Bowling Green Today

Dr. Rand Paul, Rep. Hageman and Rep. Bishop fight to protect Americans’ First Amendment rights again

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined by Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Congressman Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), introduced the Standing to Challenge Government Censorship Act. This bill aims to prohibit federal employees and contractors from using their positions to direct online platforms to censor First Amendment protected speech.

“Americans are a free people, and we do not take infringements upon our liberties lightly,” said Dr. Paul. “With the Standing to Challenge Government Censorship Act, we will strip away the barriers preventing judicial review of coercive government tactics that silence dissenting voices.”

Rep. Hageman stated, “I have repeatedly said that the government cannot do by proxy what it is prohibited from doing directly. The Standing to Challenge Government Censorship Act will ensure future litigants would have standing.” She emphasized the importance of protecting free speech during events like COVID-19 and the 2020 election.

Rep. Bishop added, “Malicious actors within government should never be allowed to silence and censor Americans... This legislation will ensure just that by removing barriers for judicial review.”

The bill seeks to empower individuals to sue government officials who coerce online platforms into censoring constitutionally protected speech and apply to past First Amendment violations.

Jay Bhattacharya MD, PhD., Stanford University, supported the bill stating, “It is vital for Congress to act to secure the First Amendment.” Bradley A. Smith from the Institute for Free Speech echoed this sentiment: “Murthy invites the government to violate First Amendment rights at will... This legislation says, ‘not so fast.’”

Ryan Walker from Heritage Action applauded Sen. Paul’s efforts: “Heritage Action applauds Sen. Paul for fighting government overreach.” L. Brent Bozell III from Media Research Center called it a "no-brainer."

George Landrith from Frontiers of Freedom Institute noted, “This bill ensures courts cannot dismiss these cases on standing grounds.” Richard Manning from Americans for Limited Government described it as a crucial step in safeguarding free speech.

Vance Ginn praised Sen. Paul's long-standing commitment: “Senator Rand Paul has long been a champion of free speech.” Yael Ossowski from Consumer Choice Center also supported the bill as a vehicle against unconstitutional jawboning.

Phil Kerpen from American Commitment urged quick passage: “Congress should pass it quickly.” Carl Szabo from NetChoice commended Sen. Paul's efforts: "NetChoice looks forward to working with Sen. Paul."

Jim Hanson from America Matters concluded by saying, "Free speech makes a comeback."

Background:

On June 26, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in Murthy v. Missouri that plaintiffs did not have standing to seek an injunction against government officials who attempted to pressure platforms into censoring speech related to COVID-19.

Dr. Paul was targeted during the pandemic when YouTube took down his video about cloth masks' effectiveness and suspended his account for a week.

You can read the bill HERE.

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