Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator David McCormick
Introduced
Summary
Expand internet freedom and back Iranian civil society. This bill would create a multi-agency framework to boost uncensored access, fund tech and media support, and tighten targeted sanctions against those who enable repression.
Show full summary
- Would expand direct support to independent Iranian journalists and civil-society actors with grants, training, secure communications, and broadcasting plans, and set a minimum of $20.0 million per year for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program for FY2027–FY2030.
- Would make the Secretary of State the lead coordinator on Iran internet freedom, require a process to identify foreign persons who aid the regime’s abuses, and require Presidential determinations to Congress within 120 days of written requests.
- Would push technology and resilience measures by creating a working group on low-cost countermeasures to internet blackouts, require an Internet Freedom Report in 120 days, mandate cybersecurity training and tools for journalists, and order a GAO evaluation within 3 years.
*This bill would increase federal spending by authorizing appropriations, including at least $20.0 million per year for FY2027–FY2030.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More internet access and funding for Iran
If enacted, the Secretary of State would be the U.S. lead on internet freedom for Iran and must send an updated strategy to Congress within 120 days. The bill would create an interagency working group to speed low‑cost tech like low‑earth‑orbit satellites, mesh networks, portable communications, and VPN research. It would require at least $20 million per year for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program for each fiscal year 2027 through 2030 and authorize additional appropriations for related activities for 2027–2030. Agencies would coordinate on procurement and sanctions so civilian internet tools are not blocked.
Cybersecurity training and tools for Iranians
If enacted, the Secretary of State would set up programs within 180 days to train Iranian journalists and civil‑society actors in cybersecurity. The programs would provide vetted digital‑safety tools such as VPNs and end‑to‑end encrypted messaging, plus multilingual warnings about regime‑controlled apps and phishing. The State Department would report quarterly aggregate metrics on trainees and tool users. The Government Accountability Office would evaluate the program within three years. Congress could fund these activities for FY2027–FY2030.
Faster sanctions decisions on foreign suppliers
If enacted, the President would have 120 days after a written request from a committee chair or ranking member to determine whether a named foreign person knowingly supported Iranian human‑rights abuses or sold censorship or surveillance tools. The President would have to send a written justification to the committee leader stating whether sanctions were imposed and explaining the decision.
No authorization for military force
If enacted, the bill would state that nothing in it may be construed as authorizing the use of military force.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
David McCormick
PA • R
Cosponsors
Jacky Rosen
NV • D
Sponsored 2/24/2026
John Curtis
UT • R
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Kirsten Gillibrand
NY • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Jim Banks
IN • R
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Adam Schiff
CA • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Susan Collins
ME • R
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Amy Klobuchar
MN • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Shelley Capito
WV • R
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Cory Booker
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Dan Sullivan
AK • R
Sponsored 3/11/2026
John Fetterman
PA • D
Sponsored 3/11/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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