Iran Human Rights Act of 2026 (S. 3900)

Summary

Supports the Iranian people by expanding internet access, punishing human rights abusers, and providing tools to help activists and journalists.

What problem does this solve?

The Iranian government violently puts down protests, limits basic human rights, and shuts down the internet to stop people from communicating. This bill helps the Iranian people by finding ways to keep the internet on, punishing the officials responsible for the abuse, and giving money and training to activists.

What does this bill do?

Increases funding for Iran internet freedom

Authorizes $20 million for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2030 for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program.

Creates a working group to counter internet shutdowns

Forms a joint working group with the Department of State and Department of Defense to support the development of technologies that can overcome internet blackouts, such as satellite internet and mesh networks.

Establishes cybersecurity support for Iranian activists

Directs the Secretary of State to create programs that provide cybersecurity training and digital safety tools, like VPNs, to journalists and human rights defenders in Iran.

Requires reports on sanctioning human rights abusers

Requires the President, upon request from Congress, to determine if a person has supported the Iranian regime's human rights abuses and to report on whether sanctions were imposed.

Assigns lead role for internet freedom to Secretary of State

Makes the Secretary of State the main federal official responsible for promoting internet freedom in Iran and coordinating all related government efforts.

Updates strategy for internet access in Iran

Amends a previous law to require an updated strategy for promoting internet freedom, including looking at VPNs, satellite tech, and ways to get around total internet blackouts.

Mandates strategy for U.S. broadcasting to Iran

Requires the Secretary of State to create a strategy to expand U.S. broadcasting, like Voice of America, to ensure Iranians have access to uncensored news.

Prohibits use of military force

States that nothing in the act should be interpreted as an authorization for the use of military force.

Who does this affect?

Iranian citizens and protestors
Iranian journalists, activists, and civil society groups
Iranian government officials

What is the real world impact?

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Supports Iranian civil society

Provides funding, training, and technology to Iranian activists, journalists, and citizens to help them organize, communicate safely, and document human rights abuses committed by the regime.

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Counters Iranian government censorship

Directs the U.S. government to develop and deploy technologies that can bypass the Iranian regime's internet blackouts, allowing people to access uncensored information and communicate freely.

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Holds human rights abusers accountable

Creates a process to identify and sanction individuals who help the Iranian government repress its people, including those who provide censorship technology or commit other abuses.

When does this start?

This bill sets several deadlines for government agencies to create reports, strategies, and programs after it becomes law.

Internet freedom strategy update

The Secretary of State must submit an updated strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran within 120 days of the bill becoming law.

Report on new internet technologies

The Secretary of State must submit a report on using new wireless technologies for internet access in Iran within 120 days.

Broadcasting and human rights strategy

A strategy to expand U.S. broadcasting and human rights support for Iran must be submitted within 120 days.

Cybersecurity program establishment

Programs for cybersecurity training and tools for Iranian civil society must be established within 180 days.

Report on democracy program spending

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on spending for Iran-related democracy programs within 180 days.

Evaluation of cybersecurity programs

The GAO must evaluate the effectiveness of the cybersecurity support programs no later than 3 years after the bill becomes law.