January 15, 2026 | Endorsements

H.R.6469, the FREEDOM Act

January 15, 2026 Endorsements

H.R.6469, the FREEDOM Act

Bottom Line Up Front

H.R. 6469, the Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act), requires the Secretary of State to assess cutting-edge technologies—including direct-to-cell wireless communications and other innovative solutions—that could expand internet access for the Iranian people and help them circumvent the regime’s pervasive censorship and communication blackouts. The bill directs a comprehensive evaluation of technical feasibility, security considerations, and the Iranian telecommunications landscape to identify opportunities for supporting digital freedom in Iran.

Bill Number H.R. 6469
Bill Name Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act)
Summary Requires a report assessing emerging technologies to expand internet access in Iran and help Iranians overcome regime censorship.
Chamber House
Sponsor(s) Rep. Dave Min (D-CA), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Eugene Walkinshaw (D-VA), Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Senate Companion S. 3360 – Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA)
Date Introduced 12/04/2025

Click here to read the full legislative text and view the list of cosponsors.

Why It Matters

  • The Iranian regime systematically censors the internet and blocks communication platforms to isolate its people from the outside world and prevent them from organizing protests or documenting human rights abuses. The FREEDOM Act explores innovative technologies that could help Iranians break through these digital barriers.
  • Direct-to-cell wireless communications and other emerging technologies offer promising new pathways to provide internet access that bypasses the regime’s state-controlled telecommunications infrastructure, potentially giving Iranians the tools they need to communicate freely and safely.
  • By requiring a comprehensive assessment of technical feasibility, security risks, and the Iranian telecommunications landscape, this bill ensures the U.S. government develops informed strategies based on the latest technological capabilities and on-the-ground realities in Iran.
  • The legislation’s analysis of potential countermeasures—including drone-based platforms and signal jamming—ensures that any solutions pursued will be resilient against regime attempts to suppress communications, maximizing the effectiveness of U.S. efforts to support digital freedom in Iran.

“The Iranian regime has weaponized internet censorship to silence dissent, crush protests, and hide its brutal repression from the world. The FREEDOM Act recognizes that we must harness all available tools—from direct-to-cell technologies to other emerging communications platforms—to help the Iranian people overcome this regime’s digital iron curtain. By conducting a thorough assessment of these cutting-edge solutions, Congress is taking a critical step toward ensuring Iranians can communicate freely, document regime atrocities, and connect with the global community in their fight for freedom and human rights.”

Nick Stewart

Managing Director of Advocacy, FDD Action

Congressional Press Releases

Read statements from members of Congress who are supporting this legislation:

Issues:

Iran