Protecting Free Speech
Free speech is the bedrock of our nation and essential to a functioning democracy. Under the First Amendment, free speech is guaranteed as an inalienable right of each and every American. We should take great pride in being the only country in the world which recognizes people’s right to express themselves freely and peacefully, even when others may disagree. Instead, the left has weaponized the federal government in order to prevent the spread of “misinformation” through social media.
Last week, Secretary Mayorkas announced the creation of the “Disinformation Governance Board” within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The planned goal of this board is to combat misinformation for national security concerns regarding Russia or migrants. It comes as no surprise that the Biden administration announced this decision merely days after Twitter was bought by Elon Musk, who pledged transparency with their algorithms and accountability on the platform. Furthermore, this announcement comes at a time when DHS is facing increased scrutiny over their decision to terminate Title 42 and their inability to control the crisis at the southern border. Instead of focusing on true national security threats, the Department has focused their attention on expanding government overreach and monitoring the speech of millions of law-abiding Americans. Even more disingenuous is the fact that we know that this board will be used as a political tool to silence Americans, not protect national security.
False information has always existed in this country, but as Americans we have always sought to confront it in open debate in the public square, which is now often in the form of social media. In the United States, it is understood that people are free to express their opinions and thoughts, even if they are controversial or unpopular. The American people should never have to fear government intervention seeping into their day to day lives. Allowing the government to control what views or opinions Americans can and cannot hold would remove a key foundational building block that defines our nation as uniquely exceptional in the world.
As your representative in Congress, I will always fight to defend our Constitution and protect free speech. In response to this recent announcement, my colleagues and I sent a letter to Secretary Mayorkas that outlines our concerns with the new governance board and questions its intent and legal authority. Additionally, I have cosponsored a bill that would block federal funding to establish the board.
Overall, the Disinformation Governance Board is a violation of our constitutional rights and undermines what makes America the home of the free. I’m deeply concerned that this board reminds me all too well of the Ministry of Truth from George Orwell’s dystopian society. I will fight to ensure the Orwellian far-left will not control the narrative or manipulate the American people.