In today’s deeply polarized political climate, where partisan divides often seem insurmountable, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) stands out as a rare and vital example of sustained bipartisan cooperation. Established by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, USCIRF is an independent, nonpartisan federal commission tasked with monitoring religious freedom violations around the world and advising the U.S. government on how to respond.
Despite representing different political ideologies and appointed by leaders across the executive and legislative branches, the commissioners are united by one core principle: the belief that religious freedom is a universal human right — not just a domestic concern or a partisan issue, but a moral imperative with global consequences.
Religious freedom lies at the intersection of faith, politics, and international diplomacy. It affects everything from refugee crises and humanitarian aid to trade agreements and diplomatic relations. When religious minorities are persecuted, societies destabilize. When individuals are punished for what they believe — or don’t believe — entire regions become breeding grounds for extremism, displacement, and conflict.
That’s where USCIRF comes in.
The commission plays a critical role in shaping U.S. foreign policy by identifying countries where religious freedom is under threat, recommending sanctions or diplomatic actions, and advocating for persecuted communities worldwide. Each year, USCIRF releases a comprehensive Annual Report , highlighting the most urgent cases of religious persecution and naming nations that should be designated as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs) by the U.S. Department of State.
What makes USCIRF particularly unique is not just its mission — but how it operates. Unlike many government bodies that reflect the ideology of the current administration, USCIRF is structured to ensure ideological balance . Its nine commissioners are appointed by both major political parties across the White House and Congress, ensuring continuity and legitimacy regardless of which party holds power.
This structure allows USCIRF to maintain consistency in its recommendations and credibility across administrations. Whether it’s condemning the repression of Uyghur Muslims in China, calling attention to the persecution of Christians in North Korea, or advocating for Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan, the commission speaks with a unified voice — even when its members come from different backgrounds and beliefs.
In this article, we take a closer look at the current commissioners of USCIRF — their appointments, professional experiences, and some of the statements made in public forums, statements, and official documents. While their perspectives may differ, their commitment to defending religious freedom remains unwavering.
Because in a world where belief can still be dangerous, having a bipartisan body dedicated to protecting the right to believe — or not believe — freely, is more important than ever.
Commissioners at a Glance
| Commissioner | Party Affiliation | Appointed By | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Schneck | D | President Joe Biden | May 2026 |
| Meir Soloveichik | R | Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell | May 2026 |
| Ariela Dubler | D | Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer | May 2026 |
| Mohamed Elsanousi | D | President Joe Biden | May 2026 |
| Maureen Ferguson | R | House Speaker Mike Johnson | May 2026 |
| Vicky Hartzler (Chair) | R | House Speaker Mike Johnson | May 2026 |
| Asif Mahmood (Vice Chair) | D | House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries | May 2026 |
Profiles with Quotes
Dr. Stephen Schneck
Appointed by then President Joe Biden (D)
Term: May 2023–May 2026
A scholar of politics and religion, Dr. Stephen Schneck has long focused on the moral dimensions of public life. He previously served as a commissioner under President Obama and returned under President Biden.
“Religious freedom is not only a core U.S. foreign policy objective but also a fundamental human right that must be protected universally.”
— USCIRF 2024 Annual Report – Executive Summary
Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik
Appointed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Term: May 2023–May 2026
A leading voice in Jewish thought, Rabbi Soloveichik is director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University and rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City.
“When any faith community is silenced, all of us lose something essential to the human spirit.”
— Remarks at USCIRF Roundtable on Middle East Persecution, January 30, 2024
Ariela Dubler
Appointed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Term: May 2023–May 2026
An expert in constitutional law, Dubler teaches at the University of Virginia School of Law. Her appointment brings legal analysis to the commission’s work.
Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi
Appointed by then President Joe Biden (D)
Term: May 2023–May 2026
A specialist in interfaith conflict resolution, Elsanousi has worked extensively with international peacebuilding organizations and focuses on communities affected by violence and persecution.
“Peace cannot exist where belief is punished. Religious freedom is the foundation of sustainable peace.”
— Keynote Address at Interfaith Peacebuilders Summit, October 19, 2023
Maureen Ferguson
Appointed by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)
Term: May 2023–May 2026
Ferguson is a senior policy analyst at the Catholic Association and has been active in domestic religious liberty issues.
“Persecution abroad and pressure on faith at home are two sides of the same coin — both demand our vigilance.”
— Panel Discussion at Heritage Foundation, November 15, 2023
Vicky Hartzler (Chair)
Appointed by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)
Term: May 2023–May 2026
Former U.S. Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) brings legislative experience and a strong record on defense and religious liberty to her leadership role.
“As Chair of USCIRF, I will not stop sounding the alarm until persecuted communities know they are not forgotten.”
— Press Release, USCIRF, February 28, 2024
Asif Mahmood (Vice Chair)
Appointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
Term: May 2023–May 2026
Mahmood is a corporate attorney and advocate for interfaith engagement. He has worked with Muslim-American communities and promotes inclusion in policymaking.
“Religious freedom means protecting not just what you believe, but who you are allowed to be.”
— Speech at Islamic Society of North America Conference, August 2, 2024
Conclusion: Unity Through Principle
Despite differing perspectives and political affiliations, the current members of USCIRF share a common conviction: that religious freedom is a cornerstone of human dignity. Their collective efforts reinforce the idea that this right must be defended across borders, ideologies, and faith traditions.
In a world where repression of belief continues to rise, USCIRF serves not only as a watchdog but also as a reminder that consensus on core values is still possible — even in divided times.
#USCIRF, #ReligiousFreedom, #Bipartisanship, #HumanRights, #InternationalPolicy
