Congresswoman Tenney Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Expressing Support for Iranian People

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) today introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution commending the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran who are demonstrating in more than 130 cities against the Iranian regime's human rights abuses. Protests have been raging across the country in the wake of the death of a 22-year-old girl, Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for violating the country’s strict dress codes. She later died while in custody.

Tenney was joined in the House by Representative Michael McCaul (TX-10), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), and in the Senate by Senators Bob Menendez (NJ), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Bill Cassidy (LA), Ted Cruz (TX), Jacky Rosen (NV), Kevin Cramer (ND), and Bob Casey (PA).

“The regime in Iran is once again violently cracking down on the rights of its citizens,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “It is the policy of the United States to stand with the Iranian people, who are the longest-suffering victims of this regime’s brutality. Now, as the Iranian people are demanding justice for Mahsa and countless others like her, the United States must reaffirm our commitment to democracy by standing with the Iranian people. Today, with bipartisan, bicameral support, Congress is standing strong alongside the Iranian people.”

“As Tehran continues to violently crackdown on its own citizens simply for demanding basic human rights, we must make clear it cannot be business as usual with the Iranian regime," said Ranking Member McCaul. "We must do all we can to support the Iranian people’s right to self-determination and ensure those responsible for the violent suppression of peaceful protests are held to account."

“Mahsa’s killing was a tragedy; I hope it is also a turning point," said Congressman Malinowski. "The bravery of Iranians, particularly women, fighting for freedom and dignity is an inspiration and the United States must lead the world in supporting their peaceful struggle while condemning their government’s repression."

“I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in introducing this important resolution commemorating Mahsa Amini and honoring the brave women and men of Iran giving voice to their rejection of this violent, oppressive and misogynistic regime,” said Chairman Menendez. “Whether through the simple, brave act of removing a hijab, standing in solidarity with those who do, or documenting the regime’s crimes against protestors and telling their story to the world despite increasing violence and communications blackouts, these expressions reflect an honest truth and deeply-held desperation we shouldn’t ignore. Iranians must know that we in the U.S. Congress, across the United States and around the world see and honor their bravery and share in their hope for a free Iran that is at peace with its neighbors as well as its own people.”

“The courageous women across Iran who are protesting the human rights abuses of the Iranian regime are true heroes and should be honored. The horrific murder of Mahsa Amini for simply not wearing a head covering, the violence of the security forces as they do everything in their power to silence those who dare to speak out, and the blacking out of internet and social media across Iran should be a wake-up call to the international community,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Biden Administration must immediately impose additional human rights sanctions on those responsible for the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown, and prioritize efforts to ensure unrestricted internet access in Iran. My Congressional colleagues and I – in a bipartisan, bicameral manner – stand in solidarity with the women of Iran who are courageously fighting for freedom after years of tyranny and abuse.”

“Iranian women are fighting for their freedom,” said Dr. Cassidy. “A 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was killed by the Iranian regime’s morality police for refusing to wear a head covering. We must stand with the women of Iran as they fight for their rights.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in solidarity with the heroic women of Iran who are standing against the oppressive Iranian regime's human rights abuses,” said Senator Rosen. “The international community must support protestors in Iran and immediately impose human rights sanctions on Iranian government officials who are repressing the protests."

The resolution commends the Iranian people protesting against gross human rights abuses and in support of freedom and urges the Biden administration to continue to impose human rights sanctions, prioritize efforts to expand internet access in Iran and work to develop a strategy to prevent the Iranian regime from obtaining and exploiting facial recognition data and software for the use of mass surveillance and enforcement of mandatory hijab.

Last week, Tenney led a bipartisan letter with Congressman Tom Malinowski (NJ-07) urging the Treasury Department to approve any license requests it receives to ensure entities can rapidly deploy communications services and Internet access to the Iranian people amid ongoing protests and the regime’s widespread and deliberate Internet blackouts. Shortly after Tenney's letter was sent, the Department of the Treasury issued an updated General License making it easier for American companies like SpaceX to provide Internet services to Iran. 

The full text of the bicameral resolution is available here.

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