Free speech and protest

What speech and protest government may restrict or punish, including how protests are policed, when protesters may be arrested or boycotts penalized, and how far campuses, online platforms and tax rules limit what people and groups can say.

Protect freedom of speech

19 members
Christina Bohannan
House · IA-1 · Democrat
“To me, freedom is being able to control your own destiny. That means the right of free speech for all regardless of your views or political beliefs, the right to protect your property from being taken by the government for corporate profit, the right to grow through education, the right to make your own health care decisions, the right to safe and healthy communities free from crime and pollution, and the right to participate in a fair and open economy in which hardworking people share in the wealth they help to create and get a fair shot to get ahead.”
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Darializa Avila Chevalier
House · NY-13 · Democrat
“Protect academic freedom, including free speech”
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Anthony Constantino
House · NY-21 · Republican
“Democrats took away our 2nd Amendment rights in New York and perpetually attack our First Amendment rights nationally. I will fight to protect and restore both.”
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John Cowan
House · GA-11 · Republican
“Preserve and protect our constitutional rights to free speech, freedom of worship, and the right to bear arms.”
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Abdul El-Sayed
Senate · Michigan · Democrat
“I believe in the freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly, the freedom of and from religion, and the freedom of self-expression.”
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“I understand that civil rights are just as important when they protect our rights to do things that others might disagree with. That’s why I believe that the right to speak against your government’s actions and to peacefully protest them are sacrosanct.”
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Peggy Flanagan
Senate · Minnesota · Democrat
“Peggy believes in the right to free speech and the freedom of assembly and will fight to uphold every American’s constitutional right to self-expression.”
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J. D. Ford
House · IN-5 · Democrat
“Protect our right to free speech, our right to assemble, and the right to a free press to ensure no matter what you believe, you are free and safe to say it.”
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Chris Gober
House · TX-10 · Republican
“Defended free speech, election integrity, and the Constitution before the U.S. Supreme Court and courts nationwide.”
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Adam Hamawy
House · NJ-12 · Democrat
“Proteger la libertad académica y la financiación de investigación Los ataques de Trump a nuestras universidades e infraestructura de investigación nos han atrasado como país. Lucharé por restaurar y aumentar la financiación y lucharé contra la prohibición de libros y la censura.”

In Spanish on their site.

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“Defender la libertad de expresión, la prensa libre y el derecho a protestar Me opondré a ataques políticamente motivados contra periodistas, demandas frívolas diseñadas para silenciar medios de comunicación, prohibiciones de libros en nuestras escuelas y bibliotecas, y leyes que criminalicen la protesta pacífica. También apoyo el derecho al boicot. Estos derechos deben ser protegidos, sin importar qué partido político esté en el poder.”

In Spanish on their site.

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Kevin Hern
Senate · Oklahoma · Republican
“Protect Freedom of Speech”
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Dan Koh
House · MA-6 · Democrat
“Massachusetts needs leaders committed to making our communities more affordable, upholding the right to free speech and organizing, and ensuring the opportunity for our children and neighbors to build better lives.”
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Mark Lamb
House · AZ-5 · Republican
“He refused to enforce mandates he believed violated constitutional rights and has remained a steadfast defender of free speech, religious liberty, the Second Amendment, and personal freedom.”
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Matt Little
House · MN-2 · Democrat
“Protect First Amendment rights by changing federal agent guidelines on the use of force guidelines to narrowly define what counts as impending or obstructing federal agents to”
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Chris Rabb
House · PA-3 · Democrat
“Protect Freedom of Speech”
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Austin Rogers
House · FL-2 · Republican
“He will fiercely defend the First Amendment and protect the freedom of speech so citizens can think, worship, and speak freely without fear of government persecution.”
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Jim Schwartzel
House · FL-19 · Republican
“From protecting free speech and religious freedom to preserving the right to keep and bear arms, Jim will never back down from defending the God-given liberties that make our nation the freest in the world.”
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“In Washington, Jim will work to secure the border and stop illegal immigration, stand firmly with law enforcement and first responders, and defend free speech from the growing threat of censorship by Big Tech.”
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“He’ll fight back against outside political interest groups that threaten our environment, suppress free speech, and drive up healthcare costs.”
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Joe Strada
House · FL-11 · Republican
“Protect freedom of speech, religious liberty, due process, and the right to keep and bear arms.”
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James Talarico
Senate · Texas · Democrat
“Oppose censorship and protect the freedom of speech: Oppose book banning and cancel culture, pass the No Political Enemies Act to protect individuals and organizations from being targeted by the government for exercising their freedom of speech, and defend the freedom of the press.”
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Josh Turek
Senate · Iowa · Democrat
“Protect the freedom of speech and protest.”
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Protect the right to protest and assemble peacefully

7 members
Abdul El-Sayed
Senate · Michigan · Democrat
“I believe in the freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly, the freedom of and from religion, and the freedom of self-expression.”
View on their website ↗
“I understand that civil rights are just as important when they protect our rights to do things that others might disagree with. That’s why I believe that the right to speak against your government’s actions and to peacefully protest them are sacrosanct.”
View on their website ↗
“And I stand against the weaponization of the state to stamp out or intimidate peaceful protest, including the freedom to boycott.”
View on their website ↗
Peggy Flanagan
Senate · Minnesota · Democrat
“Peggy believes in the right to free speech and the freedom of assembly and will fight to uphold every American’s constitutional right to self-expression.”
View on their website ↗
J. D. Ford
House · IN-5 · Democrat
“Protect our right to free speech, our right to assemble, and the right to a free press to ensure no matter what you believe, you are free and safe to say it.”
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La Shawn Ford
House · IL-7 · Democrat
“Introduced House Resolution (HR 0610, 97th GA) urging support for the peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights by Occupy protesters – resolution lost on a House vote”
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Adam Hamawy
House · NJ-12 · Democrat
“Defender la libertad de expresión, la prensa libre y el derecho a protestar Me opondré a ataques políticamente motivados contra periodistas, demandas frívolas diseñadas para silenciar medios de comunicación, prohibiciones de libros en nuestras escuelas y bibliotecas, y leyes que criminalicen la protesta pacífica. También apoyo el derecho al boicot. Estos derechos deben ser protegidos, sin importar qué partido político esté en el poder.”

In Spanish on their site.

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Matt Little
House · MN-2 · Democrat
“I’m fighting for a future where Americans are still free. Free to pursue the American dream; free to peacefully protest, free to control their bodies, and free from reckless, incompetent, and cruel federal policies.”
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Josh Turek
Senate · Iowa · Democrat
“Protect the freedom of speech and protest.”
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Stop the government from targeting people for their speech

7 members
Daniel Biss
House · IL-9 · Democrat
“Combating Trump’s Attacks on Academic Freedom: The Trump administration is abusing the federal government to punish universities, including Northwestern, for teaching or allowing ideas Donald Trump doesn’t like. This is downright un-American. In Congress, I’ll stand up for academic freedom and work to shut down trumped up investigations and fight to release all funds that are being withheld for ideological reasons. I’m also disgusted by the Trump administration’s moves to deny visas or deport students — including students who are in the country legally — for ideological reasons. Congress must fight back against these abuses.”
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Victoria Broderick
House · TN-4 · Democrat
“No American should face investigation, prosecution, or government enforcement action simply because of who they voted for, what they said, or who they associate with. That principle should hold true no matter which party controls the White House.”
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“I will work to ensure passage of the No Political Enemies Act (H.R. 7060), which prohibits the president, vice-president, federal agencies, and independent executive agencies from opening or directing an investigation, prosecution, regulatory action, or other enforcement action against a person or organization when that action is substantially motivated by their constitutionally protected speech, dissent, expression, or association.”
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Abdul El-Sayed
Senate · Michigan · Democrat
“And I stand against the weaponization of the state to stamp out or intimidate peaceful protest, including the freedom to boycott.”
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Chris Gober
House · TX-10 · Republican
“Won a landmark federal case that struck down the unconstitutional IRS regulation used by Lois Lerner to silence conservative groups—proving Chris knows how to dismantle the Deep State’s intimidation tactics and protect Americans’ First Amendment rights.”
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Angela Gonzales-Torres
House · CA-34 · Democrat
“Defend voting rights and election integrity, and oppose efforts to weaponize federal law enforcement against journalists, protesters, or elected officials for political speech.”
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Austin Rogers
House · FL-2 · Republican
“He will fiercely defend the First Amendment and protect the freedom of speech so citizens can think, worship, and speak freely without fear of government persecution.”
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James Talarico
Senate · Texas · Democrat
“Oppose censorship and protect the freedom of speech: Oppose book banning and cancel culture, pass the No Political Enemies Act to protect individuals and organizations from being targeted by the government for exercising their freedom of speech, and defend the freedom of the press.”
View on their website ↗

Protect freedom of the press

3 members
J. D. Ford
House · IN-5 · Democrat
“Protect our right to free speech, our right to assemble, and the right to a free press to ensure no matter what you believe, you are free and safe to say it.”
View on their website ↗
Adam Hamawy
House · NJ-12 · Democrat
“Defender la libertad de expresión, la prensa libre y el derecho a protestar Me opondré a ataques políticamente motivados contra periodistas, demandas frívolas diseñadas para silenciar medios de comunicación, prohibiciones de libros en nuestras escuelas y bibliotecas, y leyes que criminalicen la protesta pacífica. También apoyo el derecho al boicot. Estos derechos deben ser protegidos, sin importar qué partido político esté en el poder.”

In Spanish on their site.

View on their website ↗
James Talarico
Senate · Texas · Democrat
“Oppose censorship and protect the freedom of speech: Oppose book banning and cancel culture, pass the No Political Enemies Act to protect individuals and organizations from being targeted by the government for exercising their freedom of speech, and defend the freedom of the press.”
View on their website ↗

Protect academic freedom and free speech on campuses

3 members
Daniel Biss
House · IL-9 · Democrat
“Combating Trump’s Attacks on Academic Freedom: The Trump administration is abusing the federal government to punish universities, including Northwestern, for teaching or allowing ideas Donald Trump doesn’t like. This is downright un-American. In Congress, I’ll stand up for academic freedom and work to shut down trumped up investigations and fight to release all funds that are being withheld for ideological reasons. I’m also disgusted by the Trump administration’s moves to deny visas or deport students — including students who are in the country legally — for ideological reasons. Congress must fight back against these abuses.”
View on their website ↗
Darializa Avila Chevalier
House · NY-13 · Democrat
“Protect academic freedom, including free speech”
View on their website ↗
Adam Hamawy
House · NJ-12 · Democrat
“Proteger la libertad académica y la financiación de investigación Los ataques de Trump a nuestras universidades e infraestructura de investigación nos han atrasado como país. Lucharé por restaurar y aumentar la financiación y lucharé contra la prohibición de libros y la censura.”

In Spanish on their site.

View on their website ↗
“Gran parte de nuestro momento actual de peligro para la Primera Enmienda, particularmente en los campus universitarios, tiene sus orígenes en la supresión de las protestas estudiantiles contra el genocidio en Gaza. Debemos, en particular, proteger los derechos de los estudiantes a expresarse en sus propios campus, incluso contra gobiernos extranjeros.”

In Spanish on their site.

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Protect speech and protest critical of Israel's government

3 members
Daniel Biss
House · IL-9 · Democrat
“Implement the Biden administration’s U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism: I support the Biden Administration’s U.S. National Strategy to counter Antisemitism, which includes increasing awareness of antisemitism and providing security for Jewish communities – but does not infringe on freedom of speech, including criticism of the Israeli government.”
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Adam Hamawy
House · NJ-12 · Democrat
“Gran parte de nuestro momento actual de peligro para la Primera Enmienda, particularmente en los campus universitarios, tiene sus orígenes en la supresión de las protestas estudiantiles contra el genocidio en Gaza. Debemos, en particular, proteger los derechos de los estudiantes a expresarse en sus propios campus, incluso contra gobiernos extranjeros.”

In Spanish on their site.

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Melat Kiros
House · CO-1 · Democrat
“While working as an attorney at a top firm in New York City, Melat witnessed the bravery of the student protesting for Palestine despite risk of punishment and losing their job offers. She decided to write an article defending the students and their critique of Israel. After being asked to take down the article or resign, Melat refused, and she was fired.”
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Protect the right to boycott

2 members
Abdul El-Sayed
Senate · Michigan · Democrat
“And I stand against the weaponization of the state to stamp out or intimidate peaceful protest, including the freedom to boycott.”
View on their website ↗
Adam Hamawy
House · NJ-12 · Democrat
“Defender la libertad de expresión, la prensa libre y el derecho a protestar Me opondré a ataques políticamente motivados contra periodistas, demandas frívolas diseñadas para silenciar medios de comunicación, prohibiciones de libros en nuestras escuelas y bibliotecas, y leyes que criminalicen la protesta pacífica. También apoyo el derecho al boicot. Estos derechos deben ser protegidos, sin importar qué partido político esté en el poder.”

In Spanish on their site.

View on their website ↗

Oppose book bans in schools and libraries

2 members
Adam Hamawy
House · NJ-12 · Democrat
“Proteger la libertad académica y la financiación de investigación Los ataques de Trump a nuestras universidades e infraestructura de investigación nos han atrasado como país. Lucharé por restaurar y aumentar la financiación y lucharé contra la prohibición de libros y la censura.”

In Spanish on their site.

View on their website ↗
“Defender la libertad de expresión, la prensa libre y el derecho a protestar Me opondré a ataques políticamente motivados contra periodistas, demandas frívolas diseñadas para silenciar medios de comunicación, prohibiciones de libros en nuestras escuelas y bibliotecas, y leyes que criminalicen la protesta pacífica. También apoyo el derecho al boicot. Estos derechos deben ser protegidos, sin importar qué partido político esté en el poder.”

In Spanish on their site.

View on their website ↗
James Talarico
Senate · Texas · Democrat
“Oppose censorship and protect the freedom of speech: Oppose book banning and cancel culture, pass the No Political Enemies Act to protect individuals and organizations from being targeted by the government for exercising their freedom of speech, and defend the freedom of the press.”
View on their website ↗

Shield tax-exempt groups' political speech from IRS limits

2 members
Chris Gober
House · TX-10 · Republican
“Won a landmark federal case that struck down the unconstitutional IRS regulation used by Lois Lerner to silence conservative groups—proving Chris knows how to dismantle the Deep State’s intimidation tactics and protect Americans’ First Amendment rights.”
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Kevin Hern
Senate · Oklahoma · Republican
“In addition, I cosponsored the Free Speech Fairness Act (H.R.949) to provide protections for tax-exempt organizations exercising free speech in the electoral process.”
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Raised the issue without a specific call

1 member
Sean McCann
House · MI-4 · Democrat
“Freedom of speech is a pillar of our country and the foundation of our electoral process.”
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