David McCormick (R-PA)
Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 10 Democratic cosponsors · See all 19 cosponsors
Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 504.
Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote
A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.
This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to support the Iranian people's right to self-determination and human rights. It focuses on expanding open and uncensored internet access through new technologies and strategies. The bill authorizes the Secretary of State to coordinate efforts to counter internet shutdowns and provide cybersecurity training to civil society. It also establishes strategies to enhance independent news coverage and support journalists in Iran. Additionally, the bill mandates reports and evaluations to ensure accountability for federal spending.
Yes· 3 of 19
- Scored +9
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The core objective is to expand open, uncensored internet access and circumvent blackouts in Iran.
- Scored +8
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?
The bill aggressively promotes uncensored internet access and independent news for the people of Iran.
- Scored +8
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The bill aims to protect and promote free expression and independent journalism in Iran.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Expansion of Internet Access: The bill seeks to facilitate open, uncensored internet and civilian communication lines for the people of Iran to connect domestically and globally (Section 2(b)(2)).
- Support for Human Rights and Civil Society: It promotes programs to assist Iranian civil society in documenting and reporting human rights abuses (Section 2(b)(3)).
- Protection of Communication Tools: The bill directs the government to ensure that sanctions do not stop companies from providing civilians with the tools needed to access the open internet (Section 3(b)(3)).
- Technological Support for Freedom: It authorizes the development of low-cost, scalable technologies like mesh networking and portable communication systems to overcome internet blackouts (Section 4(c)(1)-(2)).
- Support for Independent Media: The bill creates strategies to provide grants for equipment and training to independent Iranian journalists and media outlets (Section 5(a)(2)(C)).
- Cybersecurity Training: It establishes programs to provide cybersecurity training and digital-safety tools, such as encrypted messaging and VPNs, to journalists and human rights defenders (Section 6(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Detection: The bill acknowledges that technologies used to bypass censorship must be assessed for "detectability by hostile governments" and "security risks to civilians," implying that using these tools could put individuals at risk (Section 4(c)(2)(D) and 4(c)(3)(E)).
- Sanctions on Family Members: The policy includes the full enforcement of sanctions against not only human rights violators but also their family members (Section 2(b)(4)).
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.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The bill aggressively promotes uncensored internet access and independent news for the people of Iran. Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill recognizes the importance of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests and aims to support human rights for women in Iran. Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice? — It supports the right to self-determination through democratic processes. Does this protect the right to vote? — The bill recognizes the right of the Iranian people to determine leadership through free and fair elections.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill provides cybersecurity training and digital safety tools for civil society actors in Iran. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill authorizes funding for internet freedom grants and human rights assistance in Iran. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — It mandates coordination with international partners and allies to deter violence against protesters. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — It enhances US engagement with Iranian civil society and independent media.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would women be better off under this? — Specifically recognizes the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement and aims to counter violence against women. Would students be better off under this? — Provides access to information and uncensored global communication. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Younger, tech-savvy Iranians are the primary users and beneficiaries of internet freedom tools. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Provides tools for civil society and professional journalists.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The core objective is to expand open, uncensored internet access and circumvent blackouts in Iran. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill focuses on deploying encrypted messaging and VPNs to protect the privacy of Iranian activists. Does this put more money into scientific research? — It authorizes the development of new communication technologies like mesh networking.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The bill aims to protect and promote free expression and independent journalism in Iran. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — It provides tools for secure, encrypted communication to prevent state surveillance. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires detailed GAO reports and performance metrics for federal expenditures in the region.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill mandates GAO reports and evaluations of federal expenditures to ensure accountability for spending.
- 8/7/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/27/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 504.
- 6/17/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 6/16/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/10/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 3/11/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/3/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/26/2026
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- 2/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Jim BanksRepublican · Indiana
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
John CornynRepublican · Texas
John CurtisRepublican · Utah
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
- Darline Graham
Republican · South Carolina
James JusticeRepublican · West Virginia
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia