Iran Freedom Support Act

The Iran Freedom Support Act (109th Congress. H.R.282. "To hold the current regime in [[Iran] accountable for its threatening behavior and to support a transition to democracy in Iran."]) was introduced January 6, 2005, in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida). 356 Co-Sponsors (posted on AIPAC website). Last action: September 30, 2004: Referred to the House Committee on International Relations. 

109th Congress. S.333 50 Co-Sponsors (posted on AIPAC website).

Update: After being approved by the Senate on a voice vote, the bill, now labeled H.R.6198, was approved by the House on Sept.30 2006 and signed by the President on the same day.

Among other items in the bill, H.R.6198 authorizes the President to:

"...provide financial and political assistance (including the award of grants) to foreign and domestic individuals, organizations, and entities working for the purpose of supporting and promoting democracy for Iran... Such assistance may include the award of grants to eligible independent pro-democracy radio and television broadcasting organizations that broadcast into Iran."

Earlier Bills

 * "108th Congress. H.R. 2466. "To encourage democratic reform in Iran and to strengthen United States policy toward the current Government of Iran." (the Iran Freedom and Democracy Support Act), Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Brad Sherman, June 12, 2003.
 * "108th Congress. S.2681. "To establish a program to support a transition to democracy in Iran." (the Iran Freedom and Support Act of 2004), Introduced in the U.S. Senate by Congressmen Rick Santorum and John Cornyn, July 16, 2004. Last action: July 16, 2004: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.