PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 292.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Jul 29, 2011
(Sec. 2) 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.
(Sec. 3) 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.
(Sec. 4) 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.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
(Sec. 5) Requires the Special Envoy to give priority to programs, projects, and activities for Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
(Sec. 6) Authorizes, from amounts available for Diplomatic and Consular Programs, $1 million to be appropriated each fiscal year from FY2011-FY2015. Provides that no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated for such Programs to carry out this Act.
Directs the Secretary, unless otherwise authorized or required by law, to eliminate positions within the Department as necessary to offset the costs to be incurred for hiring staff, conducting investigations, and for the necessary travel to carry out this Act.
(Sec. 7) Declares that this Act shall cease to be effective on October 1, 2015.
People & committees
Rep. Wolf, Frank R. [R-VA-10] · R–VA
Legislative record
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Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 292.
Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 20 (Roll no. 673). (text: CR 7/27/2011 H5595-5596)
House roll call 673 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 20 (Roll no. 673).(text: CR 7/27/2011 H5595-5596)
House roll call 673 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5750)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 440.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5595-5600)
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia .
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E106-107)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H402)
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.440 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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