Rosen, McCormick Bipartisan Bill to Support Internet Freedom in Iran Advances Out of Senate Committee

WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the bipartisan Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act, which was introduced by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Dave McCormick (R-PA). This bipartisan bill 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.

"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. " Our bipartisan bill will assess tools to give the Iranian people digital freedom and open internet access. Advancing this bipartisan bill is an important step towards promoting access to information and stability in Iran."

"I'm pleased to see the FREEDOM Act advance through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee," said Senator Dave McCormick. "I'm proud to have introduced this bipartisan legislation with Senator Jacky Rosen to support internet freedom for the Iranian people. By directing US agencies to assess direct-to-cell technology, we can help expand access to information and free expression beyond the reach of government censorship, giving the people of Iran the tools they need to communicate freely."

Senator Rosen has been a steadfast advocate for strengthening our national security, combating terrorism, supporting Israel and other U.S. allies in the Middle East, and countering threats from Iran's authoritarian regime and their terrorist proxies, such as the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas. She has led bipartisan efforts to freeze Iranian assets, tighten oil sanctions, designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, and hold them accountable for possible human rights violations. Senator Rosen continues to support strong U.S. foreign policy priorities focused on safeguarding global stability.

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