January 14, 2026 | Action Alert

Action Alert: Advance Bipartisan Measures to Support Courageous Iranian Protesters 

January 14, 2026 | Action Alert

Action Alert: Advance Bipartisan Measures to Support Courageous Iranian Protesters 

Bottom Line Up Front

The window to support Iranian protesters is closing, and America’s national security interests demand we act now. As the Islamic Republic of Iran massacres thousands of its own citizens fighting for freedom, Congress has both a moral obligation and a strategic imperative to support the Iranian people.

The Islamic Republic is one of the most dangerous regimes in the world, and it is more vulnerable than ever. For decades, it has exported terrorism, pursued nuclear weapons, armed proxy forces across the Middle East, and attacked U.S. forces and allies. Today, the Iranian people are directly challenging the regime’s legitimacy and survival. The United States must seize this opportunity to level the playing field for protesters and degrade the regime’s repression apparatus to give them a fighting chance. 

Congressional action is a national security imperative. By breaking the regime’s information blackout, holding human rights abusers accountable, and providing tangible support to those risking everything for freedom, Congress can help tip the balance against a regime that has long been at war with American interests. The Iranian people are confronting tyranny. Washington must meet this moment with action, not just words.

Now is the time to act. This Action Alert highlights three critical bipartisan initiatives Members of Congress should back now.

“At this critical juncture, Congress has both a moral and strategic responsibility to act. Beyond rhetorical condemnation, Members of Congress can and should advance targeted bipartisan measures that help break the regime’s grip on information, hold human rights abusers accountable, and provide tangible support to those risking their lives for freedom. A strong response from Washington at this moment would not only demonstrate U.S. resolve but also serve as an example to the world of true action in the face of brutality and authoritarian aggression.”

Alexandria Paolozzi Moore

– Alexandria Paolozzi Moore, Senior Director of Government Relations at FDD Action

How Members of Congress Can Support Protesters

1. Cosponsor H. Res. 993, Recognizing and expressing support for the Iranian people protesting for a free and democratic Iran

  • Why is this needed? As Iranians take to the streets across the country to fight a repressive and brutal regime, it is vital that Washington demonstrate its support. This resolution recognizes and provides concrete support for the Iranian people’s demands. This resolution reinforces the bipartisan commitment to human rights and signals that Congress will use every power at its disposal to hold the ruling clerical regime accountable.
  • Leads: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jim Himes (D-CT), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Mike Carey (R-OH)

2. Co-sign Min-Tenney Letter addressing the internet blackout in Iran and urging expanded digital freedom 

  • Why is this needed? Tehran’s near-total shutdown of internet and phone services is being used to suppress dissent and cover up the scale of violence against the protesters. As the regime tries to isolate its citizens from the outside world and one another, Congress can make a difference by encouraging the administration to provide the Iranian people with expanded digital access.
  • Leads: Reps. David Min (D-CA) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY)

3. Cosponsor the Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act (H.R. 6469 / S. 3360)

  • Why is this needed? With the current blackouts in Iran, expanding internet access is more pressing than ever. Protesters face a daunting task as they try to share evidence of the regime’s abuses. Advancing internet access is not just about connectivity but also about shutting down state propaganda and supporting those seeking freedom.
  • Leads: Reps. Min and Tenney and Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and David McCormick (R-PA)
  • Cosponsors: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Cory Mills (R-FL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Mike Levin (D-CA), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Keith Self (R-TX), Jim Costa (D-CA), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Young Kim (R-CA)

Congress should also urge European allies to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), expel Iranian diplomats, and impose costs on the regime.

  • Why is this needed? The regime’s repression apparatus extends far beyond Iran’s borders. While the Iranian people fight for freedom, IRGC operatives exploit diplomatic cover across European capitals. From these positions, they conduct surveillance on dissidents, facilitate sanctions evasion, and enable terrorism. The regime is weakest when isolated. Congressional pressure on European allies to impose real costs, not just symbolic gestures, can significantly degrade the regime’s operational capabilities and send an unmistakable signal that the world stands with the Iranian people, not their oppressors.

Specifically, Congress must pressure allies to:

  • Designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization and impose corresponding sanctions
  • Expel Iranian diplomats, particularly identified IRGC operatives abusing diplomatic cover
  • Freeze assets of regime officials involved in the crackdown and their family members
  • Downgrade diplomatic relations and recall ambassadors in response to the massacres

Additional Resources

Issues:

Iran