Reps. Dave Min, Claudia Tenney and Sens. Jacky Rosen, Dave McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Internet Freedom in Iran

Washington, D.C.-Today, Representatives Dave Min (D-CA-47) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act. The FREEDOM Act would help expand internet freedom in Iran by requiring the Department of State-alongside the FCC and Treasury-to assess the feasibility of emerging direct-to-cell technologies. This review will ensure that the U.S. government and Congress have the information to responsibly assess this technology's future applications, strengthen America's digital diplomacy, and advance freedom of expression and access to information abroad.

"I'm proud to represent one of the largest Iranian American constituencies in the country. Too often, I hear from constituents who are unable to communicate with their loved ones in Iran because of Ali Khamenei's repressive internet blackouts," said Rep. Min. "This bill will promote internet freedom in Iran, better connecting families around the globe while standing up against authoritarianism."

"Authoritarian regimes increasingly rely on internet blackouts and surveillance to silence dissent and control information," said Congresswoman Tenney."The Iranian people continue to risk their lives for basic freedoms, yet the regime is cutting them off from the outside world. Emerging direct-to-cell satellite technology may offer a new lifeline: secure, independent communication channels that cannot easily be censored or shut down. The FREEDOM Act ensures the U.S. government fully evaluates these fast-moving capabilities so we can strengthen America's digital diplomacy, support free expression, and expand access to information in places where it is most at risk."

"For decades, the people of Iran have been living under an authoritarian regime that has consistently sought to deprive Iranians of information through surveillance and internet blackouts," said Senator Rosen. "I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill that will assess tools to give the Iranian people digital freedom and open internet access. Iran's future will be shaped by its people, who deserve the access and information their government seeks to deny them."

"The Iranian regime weaponizes the internet to blackout information, silence dissent, and hide abuses from the world," said Senator McCormick. "As the Middle East undergoes historic transformation, the FREEDOM Act ensures the United States leads by rigorously evaluating promising new tools, from satellite direct-to-cell service to resilient counter-jamming technologies to deliver uncensored information to the brave freedom-loving people of Iran."

"NUFDI thanks Representatives Dave Min and Claudia Tenney for their leadership in introducing the FREEDOM Act, another step towards providing maximum support for the people of Iran. The Islamic Republic relies on internet blackouts and surveillance to muzzle dissent. A rigorous, interagency feasibility review of direct-to-cell satellite communications will give Congress the facts to responsibly advance secure, independent connectivity for the Iranian people." said National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI)

"The FREEDOM Act is a vital follow-up to Section 5124 of the 2025 NDAA, ensuring the U.S. fully explores emerging tools like direct-to-cell satellite technologies to promote internet freedom in Iran," said Neda Bolourchi, PAAIA Executive Director. "Without a comprehensive feasibility review, U.S. policy risks falling behind rapidly evolving tools that could help the Iranian people bypass regime censorship and surveillance. PAAIA proudly supported the passage of Section 5124 and has long championed internet freedom as a cornerstone of human rights and democratic engagement in Iran. This legislation builds on that momentum by requiring the State Department to assess the potential of direct-to-cell and related technologies to empower Iranian civil society. We thank Representatives Min and Tenney for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the FREEDOM Act and for their commitment to standing with the people of Iran in their pursuit of secure, uncensored access to information."

"FDD Action is proud to endorse the bipartisan FREEDOM Act, introduced by Representatives Min and Tenney. As the regime in Iran continues to brutally suppress its people, including by cutting off internet access during protests and silencing dissent, the United States must explore every available tool to support the Iranian people's fundamental right to communicate freely," said Nick Stewart, Managing Director of Advocacy at FDD Action. "Direct-to-cell technology represents a promising frontier in this effort, and a rigorous feasibility assessment will help ensure Congress and the administration can make informed decisions about deploying these capabilities. We commend Representatives Min and Tenney for their leadership in keeping the United States ahead of authoritarian censorship tactics."

"Internet access is essential for the Iranian people to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, yet the Iranian regime continues to curtail access to the internet to prevent information-sharing and silence dissent. Satellite internet has the potential to sidestep the regime's strict censorship, offering a promising alternative for the Iranian people to connect to the global internet. The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act will play a critical role in ensuring the functionality of this new direct-to-cell satellite technology," said Gerardo Berthin, President, Freedom House.

"Authoritarian regimes thrive when freedom of information and communication is stifled and citizens are kept in the dark," said Rye Barcott, co-founder and CEO of With Honor. "With Honor is proud to endorse the FREEDOM Act, which will strengthen America's digital diplomacy and democratize access to information for citizens around the globe. We thank Rep. Min for introducing this bill and fighting against authoritarianism around the world."

This bill is cosponsored by Representatives Ansari (D-AZ-03), Salazar (R-FL-27), Goldman (D-NY-10), Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), Wittman (R-VA-01), Swalwell (D-CA-14), Mills (R-FL-07), Doggett (D-TX-37), and Sherman (D-CA-32).

Bill text can be found here.

###