Celebrating Congressional Champions of International Religious Freedom
Congressman James McGovern (D-MA) Recognized As Top Notable Leader in U.S. House of Representatives
Rep. McGovern was presented his award during the IRF Roundtable held at the Hart Senate Office Building, where he delivered moving remarks reaffirming his dedication to this cause.
Recognizing the Notable Leaders of the 117th Congress
On Monday, June 3rd, 2024, the IRF Secretariat, joined by passionate advocates from across the country, proudly celebrated 124 Members of Congress recognized as “Notable Leaders” for their commitment to advancing religious freedom around the world. These leaders were honored based on their scores from the 117th Congress International Religious Freedom (IRF) Congressional Scorecard — a vital tool tracking legislative action in support of this fundamental human right.
A Legacy of Leadership
Throughout its history, the U.S. Congress has been a global champion for religious freedom. The IRF Congressional Scorecard (www.irfscorecard.org) highlights that legacy by evaluating how Members of Congress supported legislation related to freedom of religion or belief, whether through sponsoring, cosponsoring, or voting on relevant bills.
During the 117th Congress, a total of 58 bipartisan legislative items related to IRF were introduced — 27 in the Senate and 31 in the House — reflecting a continued commitment across party lines.
Top Leaders Honored
Two standout champions rose to the top:
Representative James McGovern (D-MA)
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
These leaders received the highest overall scores in their respective chambers for their unwavering advocacy. Rep. McGovern was presented his award during the IRF Roundtable held at the Hart Senate Office Building, where he delivered moving remarks reaffirming his dedication to this cause.
Recognizing the Many Who Lead
The Scorecard recognizes a broad, bipartisan group of legislators, from Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) to Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ). Their inclusion reflects the growing consensus that freedom of religion or belief is not a partisan issue but a shared American value.
View the full list of Notable Leaders in the Senate and House here.
An Evening of Recognition
The celebration culminated in the IRF Secretariat’s Congressional Reception and Awards Ceremony at the Rayburn House Office Building. Dozens of Members of Congress and their staff attended, reinforcing the strong and growing network of advocates committed to advancing religious freedom globally.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Lou Ann Sabatier, whose tireless work made this year’s Scorecard possible. Her dedication to this effort ensures transparency, recognition, and momentum for future IRF-related action in Congress.
Continue the Momentum
We invite you to explore the full Scorecard at IRFScorecard.org to view detailed voting records, legislation summaries, and scoring methodology. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that freedom of belief remains a protected right for all.
