On Wednesday, February 4^th, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, and Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, will chair a joint hearing on the current state of religious persecution throughout the globe and examine the United States’ efforts to defend and advance religious freedom worldwide.

WHAT: Congressional hearing on the status of religious persecution throughout the globe, with a focus on Nigeria, China, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, and North Korea. The hearing will also assess U.S. efforts and initiatives to promote religious freedom in those countries and beyond.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 4^th, 2026 at 10:30 AM

WITNESSES: (Partial list)

• The Honorable Sam Brownback, Former Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State

• Grace Drexel, Daughter of Pastor Ezra Jin

• Dr. Stephen F. Schneck, Former Chair, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom

WHERE: 2172 Rayburn House Office Building and livestreaming on YouTube

WHO: Chairman Chris Smith, Chairwoman Maria Salazar, other members of the HFAC Africa and Western Hemisphere Subcommittees, and witnesses

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