Bowling Green Today

On July 31, 2024, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), alongside Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Congressman Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), introduced the Standing to Challenge Government Censorship Act in Washington, D.C. This legislation aims to prohibit federal employees and contractors from using their positions to direct online platforms to censor speech protected under the First Amendment.

Dr. Paul emphasized the significance of free expression, stating, "Americans are a free people, and we do not take infringements upon our liberties lightly. Our Founding Fathers enshrined the First Amendment to protect our God-given right to free expression, recognizing its fundamental importance to a free society." He further explained that the bill seeks to dismantle government tactics that silence dissenting voices.

Rep. Hageman highlighted concerns about government overreach: "I have repeatedly said that the government cannot do by proxy what it is prohibited from doing directly." She criticized the Biden Administration for pressuring social media companies and expressed confidence that the new bill would ensure litigants' standing in future cases.

Rep. Bishop echoed these sentiments, noting, "Americans have a God-given right to free expression, and the constant attacks on the First Amendment from government bureaucrats make safeguarding that right all the more important."

The proposed legislation includes provisions empowering individuals to sue government officials who coerce online platforms into censoring constitutionally protected speech. It also applies retroactively to past violations and establishes a presumption of liability for any government official attempting such coercion.

Additional support for the bill came from various public figures and organizations:

Jay Bhatthacharya MD, PhD., Stanford University: “In the covid era... it is vital for Congress to act to secure the First Amendment.”

Bradley A. Smith, Institute for Free Speech: “Rights that cannot be vindicated in court are not rights at all.”

Ryan Walker, Heritage Action: “As we inch closer to a crucial election in November... this bill is an important step in the right direction.”

L. Brent Bozell III, Media Research Center: “Senator Paul is valiantly defending our Constitutional free speech rights.”

George Landrith, Frontiers of Freedom Institute: “This bill ensures courts cannot dismiss these cases on standing grounds.”

Richard Manning, Americans for Limited Government: “Senator Rand Paul’s introduction of legislation... would provide perhaps the only vehicle for broadly protecting free speech rights.”

Vance Ginn, Ginn Economic Consulting: “Senator Rand Paul has long been a champion of free speech and individual liberty.”

Yael Ossowski, Consumer Choice Center: “The Consumer Choice Center strongly supports Sen. Paul’s ‘Standing to Challenge Government Censorship Act’ as a vehicle...”

Phil Kerpen, American Commitment: “Congress should pass it quickly…”

Carl Szabo,Vice President & General Counsel NetChoice.:“NetChoice applauds Sen.Paul…”

Jim Hanson Executive Director America Matters:“Free speech makes a comeback…”

Background information highlights that on June 26, 2024,the Supreme Court ruled in Murthy v.Missouri,a landmark First Amendment case plaintiffs did not have standing seek an injunction against officials attempted pressure platforms into censoring speech related COVID-19 court’s decision hinged seeking an injunction against future censorship rather than compensation past violations their first amendment rights however plaintiffs would not have been able seek compensation even if they wanted as consistently refused acknowledge cause action allowing individuals seek compensation federal officials past first amendment violations

During pandemic Dr.Paul targeted pervasive censorship regime In 2021 posted video YouTube educate public potentially harmful consequences relying ineffective cloth masks prevent transmission COVID-19 YouTube took down his video suspended account week blatant suppression dissenting views led announce quitting platform henceforth post content Rumble.com

You can read bill HERE.