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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7622

Rep. Lawler Introduces Bill to Bypass Iranian Internet Censorship and Seize Oligarch Assets

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

22 days ago·View on Congress.gov
Part of: Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • The bill aims to help people in Iran get around government internet shutdowns. It directs the military's innovation team to develop low-cost tools like satellite internet and mesh networks so citizens can stay connected even when the government tries to cut off the web.
  • A new task force would be created within the Treasury Department to track down and seize expensive homes, luxury goods, and bank accounts belonging to corrupt Iranian officials and their families. This group would work to freeze these assets and potentially use them to help the Iranian people.
  • The plan increases funding for internet freedom programs to $30 million every year through 2030. It also requires the government to investigate and report on the personal wealth of Iran’s top leaders and wealthy business owners who have close ties to the government.
  • Members of Congress would gain the power to name specific people they suspect of human rights abuses or helping with internet censorship. Once named, the White House would have 120 days to investigate those individuals and decide whether to hit them with financial sanctions.
National Security Foreign PolicyTechnology DigitalEconomy Finance

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 20, 2026House

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.

Feb 20, 2026

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

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

Bill NumberHR 7622
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred 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.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(39)
D: 15R: 24

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.