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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

March 20, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Oreg.) led 76 of their colleagues in a letter to General Service Administration (GSA) Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian, expressing strong opposition to the planned facility closures at the Department of Interior (DOI), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United States Forest Service (USFS) across the country. The members also sent document requests to the impacted agencies demanding answers on the terminations.

“The purging of DOI, NOAA, and USFS offices across the nation is a direct attack on the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s economy and natural resources, as well the people, industries, and communities that rely on the services these agencies provide. We demand that these closures be halted immediately and that a comprehensive review of the decision-making process that led to this reckless action be conducted,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers cited the importance of these facilities and the severe ramifications shuttering them would cause, stating: “These agencies are indispensable in their physical locations, delivering vital services from public safety to economic development to the protection of invaluable natural and cultural resources. The proposed closures will undermine our nation’s ability to respond to public safety needs and continue lifesaving environmental monitoring.”

In the absence of Republican leadership, Ranking Member Huffman and Natural Resources Committee (NRC) Democrats have conducted rigorous oversight into DOGE’s reckless cuts:

• On March 14, leaders from the Natural Resources and Science, Space, and Technology Committees sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Lutnick demanding information on the Trump administration’s apparent plan to terminate at least 34 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) office leases nationwide.
• Huffman and Dexter sent additional document requests to about facility closures to the Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service.
• Earlier this month, Huffman and Dexter sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, demanding answers on the Department’s plans to implement DOGE-mandated reductions in force (RIF)—another reckless move that could disrupt critical government services, kill thousands of jobs that depend on these services, and undermine local economies all over the US.
• Huffman was among the first to sound the alarm upon discovering the GSA’s plan to shutter over 2 million sq. ft of office space used by DOI across the country.
• During NRC’s first markup of the 119^th Congress, Committee Democrats offered a series of amendments to Republicans’ “Authorization and Oversight Plan” designed to use the Committee’s oversight authorities to meaningfully rein in Musk and Trump’s abuses of power.
• Huffman and Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Ranking Member Val Hoyle sent a letter to Vice Admiral Nancy Hann demanding answers on reports of President Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to unlawfully dismantle NOAA. Ranking Member Huffman sent a similar letter to Chair Westerman urging him to use the Committee’s oversight authority to investigate Musk and DOGE’s infiltration of NOAA, which was ignored.

In addition to Ranking Member Huffman and Representative Dexter, the letter was signed by Reps. Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Donald Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, André Carson, Troy Carter, Ed Case, Judy Chu, Gil Cisneros, Yvette Clarke, Steve Cohen, Jim Costa, Jason Crow, Danny Davis, Diana DeGette, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Sarah Elfreth, Shomari Figures, Maxwell Frost, John Garamendi, Sylvia Garcia, Pablo Hernández, Chrissy Houlahan, Val Hoyle, Sara Jacobs, Hank Johnson, Tim Kennedy, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Mike Levin, Seth Magaziner, Doris Matsui, Sarah McBride, Jennifer McClellan, Betty McCollum, Jim McGovern, Dave Min, Kevin Mullin, Jerrold Nadler, Joe Neguse, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jimmy Panetta, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Delia Ramirez, Emily Randall, Luz Rivas, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Bobby Scott, Brad Sherman, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Haley Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Mark Takano, Shri Thanedar, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, Nydia Velázquez, Maxine Waters, George Whitesides, and Nikema Williams.

The letter was endorsed by Earthjustice, National Parks Conservation Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation, Center for Biological Diversity, Standing Trees, Environmental Protection Information Center, CalWild, Californians for Western Wilderness, Southern Environmental Law Center, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Silvix Resources, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Environmental Protection Information Center, Next 100 Coalition, Idyllwild Forest Health Project, Aquarium Conservation Partnership, Alaska Wilderness League, Oceana, National Ocean Protection Coalition, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Southern Environmental Law Center, Appalachian Voices, and MountainTrue.

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

The leaders released a list of 34 office leases identified by the Trump administration to be up for termination, along with the target closure dates.

March 14, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Committee on Natural Resources (HNR) Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-2), Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (SST) Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), HNR Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (OR-3), and SST Subcommittee on Environment Ranking Member Gabe Amo (RI-1) sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Lutnick demanding information on the Trump administration’s apparent plan to terminate at least 34 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) office leases nationwide.

“Working families rely every day on the services that NOAA provides from these facilities,” said the Ranking Members. “The 34 offices that will be impacted by these closures are located across 17 states and territories, meaning the consequences of these closures will be far-reaching.”

The Members emphasize the vital NOAA services all Americans rely on to keep them safe and informed: “NOAA provides critical information about extreme weather and coastal hazards, manages fisheries, conserves coastal and marine resources, and protects American fishermen and consumers. Closing field facilities will compromise NOAA’s ability to provide these services and damage the local communities and economies that rely on them.”

They note that while closures hit red and blue districts alike, the Administration seems to disproportionately respond to feedback from Republican Members, meaning that Americans lack equal representation under President Trump: “The National Weather Service (NWS) is at risk of losing at least three offices, including a weather center in Norman, Oklahoma. Fortunately for all who rely on NWS’s forecasts, and especially for the residents in and around Norman, that office may have won a reprieve after a House Republican spoke to Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).  This is not the first reported instance of a Republican legislator being able to defend their constituents from DOGE’s indiscriminate cuts.”

These planned office closures occur in the following districts: 

Rep. Nick Begich (AK-AL) – National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) offices in Juneau, Seward, and Sitka with PTDs of 6/30/2025, 6/30/2025, and 12/31/2025

Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) – NMFS offices in Eureka and Arcata with PTDs of 9/30/2025

Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) – National Ocean Service (NOS) office in Santa Barbara with PTD of 5/31/2026

Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15) – NMFS office in Seffner with PTD of 6/30/2025

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (FL-28) – Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Key Largo with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) – NMFS office in Sunrise with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) two NMFS offices, one NOS office, and one General Counsel office in Saint Petersburg with PTDs of 12/31/2025

Del. James Moylan (Guam) – NMFS office in Barrigada with PTD of 6/20/2026

Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – Mauna Loa Observatory in Hilo with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02) – Oceanic and Atmospheric Research office in Idaho Falls with PTD of 8/31/2025 and NMFS office in Boise with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Cleo Fields (LA-06) – NMFS office in Baton Rouge with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) – NMFS office in Salisbury with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) – National Weather Service (NWS) office with no listed PTD

Rep. Bill Keating (MA-09) – NMFS office with no listed PTD
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) – NMFS office in Northfield with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) – NMFS office in Wall Township with PTD of 9/30/2025

Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (Northern Mariana Islands) – NMFS office in Saipan with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) – National Weather Center in Norman with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) – NWS office in Salem with PTD of 6/30/2025

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) – NMFS office in Astoria with no listed PTD

Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02) – NMFS office in Narragansett with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) – NOS office in Barre with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03) – two NMFS offices in Hampton Roads with PTDs of 6/30/2025

Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06) – NOS office in Port Angeles with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08) – NMFS office in Ellensburg with PTD of 1/31/2026

Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) – NMFS office in Bellingham with PTD of 8/17/2026
 
The letter can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-14) and Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) introduced the Rare Earth Magnet Security Act (REMSA). This bipartisan bill secures the domestic supply chain and stimulates the production of rare earth magnets as part of a national initiative to strengthen the economy and combat climate change. It’s time to mine, make, and magnetize  minerals in the United States for the sake of our economic security.

REMSA would create a production tax credit for rare earth magnets that are manufactured in the United States. While the U.S. has made progress in developing this industry, only a few manufacturers currently produce these critical components domestically. These magnets are used in a wide variety of applications necessary for our modern economy, such as computer hard disks, cell phones, and MRIs. They are also critical for certain clean energy uses. For example, almost 90 percent of all-electric vehicles contain a powertrain driven by one of these magnets.

Rare earth magnets are challenging to make and are not readily available in large quantities. Low-cost, high-quality magnets from China have squeezed the profitability of United States producers, and while industry sources estimate the global rare earth magnet market will nearly double by 2027, China could dominate the market because of low production costs.

“Our nation’s economic security, national defense, and clean energy future depend on a stable supply of critical minerals and components. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Rare Earth Magnet Security Act,” Congressman Eric Swalwell said. “China’s decision in 2024 to cut off the U.S. and other nations from key critical minerals was a wake-up call to our country’s dangerous dependence on foreign sources. We cannot allow foreign adversaries to control the materials that power our economy and strengthen our national security. This bill will boost domestic production of rare earth magnets, which are essential to everything from electric vehicles to advanced medical technology. I believe in putting American innovation and workers first. By investing in domestic manufacturing, we’re ensuring that the U.S. remains a global leader in technology, defense, and sustainability.”

The bill is endorsed by MP Materials, eVAC Magnetics, and Niron Magnetics. 

“While the U.S. has resumed responsible rare earth extraction and processing at scale, our country’s capacity to produce the magnets essential for manufacturing and national defense remains limited. REMSA is a bipartisan, fiscally responsible solution to catalyze private-sector investment, level the playing field for domestic producers, and close this critical gap,” said Matt Sloustcher, EVP of Corporate Affairs & Chief Communications Officer, MP Materials.  

“Rare earth permanent magnets are essential to defense, aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial applications. The Rare Earth Magnet Security Act of 2025 will promote domestic production of these critical rare earth permanent magnet solutions,” said Scott Pelhank, Vice President, of eVAC Magnetics. “This legislation is vital to ensuring U.S. national security, sustainable supply chains, and a resilient industrial base.”

The bipartisan bill creates a $20 per kilogram production tax credit for magnets that are manufactured in the United States, or $30 per kilogram for magnets that are both manufactured in the United States and for which all component rare earth material is produced and recycled or reclaimed wholly within the United States. To be eligible, the rare earth magnets may not include any component rare earth magnet material produced in non-allied foreign nations such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Swalwell and Reschenthaler launched the bipartisan Congressional Critical Materials Caucus in 2021 to help the United States develop the technical expertise and production capabilities to assure a long-term, secure and sustainable supply of energy-critical elements like those used in rare earth magnets.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for parents to safely travel with breast milk.

The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act is co-led by U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) in the House. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate and is co-led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI). 

The BABES Act will require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to strengthen and streamline protocols for screening breast milk, formula, and feeding equipment. These improvements will help ensure that parents can navigate airport security without unnecessary delays, confusion, or the risk of damaging other related nutrition products. 

“As a husband and father, my wife and I know how challenging traveling can be for new parents. TSA screening is already stressful enough without the added anxiety and humiliation of having your breast milk or formula heavily scrutinized and mistreated,” said Congressman Swalwell. “The BABES Act will ensure TSA handles these screenings with care, consulting maternal health experts to establish proper hygienic standards while maintaining robust security measures. This bill is about giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their families while they travel.” 

“Being pro-family means we need to make traveling as easy as possible for mothers,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “This bill ensures that food and breast milk necessary for the healthy growth of infants is not mishandled while families are flying, and provides TSA the authorities to update these policies as necessary.” 

“As a mom, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to travel when you are breast feeding or worried about how to feed your child,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “We’ve heard countless stories from moms who were forced to throw out milk or pumping supplies, even though they are TSA approved. Outdated regulations or lack of training shouldn’t add to an already stressful situation. We need clear policies about how TSA handles breast milk, baby formula, and pumping supplies so parents can travel without worrying that they will be confiscated, contaminated, or mishandled. This is a bipartisan, commonsense step to support families and keep our kids safe and healthy.” 

“Every parent deserves the confidence that their children’s nutrition and feeding equipment will be treated with care and respect while traveling on an airplane,” said Congresswoman Luna. “The BABES Act is an important step toward creating a more family-friendly travel experience by ensuring TSA protocols are fair, swift, and hygienic, providing parents with peace of mind, all while upholding essential security standards.” 

“Far too often, traveling moms are mistreated and wrongfully denied access to their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “Ensuring that the TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary is the least we can do to help parents travel through airports with the dignity and respect they deserve. After our bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent last Congress, I’m proud we are reintroducing this bill with such strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House. I’ll continue to do everything I can to get this done for traveling moms everywhere.” 

“Supporting moms and families will always be one of my top priorities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bipartisan legislation that will make it easier for mothers to safely and easily travel with breast milk and formula for their babies, and I’ll continue to fight for ways to support our families in Montana and across America,” said Senator Daines. 

“On any given day, thousands of families travel by air with milk and the supplies they need to keep their babies fed,” said Senator Hirono. “The BABES Enhancement Act will require TSA to clarify and regularly update its guidance on handling breast milk and baby formula, helping to ensure that parents and their young children can travel with peace of mind. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation to keep families and their children safe and healthy.” 

“Far too often, families traveling with infants and young children are subjected to inconsistencies when going through TSA’s screening, causing inconveniences that can make traveling together even more difficult. This simple legislation to update the TSA’s compliance guidance for the 3-1-1 liquids will help families travel without added hassles,” said Senator Cruz. 

Emily Calandrelli, host of the popular Netflix show Emily’s Wonder Lab, was delayed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while carrying supplies she needed to safely pump milk for her 10-week-old son. Calandrelli was ultimately forced to check her items despite existing TSA guidelines that permitted her to carry them on. Calandrelli shared her story online and was flooded with hundreds of messages from other mothers who had similar experiences while traveling. 

“After a frustrating experience traveling through airport security with my breast pump equipment, I worked with my representative on this bill in hopes that no other mom would have to face the same challenges. I’m incredibly grateful to our representatives who are standing up for moms and parents, working to make the TSA process more efficient and compassionate for all of us,” said Calandrelli. 

Unsanitary screenings of breast milk or formula put children at risk. Additionally, lactating parents must breastfeed or pump every few hours to avoid complications like clogged milk ducts or mastitis, a painful and potentially serious infection. 

Under the BABES Enhancement Act, TSA will:

1. Develop clear and consistent guidelines in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations for screening breast milk, formula, and related feeding equipment; 
2. Ensure all TSA officers receive enhanced training on these procedures to prevent improper handling or disposal; 
3. Improve transparency and communication with travelers about their rights when transporting these critical items; and 
4. Update its guidance every five years to respond to the emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology. 

Congressman Swalwell’s bill also would direct an independent government watchdog to conduct an audit of compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products, providing lawmakers with information related to violations of policies like those experienced by Calandrelli. 

The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act is endorsed by March of Dimes, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, MomsRising, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. 

The BABES Act is also supported by Reps. André Carson (D-IN), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). 

Read the full text of the bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-14) introduced a bill to help communities better prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.

The bill’s release comes on the heels of several recent wildfires across Southern California. The fires have damaged more than 12,000 structures and left at least 24 people dead. According to the World Meteorological Organization, climate change added 41 days of dangerous heat in 2024, harming human health and ecosystems.

The Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act would make several changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s pre-disaster mitigation grant program by increasing funding and improving data collection to better track and manage resources before and after natural disasters. 

“We need to do more to protect lives and properties in our communities. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “From coastal floods to catastrophic wildfires, California is among numerous states seeing an increasing number of natural disasters due to climate change.  This bill would provide funding to communities that are most vulnerable to natural disasters to help them better prepare for these increasing threats. While we are taking action to prevent climate crises, it’s essential that we take the necessary steps to prepare and limit damages.”

The bill is endorsed by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Habitat for Humanity.

The Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act would:

1. Increase FEMA’s set aside for pre-disaster mitigation assistance from 6% to 15%.
2. Provide for a 2% set-aside for capacity-building assistance.
3. Require FEMA to prioritize applicants with the highest hazard risk in coordination with FEMA’s National Risk Index, environmental justice communities, and low-income communities.
4. Create a new community outreach assistance program to increase the number of successful grant applicants from communities with high-hazard risk, environmental justice communities, and low-income communities.
5. Encourage FEMA to incorporate climate change into the National Risk Index, its cost-benefit analysis and ensure that grant funding is used to support projects that are designed to withstand future flooding and wildfires.
6. Require FEMA within three years to establish a central federal database, in coordination with HUD, EPA, SBA, and USACE, to consolidate data collected by all local, state, and federal agencies involved in disaster response.
7. Require FEMA to collect and post demographic data on the impact of natural disasters and federal recovery efforts to better allocate and track resources and to analyze disaster spending to see what could have been saved by improved pre-disaster mitigation.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Trust and Modernization in Tax Governance Act or “TMTG” Act to promote accountability and fairness in government. The TMTG Act amends the tax code to limit the amount of untaxed profit that executive branch officials, including the President and Vice President, can defer when selling assets to comply with conflict-of-interest laws. Specifically, the bill caps the deferral at $100 million and requires any deferred gain to be recognized and taxed once they leave office.  

“Americans deserve leaders who follow the same rules they do, not a government that allows the wealthiest officials to skirt their obligations. This bill ensures that public servants prioritize public good over personal profit,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “The incoming administration raises concerns with its notable trend of appointing multimillionaires and billionaires to key cabinet positions. Trump’s “bro-ligarchy” has immense wealth and are already benefiting from privileges that most Americans can only dream of. The TMTG Act will act as a safeguard to stop them from exploiting loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. Working for the U.S. government should be about public service not a tax shelter for billionaires.” 

The Trust and Modernization in Tax Governance Act (TMTG Act) Would:  

• Limits Tax Deferrals for Executive Branch Officials: Caps the amount of untaxed profit (“deferred gain”) that executive branch officials, including the President and Vice President, can claim at $100 million when selling assets to comply with conflict-of-interest requirements. 
• Ensures Tax Liability Post-Service: Requires any deferred gains that remain untaxed during an official’s tenure to be recognized and taxed once the individual leaves government service. 
• Promotes Fairness in Tax Policy: Closes a loophole in the tax code that allows the wealthiest government officials to defer large profits, ensuring they adhere to the same rules as ordinary taxpayers. 
• Applies Specifically to Executive Branch: Targets high-ranking officials in the executive branch to address potential conflicts of interest and ensure accountability in asset divestment. 
• Strengthens Government Transparency: Reinforces trust in public institutions by preventing officials from using their positions for financial gain at the expense of taxpayers. 
• Balances Public Service and Financial Responsibility: Encourages ethical behavior by ensuring public servants do not exploit tax laws to avoid paying their fair share. 
• Covers All Taxable Years: Limits apply to the cumulative deferral across all years, preventing long-term exploitation of the system.  

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now Act or IRAN Act to promote internet freedom and access to information in Iran. 

According to the Freedom House Index, Iran has the third worst internet freedom score in the world. The government of Iran uses the internet as a tool of political repression and surveillance. But the people of Iran are standing up and demanding basic human rights, freedom, and democracy. Access to the open internet can be a tool for political organizing, the free exchange of ideas and a connection to the global community of democratic peoples. Promoting internet freedom in Iran is a critical element of supporting the Iranian people in their struggle for a peaceful and democratic Iran.

“Iran is one of the most oppressive governments when it comes to internet freedom,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14). “My goal with this bill is to promote access to internet freedom for Iranian civilians. Ultimately, the future of Iran should be up to its people, but every Iranian deserves the right to free and open access to information and the internet. I’m glad to have met with Iranian American leaders in my district, many of whom still have loved ones living under the oppression of the regime, to advocate on their behalf for a solution to this human rights issue. Together, we must all fight to support the people of Iran in their fight for freedom and democracy.”

“The Iranian mullahs know their regime lacks popular support and engages in political suppression and surveillance, limiting Iranians’ ability to organize, communicate freely, and connect with the outside world to prop up their despotic regime,” said Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24). “This landmark legislation mandates the State Department implement the Comprehensive Strategy to Promote Internet Freedom and Access to Information in Iran to promote open Internet access for all Iranians, equipping them with the tools to pursue democracy and peace in their country. We must continue to empower and support the people of Iran in their fight against this brutal regime.”

“As the people of Iran continue to stand against their government’s campaign of oppression, they are faced by difficulties compounded by an inability to access an open internet,” said Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36). “An accessible internet is essential to organizing, sharing ideas and promoting peace. To support the ongoing campaign for human rights and democracy in Iran, the United States must do what it can to encourage internet access for Iranian civilians. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing the Internet Reach and Access NOW Act to establish internet access and bolster the fight for freedom in Iran.”

“By supporting the IRAN Act, we take a stand for the Iranian people’s fundamental right to internet freedom, a cornerstone of their democratic aspirations and insistence on human rights,” said Neda Bolourchi, PAAIA Executive Director. “PAAIA and the Iranian American community greatly appreciate and thank Representatives Swalwell and Tenney for their leadership in championing this vital legislation, which is a beacon of hope for those striving for a future where their voices can be heard, and their rights respected.”

“Internet access is critical for the Iranian people to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and access to information, yet time and time again the Iranian regime shuts off the internet to hide atrocities and silence dissent,” said Annie Boyajian, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Freedom House. “The Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act will play an essential role to help Iranians circumvent internet blackouts and ensure tech companies provide Iranians access to technologies.”

The IRAN Act Would:

• Amend the duties of the Secretary of State to permanently include implementing a comprehensive strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran, coordinating such efforts between the heads of other federal departments for maximum efficacy, and updating the strategy on an ongoing basis. This is the first time the US Government will be statutorily required to pursue a strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran.
• Require the State Department to update the Comprehensive Strategy to Promote Internet Freedom and Access to Information in Iran, which was required by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8754). The IRAN Act adds three new objectives for the comprehensive strategy to ensure the strategy more accurately reflects the needs of Iranian civilians and civil society. The new objectives are:
  • Evaluating the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) and direct-to-cell satellite technologies by civil society and human rights activists in Iran and developing strategies for increasing the accessibility of VPNs.
  • Developing guidance for the Department of the Treasury to ensure that enforcement of sanctions does not prevent companies from providing to Iranian civilians the technology and other tools necessary to access the open internet.
  • Assessing the ability of the Iranian regime to cut off all access to the internet and developing strategies to circumvent internet blackouts for Iranian civil society.
• Require a report to relevant Congressional Committees, allowing for a classified annex, on the updated comprehensive strategy within 120 days of the enactment of this law.

The IRAN Act has 21 bipartisan cosponsors – Reps. Ted Lieu, Brian Fitzpatrick, Ro Khanna, Maria Salazar, Gerald Connolly, Michael Lawler, Virginia Foxx, Nicole Malliotakis, Gus Bilirakis, Anna Eshoo, Rob Wittman, Scott peters ,Brad Schneider, Barbara Lee, Cory Mills, Stephanie Bize, Mike Levin, Jim Himes, Adam Schiff, Dan Goldman, Josh Gottheimer Jim Costa.

H.R. 9299 is endorsed by – Freedom House, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), J Street, United for Iran, Iranian American Democrats of California, Psiphon & Lantern (the two largest providers of VPN services to Iranian civil society).

 

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