What does SHORT TITLE. of S 3900 do?

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

What does FINDINGS; STATEMENT OF POLICY. of S 3900 do?

This section outlines findings regarding the human rights situation in Iran, noting decades of repression by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The text highlights repeated protests by the Iranian people demanding economic opportunity, human rights, and freedom. It specifically references the 2026 protests, where the government reportedly used violence and restricted communication. The section states a policy of the United States to recognize the Iranian people's right to determine their leadership through free and fair elections. A key policy objective is to expand unrestricted internet access and communication across Iran. The United States aims to support Iranian civil society and document human rights abuses. The policy includes enforcing sanctions against those violating human rights and their associates. The United States intends to coordinate with allies to deter violence against protesters.

What does IMPROVED COORDINATION OF EFFORTS TO PROMOTE INTERNET FREEDOM IN of S 3900 do?

This section designates the Secretary of State as the primary Federal official responsible for promoting internet freedom in Iran and expanding access to information for Iranian citizens. The Secretary of State is also tasked with coordinating digital freedom initiatives across Federal departments and agencies in Iran. Section 414 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8754) is amended to include new requirements. These new requirements include evaluating the use of VPNs and satellite technologies, ensuring sanctions enforcement doesn't impede internet access for Iranian civilians, and assessing the regime's ability to cut off internet access. The Secretary of State, in consultation with other agencies, must review and update the strategy on an ongoing basis. Within 120 days of the Act's enactment, the Secretary of State must submit an updated strategy to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The updated strategy must be submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

What does INTERNET FREEDOM AND CENSORSHIP CIRCUMVENTION. of S 3900 do?

This section requires the Secretary of State to prepare and submit a report to congressional committees, updating a previous report on internet freedom, within 120 days of the Act's enactment. The report must include an assessment of using direct-to-cell wireless communications to expand internet access in Iran, considering technical, regulatory, and security aspects. The report also requires an analysis of how technologies like drones and signal-jamming could impact the feasibility and security of such communications. It mandates a survey of telecommunications providers in Iran, examining ownership, foreign investment, and implications for communications freedom. Section 5124(b)(5)(A) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 is amended to authorize increased funding for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program, providing $20,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2030. A joint working group is established within the Department of State, in coordination with other agencies, to develop low-cost internet access technologies to counter shutdowns and limitations abroad. The Working Group will prioritize identifying technologies to overcome internet blackouts, including satellite internet, mesh networking, and portable communication systems. The Working Group will also focus on accelerating the research, development, and deployment of VPN technologies and evaluating off-the-shelf solutions. The Working Group will collaborate with the Federal Acquisition Institute to leverage expertise in acquisition processes for technology development. The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the United States Agency for Global Media, must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the progress of these efforts.

What does IDENTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUALS SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS of S 3900 do?

This section outlines a process for identifying foreign persons supporting human rights violations by the Iranian regime. The President must respond to requests from congressional committee leaders regarding whether a foreign person has engaged in specified conduct. The specified conduct includes providing material support for Iranian regime abuses, censorship, or repression. Examples of this conduct include selling censorship technology, actions sanctionable under existing regulations, and actions sanctionable under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The President must provide a written justification if sanctions are imposed. The 'appropriate congressional committees' are defined as specific committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.

What does STRATEGY ON IRAN BROADCASTING AND HUMAN RIGHTS ASSISTANCE. of S 3900 do?

This section requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the United States Agency for Global Media CEO, to submit a strategy within 120 days of the Act's enactment to expand and enhance broadcasting and human rights support programs for Iran. The strategy must include a review of current U.S. and international broadcasting efforts, such as Voice of America Persian Service and Radio Farda, assessing their reach and effectiveness. The strategy should outline plans to ensure Iranians have access to accurate, uncensored news, utilizing satellite broadcasting, digital tools, and other technologies. Programs to support independent Iranian journalists, media outlets, and civil society are required, including grants for equipment and training. Coordination with international partners, the private sector, and diaspora communities is mandated to amplify independent media. The strategy must include annual performance metrics and a multi-year budget plan. The Comptroller General of the United States must submit a report within 180 days examining Near East Regional Democracy (NERD) expenditures for Iran-related programs over fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The GAO report will assess grant allocation, contractor oversight, vetting of recipients, and program outcomes related to NERD funding. The report must evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in advancing U.S. policy objectives, including expanding information access and supporting independent media in Iran, and provide recommendations for improvement.

What does CYBERSECURITY CAPACITY FOR CIVIL SOCIETY IN IRAN. of S 3900 do?

This section establishes programs to enhance cybersecurity capacity for civil society actors in Iran. The Secretary of State is tasked with providing cybersecurity training to journalists, human rights defenders, and civil-society actors in Iran. The programs will also furnish digital-safety tools, including VPNs and encrypted messaging apps, and provide educational materials about online threats. The Secretary of State must report quarterly metrics on program activities to specified congressional committees. An independent evaluation of the program's effectiveness is required within three years of the Act's enactment. This section clarifies that it does not supersede existing authority related to internet freedom programming in Iran. Appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 to support these activities.

What does RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. of S 3900 do?

This section establishes a rule of construction for the Act.

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A bill to promote human rights, internet freedom and accountability in Iran, and for other purposes. — S. 3900

Q: What does Preamble of S 3900 do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill to promote human rights, internet freedom and accountability in Iran, and for other purposes.'

Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026

Last updated: 2/24/2026 · Introduced: 2/24/2026

Author: David McCormick (R-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This Act designates the Secretary of State as the lead official for promoting internet freedom in Iran and coordinating related efforts across federal agencies.
The bill requires the State Department to develop and update a strategy for expanding internet access in Iran, including evaluating technologies like VPNs and satellite communications.
It establishes a joint working group to develop low-cost internet access technologies to circumvent Iranian government shutdowns and limitations.
The President is required to respond to congressional requests regarding foreign persons supporting human rights abuses in Iran, potentially leading to sanctions.
The Act mandates a strategy to expand U.S. broadcasting and human rights support programs for Iran, including supporting independent journalists and media outlets, and authorizes a review of Near East Regional Democracy (NERD) program expenditures.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7622(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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