The MAHSA Act Has Been Sent to Markup
Washington, DC — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is thrilled to announce that the Mahsa Amini Human rights and Security Accountability Act (MAHSA Act) is scheduled to be marked up by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) on April 16th, 2024! This news comes after more than a year and a half of Iranian American advocacy for the legislation.
Since 2022, PAAIA has been diligently advocating for the passage of the MAHSA Act, and we’re excited to celebrate this new development! Last year, the MAHSA Act almost unanimously passed the House of Representatives, and our efforts have since been focused on garnering support in the Senate. In January of this year, PAAIA sent a letter to the SFRC Chairman, Senator Ben Cardin, as well as the other members of the committee, encouraging them to markup the MAHSA Act. Following that up, PAAIA met with Senior Staff Professionals on the SFRC in February to further highlight the importance of the legislation, reiterating the Iranian American community’s wide support for the bill.
In addition to our letter to the SFRC and subsequent meeting, PAAIA has remained steadfast in our ongoing communication with Members of Congress on this matter and has continued to encourage Iranian Americans to directly message their senators in support of the MAHSA Act. This vital legislation will serve to hold Islamic Republic leaders accountable for their human rights abuses and support for terrorism. The ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the Iranian regime are especially heinous in their relation to Woman, Life, Freedom, a protest movement sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini for whom the bill was named.
During April 16th‘s markup, the SFRC will debate and consider the MAHSA Act as well as two other bills. Ultimately, the SFRC will determine whether the measures will be recommended to the full Senate. This is the next necessary step for the MAHSA Act to become law. PAAIA encourages other Iranian American organizations and individuals to continue pushing senators to support the legislation. You can take action in just a few minutes by using our easy action alert here.
PAAIA remains committed to supporting the MAHSA Act and standing with the people of Iran in their fight for freedom. We support their democratic aspirations and continue to push for U.S. policies that can aid in the full realization of those aspirations.
