In recent months, several of PAAIA’s top legislative priorities have reached important milestones in Congress. From bipartisan committee action and growing congressional support to the soon to be reintroduction of strengthened legislation, these developments reflect continued momentum for policies that promote internet freedom, support the Iranian American community, and strengthen U.S. support for the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.
This past February the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act was introduced in the House by representatives Mike Lawler and Brad Sherman. Since its inception, the bill has gained support across both sides of the aisle, currently backed by 76 cosponsors. Similarly, on the Senate side, this legislation made notable strides. On June 17, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved this bipartisan act, a major step towards advancing the bill through the Senate. This development marks significant movement towards Senate consideration and reflects the bill’s growing bipartisan support.
Earlier this month, PAAIA created and led a coalition of internet freedom advocates in encouraging Senate support of two amendments to the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act, and the Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act. These proposed amendments would strengthen communications, expand internet freedom, and counter regime-imposed censorship and shutdowns. PAAIA’s leadership on this matter works towards inclusion of these acts in the NDAA, as this would substantially improve the bills’ prospects for enactment.
In August, the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act will be reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Claudia Tenney and Rep. Yassamin Ansari. The legislation incorporates technical recommendations developed in consultation with the U.S. Department of State, strengthening the bill and helping position it for broader congressional consideration.
Furthermore, legislation like the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA) and the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act (ITIRA) have gained bipartisan support in recent weeks, backed by cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. The TFVA would support short term visits to reunite families separated by visa complications. This bill has been included in the Dignity Act, bringing total support for the TFVA to 53 members in the House of Representatives. The ITIRA, similarly, would provide temporary protection and work authorization for Iranian nationals who are present in the U.S. legally but have been affected by the ongoing pause on immigration systems. Both bills support Iranian-American individuals and families while still working within the framework of broader U.S. immigration structures.
These legislative gains demonstrate that sustained advocacy can make a real difference. With several bipartisan bills continuing to advance through Congress, now is an important time for members of the Iranian American community to make their voices heard.
Visit PAAIA’s Virtual Action Center to contact your Members of Congress and encourage them to support these important legislative priorities. For more information on PAAIA’s legislative efforts, issues, and how you can get involved, visit paaia.org today.
