VoterlyH.R. 140: Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act
118th Congress · Sponsored from Kentucky · In committee
What this bill does
Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act This bill generally prohibits federal employees from censoring the speech of others while acting in an official capacity. Specifically, the bill prohibits employees of executive agencies or who are otherwise in the competitive service from (1) using their official authority to censor a private entity; or (2) engaging in censorship of a private entity while on duty, wearing a uniform, or using official government property. The bill provides certain exceptions for law enforcement, subject to specified reporting requirements. Employees are subject to disciplinary action, civil penalties, or both for violations. The bill defines censor or censorship to mean influencing or coercing, or directing another to influence or coerce, for the removal of lawful speech, the addition of disclaimers, or the restriction of access with respect to any interactive computer service (e.g., social media).
Key facts
- Status In committee
- Introduced 2023-01-09
- Policy area Government Operations and Politics
- Cosponsors 16
- Latest action Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Sponsor
Who funds the sponsor?
Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1] introduced H.R. 140. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.
See Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1]'s donors & voting record →
Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.
Take a position & compare alignment
Agree or disagree with H.R. 140? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.
Read the official text on Congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What does H.R. 140 do?
Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act This bill generally prohibits federal employees from censoring the speech of others while acting in an official capacity. Specifically, the bill prohibits employees of executive agencies or who are otherwise in the competitive se…
Who sponsored H.R. 140?
Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1] (R) of Kentucky is the lead sponsor.
How do I find out who funds or lobbies for H.R. 140?
Campaign-finance records (Federal Election Commission) show who funds the bill's sponsor. Separately, federal lobbying disclosures filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act list the companies and lobbyists who reported lobbying on specific bills. Voterly links the sponsor's donors; lobbying records are public at the U.S. Senate and House lobbying databases.
Is H.R. 140 now law?
Not yet. The current status is "In committee." See the latest action above for details.