Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 2/23/2026... Today, House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Ranking Member Brad Sherman (CA-32) introduced the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act, bipartisan legislation designed to support the Iranian people in their struggle for human rights, democracy, and basic freedoms while holding the Islamic Republic accountable for decades of repression.

The people of Iran continue to face widespread censorship, intimidation tactics, and brutal crackdowns on peaceful protests. Just in recent months, the Iranian regime has brutally responded to these demonstrations, leaving thousands dead and tens of thousands arrested.

“The Iranian regime fears one thing above all else: a connected, informed population. That’s why it shuts down the internet, censors dissent, and jails journalists. Comprehensive legislation is needed to expand internet freedom and target the financial networks of corrupt officials. We must increase pressure where it belongs and support with all of our might those fighting for freedom and democracy,” said Chairman Lawler.

“Despite the absolute brutality they continue to endure at the hands of this murderous regime, the Iranian people are bravely continuing to fight for their freedom. I’m proud to join my colleague Congressman Lawler in introducing legislation to stand with these brave protesters by creating a new, whole of government strategy to take down this regime. The Islamic Republic is weaker than it ever has been, and we must seize the moment. I know in our lifetimes, we will see a free Iran,” said Ranking Member Sherman.

“AIPAC applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026, which supports the people of Iran as they face barbaric repression by their government. This critical legislation expresses support for the fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, promotes secure access to the internet, and advances efforts to hold oppressors accountable for human rights abuses. AIPAC urges Congress to pass this bipartisan measure to stand with the people of Iran and reinforce America’s commitment to human rights and digital freedom,” said Deryn Sousa, AIPAC Spokesperson.

Key provisions of this bill include:

• Condemning the regime’s brutal crackdown on peaceful protests.
• Calling for the release of political prisoners and medical care for the wounded.
• Affirming the right of Iranians to self-determination through free and fair elections.
• Directing the State Department to develop strategies to increase secure digital communications in Iran.
• Expanding funding for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program.
• Authorizing the Defense Innovation Unit to develop low-cost, scalable technologies to overcome internet blackouts and censorship.
• Establishing an Iran Kleptocracy Initiative within FinCEN to investigate and disrupt the financial networks of Iranian officials and oligarchs.
• Requiring a timely presidential response to congressional requests about foreign persons supporting Iran's human rights abuses or censorship, requiring a determination and sanctions decision justification.
• Encouraging U.S. and international broadcasting efforts to provide accurate reporting to the Iranian public, supports independent journalists, and strengthens media capacity building to counter regime censorship.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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