Bill · H.R. 1619· House(119-HR-1619)
No Funds for Fascists Act
- Introduced
- 2/26/2025
- Last activity
- 2/26/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Nancy Mace
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "No Funds for Fascists Act," aims to stop U.S. financial assistance to specific foreign governments. It prohibits funds, including those under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, from being given to countries that restrict or censor speech protected by the U.S. Constitution. The rule also applies if a government uses communication to pressure digital or media platforms to censor such speech. The Secretary of State is required to publish these determinations in the Federal Register. However, the President can waive these restrictions if national security interests require it.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+7
The bill protects the concept of free expression by penalizing foreign governments that attempt to censor protected speech via digital platforms.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+7
The bill prohibits foreign assistance to governments that censor or abridge free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires the Secretary of State to publish determinations regarding prohibited assistance in the Federal Register.
The opposite
Does this send more money or help to other countries?-5
The bill restricts foreign assistance based on specific free speech criteria, which may reduce total aid sent to certain countries.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Free Speech Rights: The bill prohibits assistance to foreign governments that abridge or censor speech protected by the Constitution of the United States (Section 2(a)(1)). This could benefit individuals by ensuring U.S. funds do not support governments that suppress free expression.
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Prevention of Platform Coercion: The bill stops foreign governments or their employees from using communication to pressure "covered platforms" to censor protected speech (Section 2(a)(2)). This could protect the integrity of information shared through interactive computer services or media organizations.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- National Security Waivers: The President has the authority to waive the prohibition if national security interests justify it (Section 2(c)(1)). This means assistance could still be provided to governments that abridge free speech if the President determines it is necessary for national security.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Government Transparency+5Increases Federal Power+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Foreign Aid-5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+3
- 2/26/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida