H.R. 9913 (IH) – Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act
Sponsor: Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO)
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on January 9, 2023
Summary:
The Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act aims to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from regulating the content of political speech on digital platforms.
Key Provisions:
- Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the FCC from:
- Issuing regulations that censor or remove political speech from digital platforms
- Taking enforcement actions against digital platforms for hosting political speech
- Mandating that digital platforms alter or remove political speech
- Defines “digital platform” as any online service or application that allows users to create, share, and consume content
- Exempts certain types of content from these restrictions, including:
- Content that incites imminent violence
- Content that contains child sexual abuse material
- Content that violates copyright or trademark laws
Background:
The bill is a response to concerns that the FCC may regulate political speech on digital platforms, such as social media and search engines. Supporters of the bill argue that such regulation would violate the First Amendment and stifle free speech. They also contend that the FCC lacks expertise in regulating digital platforms.
Opponents of the bill argue that it would allow digital platforms to spread misinformation and hate speech unchecked. They also express concern that it would undermine the FCC’s ability to protect consumers and prevent harmful content from being disseminated online.
Analysis:
The Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act raises important questions about the role of the FCC in regulating political speech online. The bill’s supporters argue that it is necessary to protect free speech, while its opponents contend that it would undermine consumer protections and lead to the spread of harmful content.
The bill is unlikely to become law in its current form, as it faces opposition from both Democrats and Republicans. However, it could lead to a wider debate about the FCC’s role in regulating digital platforms and the extent to which the government should restrict political speech online.
H.R. 9913 (IH) – Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act
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