The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) acquired a number of new members as well as a two reappointments, all selected by Republican and Democratic leaders. One of them, Dr. Gunisha Kaur, is an Indian American.
The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), as amended. The nine Commissioners are appointed by either the President or Congressional leaders of each political party, supported by a non-partisan professional staff.
The two members reappointed include Rachel Laser and Asif Mahmood, and the new appointments are David A. Anderson, CeCe Heil, Gunisha Kaur, and Gene Mills.
Asif Mahmood was reappointed to USCIRF by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) after serving as elected Vice Chair during his first USCIRF appointment. Mahmood is a practicing physician and human rights advocate.
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“We warmly welcome the appointments of David A. Anderson, CeCe Heil, Gunisha Kaur, and Gene Mills to the Commission,” said Commissioner Asif Mahmood, in the July 16 press release. “Their skillsets offer an invaluable perspective to the work of the Commission as it confronts threats to freedom of religion or belief.”
Gunisha Kaur was appointed to USCIRF by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). She is a physician, medical anthropologist, and scientist with two decades of experience and fieldwork in human rights. She has worked to bring clinical care informed by her scholarship to some of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises.
Rachel Laser was reappointed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Laser is the President and CEO of American United for Separation of Church and State as its first female leader.
“The work of the Commission is crucial to advancing freedom of religion or belief abroad and conveys to the world that it is a priority for the United States,” Laser said. “We look forward to working with the new Commissioners to advance international religious freedom.”
David A. Anderson was appointed to USCIRF by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). He is the founder and President of Gracism Global, working to build bridges across the deep divides of race, faith, culture, and wealth. He is also the senior pastor of Bridgeway Community Church, reaching a multicultural congregation from over 52 nations.
CeCe Heil was appointed to USCIRF by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). She is Senior Counsel and International Legal Director for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). She is a human rights attorney who advocates for religious freedom, rule of law, and the protection of vulnerable faith communities worldwide.
Gene Mills was appointed to USCIRF by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). As the President of Louisiana Family Forum, he brings years of experience working on issues involving life, liberty, and limited government in the Louisiana political landscape.