politics
Coalition urges Congress to include Iran internet bills in defense legislation
A coalition of groups sent a letter to Senate leadership and the bipartisan heads of the Armed Services Committee asking for two bills on internet access in Iran to be added to the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.
Jul 10, 6:26 PM·1m read1 source
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A coalition of foreign policy experts, Iran policy advocates, and digital freedom groups sent a letter to Senate leadership and the bipartisan heads of the Armed Services Committee calling for legislation to help Iranians bypass internet restrictions.
3900) and the Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act. The coalition asked that both measures be included in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.
Letter details The letter states that internet shutdowns have become one of the regime's most powerful tools of repression, facilitating violence, mass arrests, and grave human rights abuses while preventing Iranians from communicating with one another and the outside world.
The letter was led by the Public Affairs Alliance Iranian Americans and FDD Action, the advocacy arm of the Foundations for Defense of Democracies. Signatories include Elliot Abrams, who served as Special Envoy for Iran during President Trump's first term, and Carrie Fillipetti, executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition and former official in Trump’s first administration.
Additional signatories include the NetFreedom Pioneers, Brave New Software Lantern, and Digital Impact Lab.
Stated goals The letter argues that advancing these measures would send a clear message of support to the Iranian people and reaffirm the United States' commitment to defending access to information, promoting transparency, and supporting those striving for freedom and democratic governance.
