On September 14, 2024, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Senator Marco Rubio's U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Act of 2024, which extends the commission for an additional two years. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), established by the 1988 International Religious Freedom Act, plays a crucial role in monitoring religious freedom around the world and was facing expiration at the end of September 2024. Rubio praised the commission's efforts in defending religious liberty globally, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues such as antisemitism, the genocide of Uyghurs, and the persecution of Catholics in Nicaragua. [94a8c825]
The latest USCIRF report highlights the erosion of religious freedom in Cuba, detailing increased government surveillance and restrictions on religious practices. This deterioration in religious liberties comes amid strained U.S.-Cuba relations under President Biden, with growing concerns over Russian and Chinese military activities on the island. Rubio's advocacy for religious freedom aligns with his broader legislative efforts, including his recent push for the appointment of a Special Advisor on International Religious Freedom within the National Security Council. [94a8c825]
In a related context, Rubio's involvement in international matters has been underscored by his recent visit to Argentina, where he met with President Javier Milei and other officials to discuss labor reform and economic policies. However, this visit sparked controversy among Argentine journalists, who criticized Rubio's ties to U.S. foreign policy interventions in Latin America, particularly regarding Cuba and Venezuela. [99a4134d]
Additionally, Rubio has been recognized for his contributions to democracy, having received the 2024 Democracy Award for Innovation and Modernization from the Congressional Management Foundation. This award acknowledges his office's creativity in constituent interactions and communication. Rubio expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the dedication of his staff in serving Floridians. [7529e02f]