SENATORS MCCORMICK AND ROSEN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND INTERNET ACCESS FOR IRANIAN CIVILIANS AND COMBAT IRAN’S HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES

WASHINGTON, February 24, 2026 - Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) today introduced the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026,bipartisan legislationdesigned to increase pressure against the Islamic Republic of Iran after the regime locked down 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: expand internet access for Iranian civilians amid regime blackouts and repression, identify and enforce sanctions on human rights abusers and their enablers, support U.S. broadcasting and human rights programming, and strengthen cybersecurity tools for Iranian journalists, human rights activists, and civil society.

"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."

"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 through 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."

Specifically, theIran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 will:

• Designate the Secretary of State as lead official for advancing internet access and digital freedom in Iran, coordinating all related U.S. government initiatives and updating reporting requirements under the Comprehensive Iran Internet Freedom Strategy.
• Evaluate civilian use of tools such as VPNs and direct-to-cell satellite technology; ensure sanctions do not block Iranian civilians' access to open internet technologies; and develop strategies to counter regime-imposed internet blackouts.
• Update existing congressional reports on expanding internet access in Iran, covering satellite-based communications, drone-related risks, and analysis of telecommunications providers operating in Iran.
• Increases funding for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program to at least $20 million annually from fiscal years 2027 to 2030.
• Establish a State Department-led interagency working group to develop rapidly deployable technologies capable of bypassing internet shutdowns and network disruptions imposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Create a process for senior congressional leaders to identify and potentially sanction foreign individuals suspected of supporting Iran's human rights abuses, censorship, or repression, including suppliers of surveillance or internet shutdown technology.
• Direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy expanding U.S. broadcasting and human rights programming for Iran, including support for independent media, civil society, and uncensored news access.

• Require the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on grant oversight, program effectiveness, and recommendations to improve spending transparency and accountability under the Near East Regional Democracy account for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
• Establish programs to strengthen cybersecurity training and digital safety tools for Iranian journalists, activists, and civil society, including multilingual materials warning civilians about regime-controlled apps and phishing threats, with quarterly congressional reporting and independent evaluation.

Read the full bill text here.

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