Condemning attempts to use Federal regulatory power or litigation to suppress lawful speech, particularly speech critical of a political party or the President of the United States, and warning against the rise of authoritarianism.

Bill Number: H.Res. 748
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Science, Technology, Communications
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-09-19: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
Last Updated: 2025-10-01T08:05:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution condemns efforts to use federal regulatory agencies or lawsuits to restrict lawful speech, especially criticism of political parties or the President. It also warns that such actions resemble tactics of authoritarian regimes and threaten democratic principles.

Key Provisions

Condemns the use of agencies like the Federal Communications Commission and the filing of lawsuits to intimidate or punish media criticism.
Warns that these practices mirror authoritarian methods and endanger U.S. democratic traditions.
Reaffirms support for the First Amendment protections for free speech and press.
Urges public officials to avoid pressuring media to censor content.
Calls on the Department of Justice, Federal Communications Commission, and other agencies to protect free expression and avoid political retaliation.
Affirms the importance of independent media for democratic accountability.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution and does not amend or alter any existing statutes. It expresses the House of Representatives' views without creating new legal requirements.

Potential Impacts

On government agencies: Encourages the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice to review policies to prevent their use for political pressure.
On citizens: Aims to protect public discourse and criticism of officials from indirect government interference.
On international relations: No direct effects noted, though the resolution highlights concerns about domestic erosion of freedoms that could affect global perceptions of U.S. democracy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Media figures, networks, and journalists, including specific references to late-night hosts and broadcasting companies.
Federal agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice.
Members of Congress and public officials across political parties.
The general public, particularly those engaging in political commentary or satire.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Emphasizes the First Amendment's role in safeguarding speech and press freedom as core to democracy.
Raises concerns about regulatory actions potentially chilling dissent, which could lead to broader political debates on government overreach.
Positions the resolution as a defense against perceived authoritarian trends without proposing specific enforcement mechanisms.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

Cosponsors (124)

Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2] and 74 more

Recent Actions

2025-09-19: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
2025-09-19: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
2025-09-19: Submitted in House
2025-09-19: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Condemning attempts to use Federal regulatory power or litigation to suppress lawful speech, particularly speech critical of a political party or the President of the United States, and warning against the rise of authoritarianism. — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (5 pages)