International Religious Freedom Act of 1998
Official title: “To express United States foreign policy with respect to, and to strengthen United States advocacy on behalf of, individuals persecuted in foreign countries on account of religion; to authorize United States actions in response to violations of religious freedom in foreign countries; to establish an Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom within the Department of State, a Commission on International Religious Freedom, and a Special Adviser on International Religious Freedom within the National Security Council; and for other purposes.”
Earlier name of the bill: “Freedom From Religious Persecution Act of 1998”.
What this law changes
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Press releases by members of Congress
No saved press release names this law.
Read from 539 of 539 members' sites, releases since January 3, 2025, through October 7, 2026.
Press releases by organizations
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Read from 510 of 510 organizations' sites, releases since January 3, 2025, through October 7, 2026.
How it passed
The Senate passed it 98 to 0 on October 9, 1998, with 2 senators who did not vote.
The House passed it by voice vote on October 10, 1998. A voice vote records no individual votes.
It became law on October 27, 1998.
The question on the official record: Senate, “On Passage of the Bill H.R. 2431”.
| Chamber and party | Yes | No | Present | Did not vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senate Republicans | 55 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Senate Democrats | 43 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
How each member voted
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