hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Promotes internet freedom in Iran by coordinating US efforts and funding programs.
Rep. Swalwell (Democrat, California) and 5 bipartisan co-sponsors.
Introduced in the House, referred to committees.
This bill, known as the IRAN Act, aims to enhance internet freedom and access to information for people in Iran. It makes the Secretary of State the lead coordinator for these efforts, updates an existing strategy, places conditions on satellite and direct-to-cell (DTC) coverage over Iran, and funds cybersecurity training and tools for Iranian civil society. The bill was introduced by Representative Swalwell, a Democrat from California, along with a bipartisan group of co-sponsors. It is currently awaiting review by the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce.
Introduced Feb 4, 2026
H.R. 7380 was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 4, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review. Before it can move forward for a vote in the full House, it must be considered and approved by these committees. If it passes the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for their consideration.
If passed, this bill would prevent satellite and direct-to-cell service providers licensed in the U.S. from intentionally blocking or degrading coverage over Iran, ensuring that such services remain available to Iranian citizens. It would also mandate that the Secretary of State lead and coordinate all U.S. government efforts to promote internet freedom in Iran, making it a key part of U.S. foreign policy. Additionally, your tax dollars would support programs providing cybersecurity training, VPNs, and encrypted messaging apps to journalists and human rights activists in Iran, with $15 million authorized for this purpose in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe the bill promotes human rights and provides critical tools for freedom of communication in Iran.
Critics Say
Critics might question the effectiveness of these foreign interventions or the financial cost to American taxpayers.
Those in favor of the bill argue it is crucial for supporting the Iranian people's ability to communicate during emergencies and to exercise fundamental human rights, especially given the Iranian government's history of internet shutdowns and censorship. They see it as a necessary step to counter digital surveillance and provide secure access to information. While the bill text does not explicitly detail criticisms, potential concerns often raised about such legislation include the feasibility of effectively delivering aid in a repressive environment, the potential for unintended consequences, or the allocation of U.S. taxpayer funds to foreign programs.