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119-s-3900119th CongressWALLET
Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator McCormick, David [R-PA]
In Committee
Summary
Expand open and uncensored internet access in Iran while coordinating U.S. policy to back independent media, develop anti‑censorship technologies, and hold regime actors and tool providers accountable. This bill would direct a whole‑of‑government approach to keep Iranians connected and strengthen oversight of those who enable repression.
Show full summary
- Would boost support for Iranian journalists, civil society, and Persian‑language broadcasting by funding Voice of America Persian Service, Radio Farda, independent media support, and by preserving the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program through fiscal year 2030.
- Would prioritize development and deployment of anti‑censorship tools and shutdown countermeasures. Examples include VPNs and peer‑to‑peer tools, low‑Earth orbit satellite internet, mesh networking, direct‑to‑cell options, portable communications, and rapid deployment technologies, along with cybersecurity training and safety tools for at‑risk users.
- Would make the Secretary of State the lead coordinator and require an updated internet‑freedom strategy within 120 days. It would force interagency coordination with Treasury, Commerce, and Defense, create authority to target suppliers of censorship or surveillance tools, and require GAO reviews plus regular congressional reporting.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More internet access and tools
If enacted, the Secretary of State would lead a coordinated U.S. plan to expand uncensored internet access for people in Iran. Within 120 days the Secretary would send an updated internet-freedom strategy to Congress covering broadcasting, circumvention tools, and a multi-year budget. Within 180 days State would start cybersecurity training and give vetted VPNs and encrypted messaging tools to Iranian journalists and activists, with metrics every six months and a GAO review within three years. State would also be able to develop and rapidly buy counter-shutdown tech (mesh networks, portable systems, LEO satellite links) and must report to Congress each year. Funding for these activities would come from amounts available to the State Department.
No military force authority
If enacted, the bill would state that nothing in it authorizes the use of military force. The Act would be limited to non-military measures for advancing its goals.
Rules for companies that supply internet
If enacted, federal agencies would be directed to work so sanctions enforcement does not block companies supplying internet-access tools to Iranian civilians. At the same time, the bill would make clear it does not override existing sanctions or export controls, so prohibited transactions would still need a general or specific license. Together, these changes would alter compliance expectations for firms that build or ship circumvention or surveillance technologies.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McCormick, David [R-PA]
PA • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 2/24/2026
Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
UT • R
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
NY • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]
IN • R
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
ME • R
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
MN • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
WV • R
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
AK • R
Sponsored 3/11/2026
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
PA • D
Sponsored 3/11/2026
Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
WV • R
Sponsored 6/10/2026
Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
GA • D
Sponsored 6/10/2026
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
TX • R
Sponsored 6/10/2026
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 6/15/2026
Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
SD • R
Sponsored 6/16/2026
Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
VA • D
Sponsored 6/16/2026
Sen. Graham, Darline [R-SC]
SC • R
Sponsored 8/7/2026
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 8/7/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov