Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator McCormick, David [R-PA]
Introduced
Summary
Expand internet freedom and hold regime enablers accountable. This bill would direct the Department of State to coordinate U.S. efforts to expand uncensored internet access for Iranians, bolster broadcasting and civil society support, and identify and sanction providers of censorship and surveillance tools.
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- Iranian civilians and protesters would gain stronger support for uncensored communications through updated strategies, pilot programs for direct-to-cell and satellite access, and planning to counter internet blackouts, with the first strategy update due within 120 days.
- Journalists and civil-society actors would get cybersecurity training, vetted digital-safety tools (like VPNs and encrypted messaging), and media-support grants, with training programs set up within 180 days and an independent evaluation in 3 years.
- The bill would create a 120-day process to identify foreign persons who knowingly supply material support for abuses and to report whether sanctions were imposed, and it directs coordination on broadcasting, grant oversight, and international partnerships.
*Authorizes additional federal spending, including at least $20 million per year for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program from 2027–2030, so it would increase federal outlays.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Congress can request sanctions decisions
If enacted, the President would have 120 days to decide and report back after a written request from certain congressional chairs or ranking members on whether a named foreign person knowingly supported Iranian human-rights abuses. The determination would cover supplying censorship or surveillance technology and other sanctionable conduct, and the President must provide a written justification stating whether sanctions were imposed.
Cybersecurity training for activists
If enacted, the Secretary of State would set up cybersecurity training programs within 180 days for Iranian journalists and civil-society actors. The program would deliver remote and in-person training, vetted VPN and encrypted messaging tools, and multilingual guidance on regime-controlled apps and phishing. The State Department would publish quarterly aggregate metrics, and the Comptroller General would evaluate program effectiveness within three years. The bill authorizes such sums as necessary for 2027–2030.
Expand U.S. broadcasting to Iran
If enacted, the Secretary of State and the USAGM CEO would deliver a strategy within 120 days to expand U.S. and international broadcasting aimed at Iran. The plan would review services like VOA Persian and Radio Farda, assess reach and censorship risks, and lay out satellite, shortwave, and digital circumvention plans. It would also include support for independent journalists, equipment grants, secure platforms, training, annual metrics, and a multi-year budget.
GAO review of Iran democracy spending
If enacted, the Comptroller General would report within 180 days on Near East Regional Democracy (NERD) spending for Iran programs in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The report would list funds obligated and spent, identify grant and contract recipients, review vetting and oversight, evaluate program impact, and recommend ways to improve transparency and accountability.
More grants for Iran internet access
If enacted, the bill would require at least $20 million each year for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2030. That requirement would be in addition to $15 million that was authorized for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The funding would support grants for anti-censorship tools, broadcasting reach, and related programs.
No authorization for military force
If enacted, the bill would state that nothing in the Act authorizes the use of military force. This would clarify that the programs and authorities in the bill do not permit military action.
State Department leads internet plan
If enacted, the Secretary of State would be the lead U.S. official for promoting internet freedom in Iran and for updating and carrying out a new strategy. The State Department would be required to study VPNs and direct-to-cell technologies and to coordinate with Treasury and Commerce so sanctions do not block access tools. The Secretary would also deliver a telecom assessment within 120 days on direct-to-cell feasibility, drones, jamming, and telecom provider ownership in Iran.
Working group to fight shutdowns
If enacted, the State Department would form a Working Group with Defense, USAGM, and others to develop and pilot low-cost tech to counter internet shutdowns in Iran. The group would study LEO satellites, mesh networks, portable communications, VPN pilots, and off-the-shelf tools. It would work with the Federal Acquisition Institute to speed buying and train acquisition staff. The bill would authorize "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2027–2030 and require annual reports to Congress.
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
Amy Klobuchar
MN • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Shelley Capito
WV • R
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Dan Sullivan
AK • R
Sponsored 3/11/2026
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
PA • D
Sponsored 3/11/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov