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HR2614119th Congress

Maximum Support Act

Sponsored By: Representative Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

Introduced

Summary

Expanding internet freedom is the central aim of the Maximum Support Act, which would coordinate U.S. tools to help Iranians bypass censorship and back democratic change. The bill focuses on building secure, censorship‑resistant communications, using seized Iranian assets to fund support, and developing defection and sanctions strategies to pressure the regime.

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  • Iranian activists, journalists, and dissidents would get access to U.S.-backed VPN services, direct‑to‑cell satellite access and eSIM distribution, secure communications tools, encryption, cybersecurity training, and rapid technical response for high‑risk users. Many program elements must be planned within 180 days.
  • The President would be authorized to confiscate funds of the Government of Iran and use those funds for a range of efforts. That funding could pay for a strikers fund for nonviolent opposition, monitored humanitarian aid, documentation of human rights abuses, and the internet freedom initiatives described in the bill. Audits by the Government Accountability Office and inspectors general are required and could stop spending that benefits the regime.
  • The Secretaries of State and Treasury would have to create a sanctions‑compatibility strategy to ensure civilians can access censorship‑resistant tools. That strategy would include licensing and waiver guidance, vetting to block regime misuse, and coordination with tech companies and civil society, with a 180‑day timeline for delivery.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New plan for Iran internet freedom

If enacted, State, Treasury, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media would form a task force and publish a strategy in 180 days to fight internet censorship in Iran. The plan would include a dedicated VPN, direct-to-cell satellite access, and eSIM distribution. It would study bans on iPhone 14, 15, and 16 and propose ways to curb black markets. It would provide sanctions licenses and guidance so civilians can access tools, and it would vet out regime-linked actors. Cybersecurity tools, training, and rapid tech help for high-risk users would be included. An implementation plan would be due 60 days after the strategy.

Seize Iranian funds to aid democracy

If enacted, the President could seize Iranian government funds under U.S. control and put them in the Treasury. The money would fund vetted help inside Iran, like a strikers fund, humanitarian and medical aid, human rights documentation, and internet freedom efforts. Spending would be audited each year by GAO and agency inspectors general. If any audit finds the regime benefited, that spending would stop at once and fixes would be put in place.

Possible terror label for Iran's intelligence ministry

If enacted, the Secretary of State would decide within 90 days if Iran’s intelligence ministry meets the legal test to be a Foreign Terrorist Organization. If it does, the Secretary would designate it as an FTO. The Secretary would also send Congress a detailed reason and a threat assessment.

Encourage defections from Iranian regime

If enacted, State, Treasury, and the Director of National Intelligence would propose in 180 days a strategy to help Iranian officials and security members who want to defect and back democracy. The plan would set up secure ways to talk, and offer safety assurances for defectors and their families. An interagency group would manage cases and verify information. Possible incentives could include money, job help, and housing help. The group would send Congress an implementation plan within 60 days after the strategy.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

SC • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/2/2025

  • Mullin

    CA • D

    Sponsored 8/1/2025

  • Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]

    OH • D

    Sponsored 10/6/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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