HRES748-119

That the House of Representatives— condemns the use of regulatory agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission, and the threat or filing of lawsuits as tools to suppress, intimidate, or punish lawful speech critical of any political party or the President of the United States; warns that such practices echo the tactics of authoritarian regimes and pose a serious threat to the democratic traditions and constitutional freedoms of the United States; reaffirms its commitment to upholding the First Amendment and protecting the freedom of the press and freedom of expression for all individuals, regardless of political viewpoint; calls upon all public officials, regardless of party affiliation, to refrain from using their positions of power to pressure media organizations or individuals into censoring or silencing speech protected by the Constitution; urges the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission, and other relevant agencies to ensure that their policies and practices safeguard free expression and do not become tools of political retribution; and affirms that a vibrant, independent media and the ability of Americans to criticize their government are indispensable to the preservation of democratic governance and to preventing the rise of authoritarianism.