On June 17, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the bipartisan Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act (S.3900), marking the bill’s first major legislative victory and an important step toward Senate passage. Introduced by Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), the legislation now moves out of committee as supporters build broader congressional support.
The committee’s action comes at a critical moment. As the Iranian regime continues to rely on internet shutdowns, censorship, and communications restrictions to suppress dissent and isolate its citizens, access to secure and uncensored information remains an essential lifeline for the Iranian people. Internet blackouts have become one of the regime’s most effective tools for concealing abuses, restricting free expression, and limiting communication between Iranians and the outside world.
The legislation would strengthen U.S. efforts to support internet freedom and secure communications in Iran by extending authorization of the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program, advancing technologies capable of overcoming internet shutdowns, supporting cybersecurity and digital safety tools for Iranian civil society, strengthening independent Iranian media, and improving coordination of U.S. government efforts to counter censorship and digital repression.
The committee-approved bill also incorporates key internet freedom and coordination concepts reflected in the bipartisan IRAN Act (H.R.7380) while building upon earlier legislative efforts such as the FREEDOM Act. Together, these efforts represent a growing bipartisan commitment to empowering the Iranian people and expanding access to secure communications and uncensored information.
While committee approval is an important milestone, the work is far from finished. The bill must now continue building support in the Senate to secure floor consideration and ultimately passage. This is a critical moment for advocates and supporters to engage with their elected officials and demonstrate broad support for legislation that advances internet freedom, human rights, and accountability in Iran.
PAAIA encourages supporters to contact their Senators and urge Senate leadership to bring S.3900 to the Senate floor for consideration and passage. Supporters are also encouraged to contact their Representatives and urge them to cosponsor both the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act (H.R.7622) and the IRAN Act (H.R.7380) to continue building momentum in the House.
Take Action: Contact your Members of Congress today and urge them to support these critical bipartisan measures.
