A Republican bill with 10 Democratic cosponsors · See all 18 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill, known as the Internet Reach and Access Now Act or the IRAN Act, focuses on improving internet freedom and access to information for people in Iran. It requires the government to update its comprehensive strategy for promoting internet freedom, evaluating the use of virtual private networks, satellite technologies, and other circumvention tools. The legislation directs the Federal Communications Commission to consider encouraging satellite and direct-to-cell operators not to intentionally disable coverage of Iran. It also requires the Secretary of State to establish or expand cybersecurity training and digital safety tools for civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders in Iran. Additionally, the bill authorizes $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to carry out these programs and reporting requirements. Finally, it ensures that the provisions do not limit the President's authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or authorize transactions prohibited under existing sanctions.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +7
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill aims to promote internet freedom, evaluate circumvention tools, and encourage satellite coverage for Iran.
- Scored +4
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill supports digital access and communication tools that benefit individuals connected to Iranian civil society.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill authorizes programs to deliver cybersecurity training and digital safety tools to civil society actors.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3(a)(1)(C), adding Section 414(a)(11) and (13) of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012: Evaluates the use of virtual private networks, decentralized networks, peer-to-peer technologies, and direct-to-cell satellite technologies by civil society and human rights activists in Iran, while developing strategies to circumvent internet blackouts. This is positive because it helps find practical ways for people to stay connected during government-imposed internet shutdowns.
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Section 4(a): Directs the Federal Communications Commission to consider encouraging licensees and grantees of direct-to-cell or other satellite communications to refrain from intentionally disabling, degrading, or geoblocking coverage of Iran. This provision helps ensure that satellite communication services remain available to people in Iran unless required by law, interference prevention, or network security.
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Section 5(a): Directs the Secretary of State to establish or expand programs to deliver remote or in-person cybersecurity training, furnish vetted digital safety tools such as virtual private networks and encrypted messaging applications, and provide multilingual educational materials warning against regime-controlled applications and phishing campaigns. This directly benefits journalists, human rights defenders, and other civil society actors in Iran by helping them protect their safety and privacy.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 8: Specifies that nothing in the Act authorizes any transaction prohibited under United States sanctions or export control laws, or requires operators to provide goods, services, or technology in violation of such laws. This could mean that existing regulatory and financial hurdles for companies attempting to supply technology to Iran remain firmly in place, potentially limiting the practical delivery of tools to the Iranian people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill aims to promote internet freedom, evaluate circumvention tools, and encourage satellite coverage for Iran.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill authorizes programs to deliver cybersecurity training and digital safety tools to civil society actors. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The legislation supports international advocacy through the ITU to oppose geographic exclusions of Iran from satellite coverage.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular reporting and strategy updates to congressional committees regarding internet freedom initiatives. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation directs federal agencies like the FCC and the Department of State to coordinate strategies and report on internet freedom.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill supports digital access and communication tools that benefit individuals connected to Iranian civil society.
- 11/5/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 11/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/15/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 14 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts
Yassamin AnsariDemocrat · Arizona
Stephanie BiceRepublican · Oklahoma
Aaron BeanRepublican · Florida
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Virginia FoxxRepublican · North Carolina
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Nicole MalliotakisRepublican · New York
Ryan MackenzieRepublican · Pennsylvania
Dave MinDemocrat · California
Ilhan OmarDemocrat · Minnesota
Emily RandallDemocrat · Washington
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida
Bradley SchneiderDemocrat · Illinois
Hillary ScholtenDemocrat · Michigan
James WalkinshawDemocrat · Virginia