Directs the President to appoint a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia within the Department of State.
Requires the Special Envoy to: (1) promote the right of religious freedom of religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and South Central Asia, denounce the violation of such right, and recommend appropriate U.S government responses to such violations; (2) monitor and combat acts of religious intolerance and incitement targeted against such religious minorities; (3) ensure that the needs of such religious minority communities are addressed, including economic and security needs directly tied to religious-based discrimination and persecution; (4) work with foreign governments of such countries to address inherently discriminatory laws; and (5) coordinate and assist in the preparation of specified reports required by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
Authorizes the Special Envoy, subject to direction by the President and the Secretary of State, to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to religious freedom in: (1) contacts with foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations (U.N.), the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international organizations; and (2) multilateral conferences and meetings relevant to religious freedom.
Requires the Special Envoy to give priority to programs, projects, and activities for Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Declares that this Act shall cease to be effective on October 1, 2018.
| Action Date | Type | Text | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-09-19 | IntroReferral | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. | Senate |
| 2013-09-18 | Vote | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 22 (Roll no. 465). (text: CR 9/17/2013 H5564-5565) | House floor actions |
| 2013-09-18 | Floor | Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5606) | House floor actions |
| 2013-09-17 | Floor | At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. | House floor actions |
| 2013-09-17 | Floor | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 301. | House floor actions |
| 2013-09-17 | Floor | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5564-5567) | House floor actions |
| 2013-09-17 | Floor | Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. | House floor actions |
| 2013-03-15 | Committee | Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa. | House committee actions |
| 2013-03-15 | Committee | Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. | House committee actions |
| 2013-03-15 | Committee | Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations. | House committee actions |
| 2013-01-15 | IntroReferral | Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. | House floor actions |
| 2013-01-15 | IntroReferral | Introduced in House | Library of Congress |