Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act
HR 140, the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act, prohibits federal employees from using their authority to censor speech, particularly affecting individuals with pending applications (like grants or permits) or under investigation by the agency. It bans employees from advocating censorship of speech, suppressing speech of people involved in agency matters, or engaging in censorship while on duty in government spaces, wearing uniforms, or using government vehicles. Exceptions cover law enforcement actions against child pornography, human trafficking, or national security threats. Violations can result in penalties including removal, fines up to $10,000, or reprimands. The bill defines "censorship" broadly to include removing speech from platforms or adding disclaimers.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2023
Committee Review
Mar 2023
House Passage
Mar 2023
Senate Passage
President
Introduced Jan 9, 2023
Last action Mar 14, 2023
Floor votes · House Mar 9, 2023
How they voted
219–206
Passed · 9 other
Total votes 434
Mar 9, 2023
D
Democratic213
96% Nay
I
Independent1
100% Yea
R
Republican220
99% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
45
Key actions
28
Committee
28
Amendments
3
Mar 14, 2023
Committee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
upper
Mar 9, 2023
Lower · Passed
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 206 (Roll no. 141).
lower
Mar 9, 2023
Lower · Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 206 (Roll no. 141).
lower
Mar 9, 2023
Lower · Passed
Mr. Landsman moved to recommit to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. (text: CR H1221)
lower
Mar 9, 2023
Lower · Passed
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
lower
Mar 9, 2023
Lower · Passed
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 140.
lower
Mar 9, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rose amendment No. 10.
lower
Mar 9, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rose amendment No. 9.
lower
Mar 9, 2023
Lower · Passed
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 140 as unfinished business.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
Mr. Comer moved that the committee rise.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
Mr. Comer moved that the Committee rise.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ogles amendment No. 8.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ogles amendment No. 7.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Introduced
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 6.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Good (VA) amendment No. 5.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Introduced
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Perry amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fitzpatrick demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perry amendment No.4.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (NC) amendment No. 3.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Comer amendment No. 2.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 199, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Clyde amendment No. 1.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 140.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
The Speaker designated the Honorable Mike Flood to act as Chairman of the Committee.
lower
Mar 8, 2023
Lower · Passed
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 199 and Rule XVIII.
lower
Mar 7, 2023
Lower · Passed
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 199 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 140, H.J. Res. 27 and S. 619. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 140, under a structured rule. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J.Res. 27 and S. 619, under closed rules. General debate is limited to one hour of debate on all measures.
lower
Mar 2, 2023
Lower · Passed
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. H. Rept. 118-5.
lower
Feb 28, 2023
Introduced
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 20.
lower
Feb 28, 2023
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
lower
Jan 9, 2023
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
lower
Jan 9, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 16 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
James Comer
RRepublican
Co
Andy Biggs
RRepublican
Co
Anna Paulina Luna
RRepublican
Co
Cathy McMorris Rodgers
RRepublican
Co
Chuck Edwards
RRepublican
Co
Clay Higgins
RRepublican
Co
Glenn Grothman
RRepublican
Co
Jake LaTurner
RRepublican
Co
Jim Jordan
RRepublican
Co
Lisa C. McClain
RRepublican
Co
Marjorie Taylor Greene
RRepublican
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