House BillHR 7380Licensing and registrationsSpacecraft and satellites
IRAN Act
INTRO FEB 4· LAST ACTION APR 20
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
17BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it addresses a significant human rights issue: the right to freedom of expression and access to information, particularly in countries where governments heavily restrict the internet. If this bill becomes law, it could make it harder for the Iranian government to impose internet blackouts during protests or emergencies, potentially empowering Iranian citizens to communicate, organize, and access uncensored news. This aligns with U.S. foreign policy goals of promoting human rights and democratic values abroad.
If the bill does not become law, the current challenges faced by Iranians trying to access the open internet would likely persist, including high costs for circumvention tools, barriers due to sanctions, and pervasive digital surveillance without a coordinated U.S. strategy to actively counter these issues. This bill aims to provide concrete support and clarify policies to overcome these obstacles, ensuring that U.S. regulations do not unintentionally harm those it seeks to help.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Designates the Secretary of State as the primary official for promoting internet freedom in Iran and coordinating all related federal efforts.
This centralizes leadership and accountability for U.S. initiatives aimed at ensuring open internet access for Iranians.
PROVISION 02
Requires updates to an existing U.S. strategy to include evaluating and increasing accessibility of tools like VPNs and direct-to-cell satellite technology, and ensuring sanctions don't hinder access to such tools.
This directly addresses the technical and regulatory barriers that prevent Iranians from using internet circumvention tools.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that new FCC licenses for satellite or direct-to-cell services include a condition preventing licensees from intentionally disabling or geo-blocking coverage over Iran.
This ensures that U.S.-licensed companies do not actively participate in restricting internet access for Iranians.
PROVISION 04
Establishes programs to provide cybersecurity training, digital safety tools (like VPNs), and educational materials to civil society groups in Iran.
This directly equips those most vulnerable to government surveillance with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves online.
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Ms. Tenney asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 7380, a bill originally introduced by Representative Swalwell of California, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
FLOOR
FEB 4
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 4
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 4
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
Voters should care about this bill because it addresses a significant human rights issue: the right to freedom of expression and access to information, particularly in countries where governments heavily restrict the internet. If this bill becomes law, it could make it harder for the Iranian government to impose internet blackouts during protests or emergencies, potentially empowering Iranian citizens to communicate, organize, and access uncensored news. This aligns with U.S. foreign policy goals of promoting human rights and democratic values abroad.
If the bill does not become law, the current challenges faced by Iranians trying to access the open internet would likely persist, including high costs for circumvention tools, barriers due to sanctions, and pervasive digital surveillance without a coordinated U.S. strategy to actively counter these issues. This bill aims to provide concrete support and clarify policies to overcome these obstacles, ensuring that U.S. regulations do not unintentionally harm those it seeks to help.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Designates the Secretary of State as the primary official for promoting internet freedom in Iran and coordinating all related federal efforts.
This centralizes leadership and accountability for U.S. initiatives aimed at ensuring open internet access for Iranians.
high
Requires updates to an existing U.S. strategy to include evaluating and increasing accessibility of tools like VPNs and direct-to-cell satellite technology, and ensuring sanctions don't hinder access to such tools.
This directly addresses the technical and regulatory barriers that prevent Iranians from using internet circumvention tools.
high
Mandates that new FCC licenses for satellite or direct-to-cell services include a condition preventing licensees from intentionally disabling or geo-blocking coverage over Iran.
This ensures that U.S.-licensed companies do not actively participate in restricting internet access for Iranians.
med
Establishes programs to provide cybersecurity training, digital safety tools (like VPNs), and educational materials to civil society groups in Iran.
This directly equips those most vulnerable to government surveillance with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves online.
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Secretary of State to review and update the strategy.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Secretary of State to establish programs for cybersecurity training and tools for civil society in Iran.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 5 years.
Secretary of State to submit a report on international advocacy and instances of coverage exclusion.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your online identity, making it harder for others to track your online activities or block access to certain websites.
Direct-to-Cell (DTC) Communications
A technology that allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, providing phone service and internet access even in remote areas without traditional cell towers.
Embedded-SIM (eSIM) Technology
A digital SIM card that is built directly into a device, allowing users to switch mobile network providers without needing to physically change a SIM card.
Geo-blocking
Restricting access to internet content or services based on the user's geographic location.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
A specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for issues concerning information and communication technologies, setting global standards for telecommunications.
Civil Society
Groups and organizations that operate independently from the government, often working to promote social, cultural, or political interests, such as human rights groups or advocacy organizations.
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
APR 20
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Ms. Tenney asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 7380, a bill originally introduced by Representative Swalwell of California, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
FLOOR
FEB 4
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 4
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 4
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
A U.S. Treasury Department agency that enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries and regimes, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other threats to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States.
