Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act
118-HR-140118th CongressIntroduced Jan 9, 2023Government Operations and Politics
Market Probability
No market
Status
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Other Chamber
Signed
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Sponsor
Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1](R-KY-1)16 cosponsors
Summary
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 censor a private entity; or (2) engaging in censorship of a private entity while on duty, wearing a uniform, or using official government property. The bill provides certain exceptions for law enforcement, subject to specified reporting requirements.
Employees are subject to disciplinary action, civil penalties, or both for violations.
The bill defines censor or censorship to mean influencing or coercing, or directing another to influence or coerce, for the removal of lawful speech, the addition of disclaimers, or the restriction of access with respect to any interactive computer service (e.g., social media).
Subjects
Employment discrimination and employee rightsFirst Amendment rightsGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementInternet, web applications, social media
Actions (30)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Mar 14, 2023Senate
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 206 (Roll no. 141).
Mar 9, 2023House floor actionsRECORDED VOTE
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 206 (Roll no. 141).
Mar 9, 2023Library of CongressRECORDED VOTE
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 218 (Roll no. 140).
Mar 9, 2023House floor actionsRECORDED VOTE
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1230-1232)
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 140, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit the bill and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Landsman demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the motion to recommit until a time to be announced.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
Mr. Landsman moved to recommit to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. (text: CR H1221)
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 140.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rose amendment No. 10.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rose amendment No. 9.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1219-1221)
Mar 9, 2023House floor actions
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 140 as unfinished business.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
Mr. Comer moved that the committee rise.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1196-1198)
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 140 as unfinished business.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
Mr. Comer moved that the Committee rise.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ogles amendment No. 8.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ogles amendment No. 7.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 6.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Good (VA) amendment No. 5.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Perry amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fitzpatrick demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
Mar 8, 2023House floor actions