Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1690 - Stopping Communist Regimes from Engaging in Edits Now Act; SCREEN Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.1690, also known as the SCREEN Act, aims to limit the use of government funds for film productions that are subject to content alterations or conditions imposed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The bill requires U.S. companies receiving technical support or access to State Department assets to disclose films submitted to Chinese authorities for evaluation.

It also prohibits the provision of federal support for films co-produced with PRC entities subject to content restrictions. The Secretary of State is mandated to report to Congress on films disclosed and any alterations made in response to Chinese government requests.

The bill seeks to protect the integrity of American film productions and prevent censorship by foreign governments.

Expected Effects

The SCREEN Act, if enacted, would likely change the landscape of US-China film collaborations. It would impose restrictions on US film companies seeking government support for projects that might be influenced by the Chinese government.

This could lead to fewer co-productions or force companies to choose between government support and access to the Chinese market. The increased transparency and reporting requirements could also deter companies from altering content to appease Chinese censors.

Potential Benefits

  • Protects artistic freedom and prevents foreign censorship of American films.
  • Enhances transparency regarding film productions influenced by foreign governments.
  • Ensures that U.S. government resources are not used to support films that compromise American values.
  • Promotes accountability for U.S. companies engaging with foreign entities that impose content restrictions.
  • Strengthens national security by limiting the influence of foreign powers on American media.

Potential Disadvantages

  • May limit opportunities for U.S. film companies to collaborate with Chinese entities, potentially impacting revenue.
  • Could strain diplomatic relations with China due to perceived restrictions on cultural exchange.
  • May increase administrative burden for U.S. companies complying with disclosure requirements.
  • Could lead to retaliatory measures from China, further restricting access to their market.
  • May be viewed as a form of censorship or government interference in the film industry.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is complex. While it doesn't directly infringe on freedom of speech, as it regulates funding rather than outright banning content, some may argue it indirectly affects artistic expression. Amendment I protects freedom of speech, but this bill could be seen as an attempt to prevent foreign influence on that speech.

However, the government has the power to set conditions on how federal funds are used. The bill could be justified as an effort to protect national interests and prevent foreign powers from influencing American media, aligning with the government's responsibility for national security.

Ultimately, the constitutionality of the SCREEN Act would likely depend on whether the courts view it as a reasonable restriction on government funding to protect against foreign influence, or an unconstitutional infringement on freedom of expression.

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).