad and recommends actions the U.S. could take against countries that persecute or fail to prevent persecution of people of faith.

Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf said, “Without this commission, there would be nobody around to point out what is taking place to these groups.”

USCIRF commissioners are appointed by Congress and the White House.

The five-year reauthorization was approved by a voice vote in the House. New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith said he hopes the Senate will promptly agree to extend the life of the commission.

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256-a-09-(U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., in House floor speech)-“with repressive governments”-Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf says the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is a voice for oppressed believers. (8 Jul 2014)

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257-a-07-(U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., in House floor speech)-“to these groups”-Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf says the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom reports on the plight of persecuted believers. (8 Jul 2014)

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258-a-09-(U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., in House floor speech)-“and persecuted people”-Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf says the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom plays an essential role. (8 Jul 2014)

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259-a-13-(U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., in House floor speech)-“and spiritual thought”-New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith says the U.S. needs to speak up for people who are oppressed because of their faith. (8 Jul 2014)

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