Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged robust protections for all religious communities during a high-stakes budget hearing in Washington, D.C. this week.

According to Fox News, Testifying before lawmakers on June 23, Bondi emphasized her department’s dedication to defending religious liberties while responding to questions about recent controversies and past federal policies.

The hearing, held by the House Committee on Appropriations, focused on the Department of Justice's funding request for the 2026 fiscal year. It also became a platform for Bondi to address ongoing concerns about the DOJ's approach to religious freedom. Lawmakers from both parties pressed her on specific incidents and past DOJ practices.

Bondi noted that her leadership aims to distinguish itself from previous administrations, particularly in how it treats religious institutions. She pointed to the closures of religious centers during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. According to Bondi, the federal response under former President Biden negatively affected mosques, especially in more progressive states.

“It’s not only Catholics, it’s every religion, and even mosques that were slow-walked under the Biden administration and not allowed to open,” Bondi said. "We will protect every religion in this country."

Response to Questions About Internal Bias

Rep. Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, questioned Bondi regarding perceived budget needs to address religious discrimination, particularly what he described as bias against Christians within the DOJ. He highlighted the struggle some groups have faced in confronting what he believes is institutional prejudice.

Bondi assured the committee that religious liberty protections would be applied evenly across faiths. She also praised the Civil Rights Division, currently led by Harmeet Dhillon, for refocusing its work on safeguarding people of all religious backgrounds. “They are working to protect people of all religions,” Bondi said of the division’s efforts.

This renewed focus, Bondi indicated, signals a departmental shift under her leadership. She advocated for treating all religious identities with fairness in both policy and enforcement. That includes, as she emphasized, ensuring that Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities all receive equivalent attention and resources.

Recent Antisemitic Attack Sparks Discussion

The hearing also addressed a recent incident that has intensified concerns about hate-motivated violence. In May 2025, two employees of the Israeli Embassy—Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim—were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington.

Authorities arrested a suspect who allegedly shouted “free Palestine” during the incident. The attack drew national attention and was followed by a candlelight vigil held outside the White House on May 22 to honor the victims.

Bondi referenced the deadly shooting as an example of the importance of federal protection for religious minorities. She emphasized that the DOJ must be active in responding to attacks that target individuals on the basis of their faith. Ensuring swift justice in such incidents is a top priority, she said.

Controversy Over FBI Memo Resurfaces

Rep. Moore also raised concerns about a controversial FBI memo that first came to light in 2023. The document was issued by the FBI's Richmond Field Office and was later disclosed to Congress by a whistleblower.

The memo suggested that some individuals described as "radical-traditionalist Catholics" could pose extremist threats. It cited the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as part of its basis for identifying potential risks, leading to outrage from some religious and political groups.

Following public backlash, the FBI retracted the document. Then-FBI Director Christopher Wray stated he rebuked those involved in creating it but found no evidence that they acted in bad faith.

Bondi Declares Change in DOJ Practices

During the June 23 hearing, Attorney General Bondi said that the Department of Justice will no longer consult or reference the SPLC in official capacity. The announcement marked a clear departure from approaches used under previous leadership.

Her remarks suggest an overhaul of internal evaluation methods tied to religious affiliations and perceived threats. Bondi appeared keen to assure lawmakers and the public that religious bias would no longer influence categorization of domestic threats or suspects.

She made clear that future DOJ efforts will rely on alternative sources and criteria that don’t compromise the civil liberties of faith-based communities. Her administration, she reaffirmed, is committed to fair and balanced security assessments that honor constitutional protections.

Focus on Ensuring Equal Rights for All Faiths

Bondi reiterated that her department advocates on behalf of every organized religion in the U.S., including Judaism, Islam and Catholicism. Her testimony aimed to portray a DOJ that acts impartially when it comes to upholding the First Amendment.

She emphasized her partnership with the Civil Rights Division in achieving these goals. Under Director Dhillon, the division has reportedly incorporated religious freedom explicitly into its civil rights enforcement strategies.

Bondi’s appearance before the committee showcased not only her policy direction for the DOJ but also attempted to build confidence among communities who have felt scrutinized or overlooked by federal agencies.