HR2614-119

What This Bill Does

The Maximum Support Act establishes a comprehensive U.S. strategy to support internet freedom in Iran, counter regime censorship, and assist the Iranian people in pursuing democratic governance. It creates an interagency task force (State, Treasury, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media) to develop VPN services, satellite internet access via direct-to-cell and eSIM technology, and countermeasures against regime-built surveillance VPNs. The bill authorizes confiscation of Iranian government assets held in U.S. jurisdiction and redirects those funds to support democracy programs, a strikers' fund for nonviolent opposition, humanitarian aid, and human rights documentation. It requires a strategy ensuring U.S. sanctions do not block Iranian civilians from accessing internet freedom tools, mandates a whole-of-government approach (State, Treasury, Intelligence Community, USAGM) to support democratic transition, directs the Secretary of State to determine whether to designate Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, establishes programs to encourage defections from the Iranian regime, and creates a cybersecurity support program for Iranian dissidents, journalists, and civil society.

Who Benefits and How

• Iranian civilians and internet users benefit from VPN services, satellite internet access, eSIM distribution, and sanctions waivers designed to ensure they can access uncensored internet despite regime shutdowns and content blocking.
• Iranian dissidents, activists, and journalists benefit from dedicated cybersecurity tools, encryption technology, training against regime cyberattacks, and rapid-response technical support.
• Iranian pro-democracy movements and strikers benefit from a funded strikers' fund for those engaged in nonviolent opposition and from diplomatic and intelligence support for democratic transition efforts.
• Iranian officials and security forces considering defection benefit from safe communication channels, safety assurances, financial and housing assistance, and international protection coordination.
• Technology companies providing internet freedom tools benefit from clear sanctions guidelines, streamlined license/waiver processes, and government partnerships to expand censorship-resistant services in Iran.
• U.S. satellite internet and VPN providers benefit from government contracts and partnerships to deploy direct-to-cell technology and secure VPN infrastructure for Iran.
• USAGM and Voice of America-type broadcasters benefit from an expanded mandate and resources for broadcasting into Iran and utilizing social media platforms.

Who Bears the Burden and How

• The Iranian regime (Government of Iran, IRGC, MOIS, Iranian judiciary) faces asset confiscation, potential FTO designation of MOIS, programs designed to encourage defections from its ranks, and technology deployments intended to circumvent its censorship apparatus.
• Department of State bears significant coordination and strategy development burdens: leading the interagency task force, developing multiple strategies within 180 days, establishing a Special Representative for Maximum Support, and coordinating with international partners.
• Department of the Treasury must develop sanctions exemption strategies, issue licenses and waivers, and help disrupt Iranian financial networks while not impeding civilian internet access.
• Intelligence Community must monitor regime suppression, support civil society actors, counter disinformation, and assist the defection program.
• Comptroller General and Inspectors General must conduct annual audits of confiscated fund expenditures and immediately terminate any expenditures that materially benefit the Iranian regime.

Key Provisions

• Creates interagency task force (State, Treasury, USAGM) for internet freedom in Iran with 180-day strategy deadline
• Requires VPN service, satellite direct-to-cell technology, and eSIM distribution programs for Iranian users
• Mandates vetting of technology partners to exclude regime affiliates
• Authorizes confiscation of all Iranian government assets in U.S. jurisdiction, deposited in Treasury general fund
• Establishes strikers' fund, humanitarian aid channel, and human rights documentation fund from confiscated assets
• Requires strategy ensuring sanctions do not block civilian internet freedom tools
• Directs determination on FTO designation of MOIS within 90 days
• Creates defection encouragement program with financial incentives and safety assurances
• Establishes cybersecurity support program for dissidents with secure tools, training, and rapid response
• Mandates annual audits with immediate termination of any spending that benefits the regime