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Maximum Support Act

USA119th CongressHR-2614| House 
| Updated: 4/2/2025
Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson

Republican Representative

South Carolina

Cosponsors (3)
Greg Landsman (Democratic)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Kevin Mullin (Democratic)

Foreign Affairs Committee, Financial Services Committee, Judiciary Committee, Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Maximum Support Act" outlines a multi-faceted approach to support the Iranian people in their pursuit of a democratic political system, human rights, and the rule of law. It establishes a policy for the United States to provide maximum support to these aspirations, focusing heavily on countering the Iranian regime's censorship and control over internet access. A key provision mandates the creation of an interagency task force to develop a strategy for internet freedom. This strategy includes establishing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service to bypass censorship, enhancing satellite communications through direct-to-cell technology and eSIM distribution, and countering regime restrictions on advanced mobile devices. It also requires identifying and countering regime-affiliated VPNs used for surveillance, providing secure communication tools, and offering cybersecurity training and rapid response support for Iranian activists and journalists. The bill authorizes the President to confiscate assets of the Government of Iran and its instrumentalities subject to U.S. jurisdiction. These funds would be deposited into the Treasury and used to support persons and entities in Iran working towards democratic transition, including a strikers fund for nonviolent opposition, humanitarian aid, and efforts to document human rights violations. Strict audits are mandated to ensure these funds do not materially benefit the Iranian regime. Furthermore, the legislation requires a strategy to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not inadvertently impede Iranian civilians' access to internet freedom tools. This involves examining existing sanctions, issuing specific licenses and waivers for technology, and working with technology companies and civil society to expand access to censorship-resistant communication. A separate strategy is also required to provide overall support for a democratic transition, encompassing diplomatic efforts, economic pressure, intelligence support for protest movements, and media freedom campaigns. The bill expresses a Sense of Congress that the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) meets the criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. It directs the Secretary of State to make a determination on this designation within 90 days. Finally, the Act mandates a strategy to encourage defections by Iranian officials and security forces, offering secure communication, safety assurances, incentives, and international coordination to facilitate such actions.
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Timeline
Apr 2, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 2, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • April 2, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 2, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

International Affairs

Maximum Support Act

USA119th CongressHR-2614| House 
| Updated: 4/2/2025
The "Maximum Support Act" outlines a multi-faceted approach to support the Iranian people in their pursuit of a democratic political system, human rights, and the rule of law. It establishes a policy for the United States to provide maximum support to these aspirations, focusing heavily on countering the Iranian regime's censorship and control over internet access. A key provision mandates the creation of an interagency task force to develop a strategy for internet freedom. This strategy includes establishing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service to bypass censorship, enhancing satellite communications through direct-to-cell technology and eSIM distribution, and countering regime restrictions on advanced mobile devices. It also requires identifying and countering regime-affiliated VPNs used for surveillance, providing secure communication tools, and offering cybersecurity training and rapid response support for Iranian activists and journalists. The bill authorizes the President to confiscate assets of the Government of Iran and its instrumentalities subject to U.S. jurisdiction. These funds would be deposited into the Treasury and used to support persons and entities in Iran working towards democratic transition, including a strikers fund for nonviolent opposition, humanitarian aid, and efforts to document human rights violations. Strict audits are mandated to ensure these funds do not materially benefit the Iranian regime. Furthermore, the legislation requires a strategy to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not inadvertently impede Iranian civilians' access to internet freedom tools. This involves examining existing sanctions, issuing specific licenses and waivers for technology, and working with technology companies and civil society to expand access to censorship-resistant communication. A separate strategy is also required to provide overall support for a democratic transition, encompassing diplomatic efforts, economic pressure, intelligence support for protest movements, and media freedom campaigns. The bill expresses a Sense of Congress that the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) meets the criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. It directs the Secretary of State to make a determination on this designation within 90 days. Finally, the Act mandates a strategy to encourage defections by Iranian officials and security forces, offering secure communication, safety assurances, incentives, and international coordination to facilitate such actions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 2, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 2, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • April 2, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 2, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson

Republican Representative

South Carolina

Cosponsors (3)
Greg Landsman (Democratic)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Kevin Mullin (Democratic)

Foreign Affairs Committee, Financial Services Committee, Judiciary Committee, Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committee

International Affairs

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted