Recognizing and expressing support for the Iranian people protesting for a free and democratic Iran.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 993
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-31T08:05:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 993) aims to recognize the bravery of the Iranian people in protesting against the Islamic Republic's repression and to express strong U.S. congressional support for their demands for human rights, democracy, and freedom. It highlights the regime's history of brutality and calls for international action to protect protesters.
Key Provisions
The resolution is structured around a series of "Whereas" clauses providing background and a "Resolved" section outlining specific actions for the House of Representatives:
- Commends the Iranian people: Praises their courage and determination in seeking a free and democratic Iran.
- Condemns the Islamic Republic: Strongly denounces the regime's use of violent military force to suppress civilian protesters.
- Demands an end to repression: Calls for the Iranian regime to stop threats, intimidation, and violence against peaceful protesters; release all political prisoners; and provide unhindered medical aid to those injured.
- Recognizes self-determination: Affirms the Iranian people's right to choose their political system through free and fair elections.
- Urges communication access: Calls for immediate expansion of unrestricted internet and civilian communication lines in Iran to support free expression.
- Implores U.S. action: Encourages the U.S. government to collaborate with allies on concrete measures to prevent further lethal violence against protesters.
The resolution references prior U.S. congressional actions, such as House Concurrent Resolution 7 from January 26, 2023, which commended Iranian protesters.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's opinion but does not create, amend, or enforce any laws. It introduces no legal changes but builds on previous symbolic congressional statements supporting Iranian dissidents.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May encourage the U.S. State Department and other foreign policy entities to prioritize human rights in Iran-related diplomacy, potentially influencing sanctions, aid, or international coalitions.
- On citizens: Provides moral and symbolic support to Iranian protesters and dissidents, possibly boosting their morale and global visibility; it could indirectly aid access to information by highlighting internet restrictions.
- On international relations: Signals U.S. solidarity with Iranian civil society, which might strain ties with the Iranian government and encourage allied nations (e.g., in Europe or the Middle East) to adopt similar stances, but it has no direct enforcement power.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Iranian protesters and citizens: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution validates their struggle and calls for protection of their rights.
- Iranian regime (Islamic Republic): Targeted for condemnation, potentially facing increased diplomatic pressure.
- U.S. Congress and government: Positions the House as a supporter of human rights abroad; affects lawmakers like the sponsors (e.g., Ms. Ansari and cosponsors).
- International allies and human rights organizations: Encouraged to coordinate with the U.S., amplifying global advocacy efforts.
- Journalists and activists: Highlighted for facing regime intimidation, both in Iran and abroad.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it falls under Congress's constitutional power to express views on foreign affairs (Article I) without needing presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It reinforces U.S. commitments to international human rights norms, such as those in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but carries no legal obligations.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan signal (with sponsors from both parties) of U.S. opposition to the Iranian regime's suppression, potentially influencing public opinion and future legislation on Iran sanctions or support for dissidents. It could escalate political tensions with Iran but also unify U.S. allies around democracy promotion without committing to military involvement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]
Cosponsors (103)
Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2] and 53 more
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-01-13: Submitted in House
- 2026-01-13: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing and expressing support for the Iranian people protesting for a free and democratic Iran. — issued 2026-01-13 — PDF (3 pages)