§ 6441. Presidential actions in response to violations of religious freedom
(a)
Response to violations of religious freedom
(1)
In general
(A)
United States policy
It shall be the policy of the United States—
(B)
Requirement of Presidential action
For each foreign country the government of which engages in or tolerates violations of religious freedom, the President shall oppose such violations and promote the right to freedom of religion in that country through the actions described in subsection (b) of this section.
(2)
Basis of actions
Each action taken under paragraph (1)(B) shall be based upon information regarding violations of religious freedom, as described in the latest Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the Annual Report and Executive Summary, and on any other evidence available, and shall take into account any findings or recommendations by the Commission with respect to the foreign country.
(b)
Presidential actions
(1)
In general
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the President, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Ambassador at Large, the Special Adviser, and the Commission, shall, as expeditiously as practicable in response to the violations described in subsection (a) of this section by the government of a foreign country—
(2)
Deadline for actions
Not later than September 1 of each year, the President shall take action under any of paragraphs (1) through (15) of section
6445
(a) of this title (or commensurate action in substitution thereto) with respect to each foreign country the government of which has engaged in or tolerated violations of religious freedom at any time since September 1 of the preceding year, except that in the case of action under any of paragraphs (9) through (15) of section
6445
(a) of this title (or commensurate action in substitution thereto)—
(3)
Authority for delay of Presidential actions
The President may delay action under paragraph (2) described in any of paragraphs (9) through (15) of section
6445
(a) of this title (or commensurate action in substitution thereto) if he determines and certifies to Congress that a single, additional period of time, not to exceed 90 days, is necessary pursuant to the same provisions applying to countries of particular concern for religious freedom under section
6442
(c)(3) of this title.
(c)
Implementation
(1)
In general
In carrying out subsection (b) of this section, the President shall—
(A)
take the action or actions that most appropriately respond to the nature and severity of the violations of religious freedom;
(2)
Guidelines for Presidential actions
In addition to the guidelines under paragraph (1), the President, in determining whether to take a Presidential action under paragraphs (9) through (15) of section
6445
(a) of this title (or commensurate action in substitution thereto), shall seek to minimize any adverse impact on—