The US Commission on International Religious Freedom received congressional re-authorization Friday, just hours before the watchdog group was scheduled to phase out of existence. The bill, approved by voice vote in the House, makes a few changes to the Commission, including limiting commissioners to two 2-year terms, meaning 7 of the current 9 members will rotate off in a matter of months. In addition, its yearly budget was reduced from $4+ million to $3 million.
Congress' action leaves the group in place for the next three years.
