§6433a Strategic plan

Summary

Require the Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to lead a regular planning review and to send a written strategic plan to Congress on a set schedule. The law names the four “appropriate congressional committees” as the Senate and House foreign relations/affairs and appropriations committees. It defines “Commission” as the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, “Commissioner” as a member, and “Vice Chair” as the vice chair chosen by someone from a different political party than the person who appointed the Chair. Not later than 60 days after October 16, 2015, and at least every 2 years after that, the Chair and Vice Chair must run a strategic policy and organization review with Commissioners, the Ambassador‑at‑Large for International Religious Freedom, staff, and others they pick. That review must look at the Commission’s duties and powers, list priority actions needed to meet the strategic plan, review the annual report’s scope and timing, and review personnel policies. Not later than 180 days after December 20, 2019, and every 2 years after that, the Chair and Vice Chair must send a written strategic plan to the four committees showing prioritized actions, any changes to the annual report or personnel rules, and funding needs. The Commission should try to reach unanimous agreement, but if it cannot, the Chair and Vice Chair may approve items with a majority vote of Commissioners appointed by the President’s party and a majority of those appointed by the other party. The plan may note unresolved issues. The Commission may put into effect personnel and annual‑report items in the plan despite other rules, and must provide documents or testimony to the listed congressional committees when asked.