Rosen, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Internet Access for Iranian Civilians and Combat Iran’s Human Rights Abuses

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act to increase pressure against the Islamic Republic of Iran after the regime locked down access to the internet and killed tens of thousands of its own citizens during mass protests throughout the country.

The legislation takes a coordinated approach to confronting the regime's repression, targeting four key areas: expanding internet access for Iranian civilians amid regime blackouts and repression, identifying and enforcing sanctions on human rights abusers and their enablers, broadening U.S. broadcasting and human rights programming, and strengthening cybersecurity tools for Iranian journalists, human rights activists, and civil society.

"The people of Iran have been forced to live under a repressive regime that has used censorship and internet blackouts to weaken efforts by its people to fight back," said Senator Rosen. "I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support the brave Iranian people by expanding internet access, transparent broadcasting, and human rights programs. Iran's future must be shaped by its people, who deserve to have their rights protected and free access to information."

"The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 builds on America's efforts to stand with the Iranian people against a regime that is economically, militarily, and morally bankrupt," said Senator McCormick. "This bipartisan legislation will expand internet access amid regime blackouts and repression, enforce sanctions on human rights violators including their enablers, and promote human rights documentation and accountability."

Senator Rosen has been a steadfast advocate for strengthening our national security, combating terrorism, supporting Israel and other U.S. allies in the Middle East, and countering threats from Iran's authoritarian regime and their terrorist proxies, such as the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas. She has led bipartisan efforts to freeze Iranian assets, tighten oil sanctions, advance internet freedom for Iranian civilians, designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, and hold them accountable for possible human rights violations. Senator Rosen continues to support strong U.S. foreign policy priorities focused on safeguarding global stability.

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