; Whereas the United States Congress affirmed in 2016, with passage of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act ( Public Law 114–281 ), that because the promotion of international religious freedom protects human rights, advances democracy abroad, and advances United States interests in stability, security, and development globally, the promotion of international religious freedom requires new and evolving policies and diplomatic responses that are drawn from the expertise of the national security agencies, the diplomatic services, and other governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations, and are coordinated across and carried out by the entire range of Federal agencies; Whereas the 2018 National Security Strategy of the United States recognized the strategic importance of international religious freedom, making the advancement of religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities from violence a priority of the Administration’s foreign policy; Whereas in the annual proclamation recognizing Religious Freedom Day on January 16, 2018, President Trump affirmed that the United States is … the paramount champion for religious freedom around the world because we do not believe that conscience rights are only for Americans. … We will be undeterred in our commitment to monitor religious persecution and implement policies that promote religious freedom. Through these efforts, we strive for the day when people of all faiths can follow their hearts and worship according to their consciences. ; and Whereas Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, announced a first ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom which will be held from July 24 to July 26, 2018, as foreign ministers, civil society, and parliamentarians will convene to discuss shared strategies to advance and protect international religious freedom: Now, therefore, be it