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 theIran 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.
“TheIran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026builds 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 2026will:
Read the full bill texthere.
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