CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratBill · S.Res. 424· Senate(119-SRES-424)

A resolution affirming the unwavering commitment of the Senate to the First Amendment and to freedom of speech and of the press as foundations of the democratic republic of the United States.

Rep. Merkley
Age: 70 years
Oregon
Introduced
9/30/2025
Last activity
9/30/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsored by
Jeff Merkley
Cosponsors
Democrat - 5Republican - 0
Science, Technology, Communications
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.

What this bill would do

This resolution aims to reaffirm the Senate's commitment to the First Amendment and the foundations of freedom of speech and the press. It calls on the President to commit to free speech in a manner consistent with the Constitution. The resolution declares that media independence must be protected from government interference regarding editorial content. It specifically condemns using licenses or regulatory authority to punish or intimidate media organizations based on their viewpoints. Additionally, it directs federal agency heads to uphold protected speech and avoid using regulations as tools of repression. Finally, it rebukes any political violence directed at those exercising their free speech rights.

Yes· 3 of 6

  • Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+10

    The resolution affirms the right to free speech and protects against political violence aimed at those exercising it.

  • Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+10

    The resolution explicitly reaffirms and protects the First Amendment and freedom of the press from government interference.

  • Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2

    The resolution calls for agency heads to uphold constitutional speech protections against government overreach.

The opposite

  • Does this put more rules on large technology companies?-1

    The resolution opposes the use of regulatory powers to coerce speech, which could impact digital platforms.