Introduced
September 30, 2025
Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Booker, and Mr. Markey) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
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.
- (1) calls on the President to commit to free speech, consistent with the Constitution of the United States;
- (2) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the First Amendment and to freedom of speech and of the press as foundations of the democratic republic of the United States;
- (3) declares that media independence must be protected and licensing, regulatory authority, or other governmental powers must not be used to punish or intimidate media organizations for editorial content;
- (4) condemns any threats to revoke, suspend, or penalize media licenses solely based on content or viewpoints;
- (5) calls on the Federal Communications Commission Chairman, and the head of any other relevant Federal agency, to uphold constitutionally protected free speech and, as aligned with the duties of the agencies, affirm that they will not use licensing or regulations as a tool of repression; and