President George W. Bush announced last week that he intends to make three appointments to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. He will reappoint Chairman Michael Lewis Cromartie for a two year term. He will appoint Talal Eid for a two-year term and Leonard A. Leo for one year. A CNA report gives more detail on the nominees. Cromartie is Vice President at the Ethics and Public Life Center. Leo is Executive Vice President of the Federalist Society. eid is the founder and director of the Islamic Institute of Boston (prior AP story).
Last month, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton announced the appointment of Don Argue to USCIRF. He is President of Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington and was formerly President of the National Association of Evangelicals. (Melissa Rogers has more on this appointment.)
Under Sec. 201 of the International Religious Freedom Act, the President chooses three Commissioners; four are chosen by the Congressional leaders of the party not in the White House; and two by the leaders of the President's party in Congress. The Congressional picks are split between Senate and House leaders. (See USCIRF FAQ)
