Appropriations Committee to Lead Joint Briefing on Persecution of Nigerian Christians and Threats to Religious Freedom

December 1, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, December 2 nd , House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, joined by fellow Appropriators and members of the Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees, will convene a joint briefing with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and other experts to spotlight the escalating violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The roundtable will gather critical testimony to inform a comprehensive report – directed by President Trump – on the massacre of Nigerian Christians and the steps Congress can take to support the White House’s efforts to protect vulnerable faith communities worldwide. DATE : Tuesday, December 2 nd , 2025 MEDIA ARRIVAL TIME : 10:00 AM EST EVENT START TIME : 10:30 AM EST LOCATION : H-144, the Capitol RSVP REQUIRED : Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov PARTICIPANTS: Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Robert Aderholt, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman and Values Action Team (VAT) Chair Rep. Riley Moore, House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee Vice Chair and leading religious liberty advocate Rep. Brian Mast, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Chris Smith, House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bill Huizenga, House Financial Services Committee Vice Chair Honorable Vicky Hartzler, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Chair Sean Nelson, Alliance Defending Freedom International Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations Please note: Updates to the participant list are possible. In-person press must be congressionally credentialed and RSVPs are required to Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov . ### Issues : Appropriations Appropriations Process Foreign Affairs Defense/National Security