H.R.1619 - No Funds for Fascists Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1619, the "No Funds for Fascists Act," aims to prohibit U.S. assistance to foreign governments that abridge free speech rights that would be protected under the U.S. Constitution. The bill requires the Secretary of State to determine if a foreign government censors speech or directs covered platforms to do so. It includes a waiver provision if the President determines that national security interests justify providing assistance despite these restrictions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill could lead to a reduction in U.S. foreign aid to countries with restrictive speech policies. It may incentivize foreign governments to align their speech policies more closely with U.S. constitutional standards. However, the waiver provision allows for flexibility based on national security considerations.
Potential Benefits
- Could promote free speech globally by setting a condition for receiving U.S. aid.
- May deter foreign governments from censoring speech or pressuring platforms to do so.
- Reinforces the importance of free speech as a fundamental right.
- Provides a mechanism (waiver) to address national security concerns.
- Increases transparency through the publication of determinations in the Federal Register.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain diplomatic relations with countries that have different approaches to free speech.
- The definition of "abridges the right to free speech" may be subject to interpretation and debate.
- The waiver provision could be used to circumvent the intent of the bill.
- May be seen as imposing U.S. values on other countries.
- Could create administrative burden for the Secretary of State to make these determinations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech. By conditioning foreign aid on the protection of speech rights, the bill seeks to promote values enshrined in the Constitution. However, the bill's application to foreign governments raises questions about the extraterritorial reach of constitutional principles. The bill does not violate any specific constitutional provision.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).