What does Preamble of HR 7622 do?

This bill aims to support human rights and internet freedom in Iran. It also seeks to hold the Iranian regime accountable for the repression of the Iranian people.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7622 do?

This bill is formally titled the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF POLICY. of HR 7622 do?

This section outlines findings regarding the situation in Iran, noting decades of repression by the Islamic Republic. It highlights the Iranian people's protests for economic opportunity, human rights, and freedom, and the regime's violent response. The section states that the Iranian people are protesting economic mismanagement, corruption, and unjust executions. It emphasizes the importance of free expression and open information. The section identifies the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests as inspiring and demanding an end to the regime's violence. It condemns the actions of the morality police and other state suppression arms. The section asserts that the Iranian people deserve dignity, democracy, and self-determination. This section establishes U.S. policy to recognize the Iranian people's right to determine their political regime through free and fair elections. It calls for expanding internet access and communication lines in Iran. The policy includes fully enforcing sanctions against human rights violators and their family members. The United States is directed to coordinate with allies to deter further violence against protesters.

What does INTERNET FREEDOM AND CENSORSHIP CIRCUMVENTION. of HR 7622 do?

This section amends Section 5124 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 to require an assessment of using direct-to-cell wireless communications to expand internet access in Iran. The amendment also mandates an analysis of how drone-based platforms and signal jamming technologies could impact the feasibility and security of such communications. It requires a survey of telecommunications service providers in Iran, examining their ownership, foreign investment, and implications for communications freedom. The Act extends and increases authorization for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program, allocating $30,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2030. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is directed to support the development of low-cost technologies to counter internet shutdowns in Iran. The DIU's objectives include identifying technologies to overcome internet blackouts, supporting virtual private networks, and collaborating with stakeholders. The DIU is also tasked with conducting pilot programs, providing technical assistance, and evaluating commercially available items for rapid deployment. The DIU must collaborate with the Defense Acquisition University to improve acquisition processes for these technologies. The Director of the DIU is required to submit annual reports to the Secretary of Defense and congressional defense committees detailing progress and outcomes.

What does STOP CORRUPT IRANIAN OLIGARCHS AND ENTITIES. of HR 7622 do?

This section mandates a report from the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of State, regarding senior Iranian political figures and oligarchs, parastatal entities, and related economic exposures. The report must identify significant Iranian figures, assess their relationships with the ruling elite, and detail their income sources and business affiliations. It requires an assessment of the role of Iranian parastatal entities in the economy and their leadership/ownership structures. The report also addresses the potential impacts of sanctions and restrictions on Iranian entities and the Iranian economy, as well as the economies of the United States and its allies. The report is due within 180 days of the Act's enactment and will be submitted in unclassified form, potentially with a classified annex. This section establishes the 'Iran Kleptocracy Initiative' within FinCEN to investigate, expose, disrupt, and prosecute corruption, money laundering, and racketeering by Iranian government officials and their associates. The Initiative's responsibilities include identifying and tracing assets, coordinating with foreign governments to seize illicit assets, and developing public reports on corrupt practices. The Secretary of the Treasury must submit annual reports to Congress on the Initiative's activities, including investigations, asset recoveries, and international cooperation. ’Islamic Republic of Iran parastatal entities’ are defined as entities with at least 25% ownership by the Iranian government and with revenues of approximately $2,000,000,000 or more.

What does CONGRESSIONAL NOMINATION AUTHORITY. of HR 7622 do?

This section establishes a process for congressional oversight regarding foreign persons providing support to the Iranian regime. The President must respond to requests from congressional committees within 120 days regarding whether a foreign person has engaged in specified conduct. The specified conduct includes knowingly providing material support for human rights abuses, censorship, or repression of the Iranian people. This support can include selling censorship technology or actions sanctionable under specific federal regulations. The President's response must include a written justification detailing any sanctions imposed or intended to be imposed. The 'appropriate congressional committees' are defined as specific committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS ON IRAN BROADCASTING AND HUMAN RIGHTS of HR 7622 do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding United States policy towards Iran broadcasting and human rights assistance. It directs the promotion and provision of U.S. and international broadcasting efforts to provide truthful reporting to the people of Iran. The section supports independent Iranian journalists, media outlets, and citizen journalists through various means, including grants and relocation assistance. It encourages coordination with international partners, the private sector, and diaspora communities to amplify credible independent media. The section requires the production of annual performance metrics and benchmarks for audience reach, content impact, and program outcomes.

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Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 — HR. 7622

Last updated: 2/20/2026 · Introduced: 2/20/2026

Author: Michael Lawler (R-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill aims to support human rights and internet freedom in Iran and hold the Iranian regime accountable for repression.
It directs the U.S. government to explore using direct-to-cell wireless communications and drone-based platforms to expand internet access in Iran, while also increasing funding for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program.
The bill mandates a report identifying senior Iranian political figures, oligarchs, and their economic connections, and establishes the 'Iran Kleptocracy Initiative' within FinCEN to combat corruption.
It establishes a process for congressional oversight regarding foreign persons providing support to the Iranian regime, requiring presidential justification for sanctions.
The bill encourages U.S. broadcasting efforts to provide truthful reporting to the Iranian people and supports independent Iranian journalists and media outlets.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3900(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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