{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-and-rosen-introduce-legislation-to-expand-internet-access-for-iranian-civilians-and-combat-irans-human-rights-abuses/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK\u00a0AND ROSEN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND INTERNET ACCESS FOR IRANIAN CIVILIANS AND COMBAT IRAN\u2019S HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES", "2026-02-24", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, February 24, 2026 \u2013 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.\n\nThe legislation takes a coordinated approach to confronting the regime\u2019s 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.\n\n\u201cThe Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 builds on America\u2019s efforts to stand with the Iranian people against a regime that is economically, militarily, and morally bankrupt,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cThis 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.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe 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,\u201d said Senator Rosen. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support the brave Iranian people through expanding internet access, transparent broadcasting, and human rights programs. Iran\u2019s future must be shaped by its people, who deserve to have their rights protected and free access to information.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, theIran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 will:\n\nDesignate 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.\n\nEvaluate civilian use of tools such as VPNs and direct-to-cell satellite technology; ensure sanctions do not block Iranian civilians\u2019 access to open internet technologies; and develop strategies to counter regime-imposed internet blackouts.\n\nUpdate existing congressional reports on expanding internet access in Iran, covering satellite-based communications, drone-related risks, and analysis of telecommunications providers operating in Iran.\n\nIncreases funding for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program to at least $20 million annually from fiscal years 2027 to 2030.\n\nEstablish 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.\n\nCreate a process for senior congressional leaders to identify and potentially sanction foreign individuals suspected of supporting Iran\u2019s human rights abuses, censorship, or repression, including suppliers of surveillance or internet shutdown technology.\n\nDirect 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.\n\nRequire 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.\n\nEstablish 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.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-and-rosen-introduce-legislation-to-expand-internet-access-for-iranian-civilians-and-combat-irans-human-rights-abuses/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.9453810527920723, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}