No Funds for Fascists Act
No Funds for Fascists Act would restrict U.S. foreign aid by prohibiting assistance to foreign governments that abridge or censor speech protected by the U.S. Constitution. Under the bill, the Secretary of State must determine whether a government (or its officials or contractors) engages in actions that limit free speech or pressures platform providers to censor content protected by the Constitution. If such determinations exist, the government may not obligate or expend funds for that country for any fiscal year beginning after enactment, subject to a Walsh-like waiver process for national security reasons. The bill also requires public notification of determinations and sets forth how waivers can be granted and reported to Congress. The term “covered platform” is defined broadly to include interactive computer services and any platform through which a media organization disseminates information, including various channels (online, broadcast, print, etc.).
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on assistance to governments that abridge or censor free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution.
- 2Condition tied to “covered platform” activity: governments (or their officials/contractors) directing or pressuring platform providers to censor speech would trigger the restriction.
- 3Mandatory publication of determinations in the Federal Register.
- 4Waiver mechanism: national security justifications can allow a waiver, but require 15 days of notice, congressional consultation, and a detailed waiver report specifying country, interests, aid, and duration.
- 5Definitions: “covered platform” includes interactive computer services and any platform used by media organizations to disseminate information, across broadcast, print, online, or other channels; “employee acting under official authority or influence” includes government employees, heads of state, and contractors.