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

Bill Number: H.R. 7622
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-02-20: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T08:06:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose This legislation aims to support human rights and internet freedom for the Iranian people while holding the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for repression, censorship, and violence against protesters. It builds on existing U.S. policy by expanding tools to bypass internet restrictions, expose corruption, and impose sanctions on regime-linked individuals and entities.

Key Provisions

Findings and Policy Statement: Documents decades of repression by the Iranian regime, including violence against protesters, restrictions on internet access, and abuses targeting women, ethnic minorities, and dissidents. It establishes U.S. policy to recognize the Iranian people's right to self-determination through free elections, expand uncensored internet access, enforce sanctions on human rights violators, and coordinate with allies to deter further violence.
Internet Freedom and Censorship Circumvention: Requires updated reports assessing technologies like direct-to-cell communications and drone-based systems to overcome Iranian internet blackouts. It extends funding for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program through 2030 and directs the Defense Innovation Unit to develop low-cost tools such as satellite internet, mesh networks, and virtual private networks, including pilot programs and collaboration with the Defense Acquisition University.
Stop Corrupt Iranian Oligarchs and Entities: Mandates a Treasury Department report identifying senior Iranian political figures, oligarchs, and parastatal entities (those with at least 25% government ownership and significant revenue), including their assets, corruption indicators, and international ties. It establishes the Iran Kleptocracy Initiative within FinCEN to investigate, trace, and disrupt money laundering and corruption by regime officials and proxies, with authority for asset seizures and coordination with law enforcement.
Congressional Nomination Authority: Allows congressional committee leaders to request presidential determinations on whether foreign persons have provided material support for Iranian human rights abuses or censorship, requiring a written response on any sanctions actions.
Sense of Congress on Broadcasting and Assistance: Encourages U.S. support for independent Iranian media, journalists, and broadcasting to counter regime censorship, including grants for equipment and training, with annual performance metrics.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends Section 5124 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 to expand internet freedom reporting requirements and increase grant authorizations.
Adds a new subsection to 31 U.S.C. 310 establishing the Iran Kleptocracy Initiative with specific investigative and reporting duties.
Introduces new congressional oversight mechanisms for sanctions decisions under Iranian Human Rights Abuses Sanctions Regulations.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for the Departments of State, Treasury, and Defense, as well as the Federal Communications Commission and Defense Innovation Unit, through new reports, technology development, and interagency coordination.
Citizens: Aims to improve internet access and information flow for Iranians while targeting regime corruption that affects the economy.
International Relations: Promotes cooperation with allies on sanctions and asset recovery, potentially affecting U.S. economic sectors like banking and real estate through exposure assessments of Iranian-linked entities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. executive branch agencies involved in foreign policy and sanctions.
The Iranian government, its officials, oligarchs, and state-linked entities.
Iranian citizens and dissidents seeking greater freedoms.
Congressional committees with oversight roles.
International partners, law enforcement agencies, and media organizations supporting independent journalism.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Expands sanctions authority and asset forfeiture tools under existing regulations, potentially raising questions about extraterritorial reach and due process for designated individuals.
Strengthens congressional involvement in foreign policy determinations, which could intersect with executive branch prerogatives in international affairs.
Politically signals U.S. support for Iranian self-determination without direct regime change mandates, while focusing on accountability measures that may influence global perceptions of U.S. human rights policy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Cosponsors (76)

Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Jack, Brian [R-GA-3], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6] and 26 more

Recent Actions

2026-02-20: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-02-20: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-02-20: Introduced in House
2026-02-20: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (20 pages)