If enacted, the bill would effectively create a legal framework that permits the United States government to deny entry and expel foreign officials who are deemed to have participated in acts of censorship. As such, this bill reinforces an existing commitment to free speech while also signaling a strong stance against foreign governmental efforts deemed hostile to American democratic ideals. Critics, however, may argue that the broad application of the term 'censorship' could lead to challenges in its enforcement and may affect diplomatic relations.
Summary
House Bill 9605, titled the 'No Censors on our Shores Act', seeks to establish that any foreign government official who engages in censorship of American speech is both inadmissible and deportable from the United States. The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to specifically target acts of censorship that violate the First Amendment rights of U.S. citizens. This initiative is presented as a protective measure against foreign influence on American speech and seeks to uphold American values regarding free expression.
Contention
The proposal may lead to heated discussions regarding its potential implications on international relations and the interpretation of free speech. Proponents assert that it is a necessary step to safeguard American freedoms against external threats, while opponents could raise concerns about the complexities involved in assessing what constitutes censorship by a foreign official. Overall, the bill stands as a significant statement on the protection of free speech from perceived foreign governmental overreach, but may also be contentious in terms of its enforcement mechanisms and broader impacts.
Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act This bill generally prohibits federal employees from censoring the speech of others while acting in an official capacity. Specifically, the bill prohibits employees of executive agencies or who are otherwise in the competitive service from (1) using their official authority to influence or advocate for a third party, including a private entity, to censor speech; (2) censoring the speech of any person who has a pending regulatory application with, or is the subject of or a participant in an active enforcement action by, the employee's office; or (3) engaging in censorship while on duty, wearing a uniform, or using official government property. Certain presidential appointees may not censor speech at any time, including outside normal duty hours. Employees are subject to disciplinary action, civil penalties, or both for violations. The bill defines censor or censorship to include ordering or advocating for the removal of lawful speech, the addition of disclaimers, or the restriction of access with respect to any platform (e.g., social media).
Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in countering the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.