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Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993

Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 11, 1993

Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 - Prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) furthers a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Sets forth provisions pertaining to judicial relief, attorney's fees, and applicability.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] · D–MA

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
60 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.

  2. Senate passed companion measure H.R. 1308 in lieu of this measure by Yea-Nay Vote. 97-3. Record Vote No: 331.

    Senate roll call 331 · Individual votes
  3. Senate incorporated this measure in H.R. 1308 as an amendment.

  4. Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S14461-14470)

  5. Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S14350-14368)

  6. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 163.

  7. Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 103-111. Additional views filed.

  8. Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 103-111. Additional views filed.

  9. Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

  10. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

  11. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2822-2824)

  12. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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