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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) today issued the following statements on their bipartisan resolution reaffirming the United States’ commitment to international religious freedom and urging the Egyptian Government to take further steps to protect the rights of Coptic Christians.

Congressman Hill said, “Coptic Christians have lived in Egypt for thousands of years and make up the largest Christian community in the Middle East. But despite efforts by the El-Sisi government to promote harmony, Copts continue to face relentless discrimination and violence because of their faith. We need to stand with people who are denied the right to worship freely and speak up for their basic rights. I'm glad to partner with Rep. Suozzi to push for real, measurable change to the culture of impunity.”

Congressman Suozzi said, “Religious freedom is a fundamental American value and a universal human right. The ongoing persecution and discrimination against Coptic Christians in Egypt cannot be ignored. As the largest Christian community in the Middle East, the Copts have long endured systemic injustice. This bipartisan resolution speaks with moral clarity and urges our partners in Egypt to uphold the basic human rights of all their citizens. This resolution sends a clear message: We stand with those who are targeted for their faith, and we will continue to fight for freedom of religion around the world.”

Background:

The resolution calls on the Egyptian Government to take further action to promote religious tolerance and end religious discrimination against Egypt’s Coptic Christian population.

The resolution calls on the House of Representatives to:

• Acknowledge the importance of the United States–Egypt partnership.
• Acknowledge Egypt’s role in combating violent extremism and terrorism.
• Recognize the need to strengthen human rights and the rule of law in Egypt.
• Urge Egypt to give Coptic Christians the same rights as other Egyptian citizens.
• Urge Egypt to end the culture of tolerance for those who commit crimes against Christians.

Congress can help strengthen U.S. efforts to defend religious freedom globally and hold foreign countries accountable that violate religious freedom. Promoting religious freedom abroad is not only a moral imperative, but it also supports global stability, human rights, and upholds American values.

This resolution was introduced on September 30, 2025.