Murphy, Bicameral Group of Democrats Announce Plans to Introduce Legislation to Protect Free Speech, Safeguard Against Politically Motivated Harassment and Prosecutions

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Jason Crow (D-Colo.-6) on Thursday joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Representatives Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.-06), and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.-10) at a press conference to announce their intent to introduce the No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act, legislation to protect individuals and organizations, including non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, and educational institutions, from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. This bill would reaffirm the constitutionally protected right to free speech and establish clear and enforceable protections to deter abuse, empower individuals and organizations to defend themselves, and create meaningful accountability. The legislation would also prohibit the use of federal funds for any investigations or regulatory action that would suppress protected speech. The announcement follows threats from President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House Senior Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller to use the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk as justification to weaponize the federal government to go after left-leaning individuals and organizations that don't align with Trump's political agenda.

"Since taking office, President Trump has engaged in a relentless campaign to silence dissent in this country. Targeting Democratic elected officials for prosecution, violating appropriations law to browbeat colleges and universities, and restricting access for journalists was just the start of this broad effort to weaponize the federal government to consolidate power and go after his perceived political enemies. Now, the president and the loyalists he's installed at DOJ and the FBI have announced plans to exploit the horrific death of Charlie Kirk and use it as a pretext to intimidate and destroy any political opposition to Trump - it's a page taken right out of the totalitarian playbook. This White House has proven time and time again that it's willing to trample on the rights of Americans in service of Donald Trump's agenda and Congress has an obligation to protect the American people and our democracy," said Murphy.

"Charlie Kirk's murder was horrific. Everyone, regardless of party, must unequivocally condemn political violence," said Crow. "Past presidents have used these tragic moments to unite the nation. President Trump has instead used this moment to squash political dissent, attack basic rights, and seize power. We must speak out and fight back to protect our democracy."

"The United States of America was built on the right to free speech - the right to organize and advocate, to petition your government, no matter your views. But it is simply abhorrent that this administration plans to use the death of Charlie Kirk as a predicate to supercharge their long-standing campaign against their perceived political opponents," said Leader Schumer. "This isn't a new campaign - they have long been engaged in an ever-escalating campaign to use the mighty power of the federal government to attack civil society. We Democrats won't stand for it - we are going to fight it in the courts, we are going to fight it in the court of public opinion, and we are going to fight these attacks in Congress."

"The Trump administration's blatant disregard for our Constitution is eroding the bedrock values upon which our country is built. Congress must act to stop this Administration's assault on people and organizations simply because they don't agree with their point of view," said Booker. "This legislation offers a clear roadmap to protect non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, educational institutions, and others from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. This isn't about whether you are on the Right or the Left-every person and every organization has a right to free speech and to express their views without harassment or persecution. We cannot sit by and watch Trump desecrate the Constitution and undermine our fundamental right to free speech, even if the views expressed are unpopular, controversial, or simply disliked by him."

"The Trump Administration is attacking free speech - threatening anyone who dares to speak out against them. This politically motivated weaponization of government clearly defies the First Amendment and demands action from the Congress. This legislation will help provide additional safeguards to protect Americans' free speech rights from a lawless administration," said Van Hollen.

"The President and his Administration have shredded the fundamental principle that in America, we don't punish our political opponents - we protect free speech," said Padilla. "History teaches us that when leaders try to silence entertainers or journalists like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert simply for questioning their authority or disagreeing with them, it's not a show of strength, it's a sign of weakness. No matter how much this Administration tries to silence me or countless others for speaking our minds, we will not stay quiet. The NOPE Act will make critical reforms to help protect the right to free speech for all Americans."

"We are at a moment where we must spell out clearly that there will be costs when the people and organizations of our civil society are denied their right to do what they want, and say what they think within the bound of our laws and due process," said Smith. This legislation is about upholding the most American of values: that in this country our speech, our words, our principles are protected."

"President Trump is abusing the vast powers of the federal government to shut down people who dare disagree with him," said Casar. What's at stake in this moment is the ability of the American people to speak out against the billionaire takeover of our government and be heard."

"The Constitution is not a buffet line where you take what you like and ignore the rest. The Constitution is absolute, and it is binding," said Houlahan. "We did not use the tragic murders of Melissa and Mark Hoffman to rip apart the Second Amendment in June, and we cannot use the murder of Charlie Kirk to rip apart the First Amendment in September. If we continue to smash the foundation of our democracy for short-term political gain, there will be nothing left for us to stand upon."

"The Trump Administration is trying to scare those that disagree with him into silence and attacking the most fundamental freedoms that we have as Americans: the freedom to speak out, to dissent, and to criticize our government without fear," said Frost. "The NOPE Act is about strengthening the laws that protect the people from any and all administrations that fear the truth and fear democracy."

Watch a recording of the press conference HERE. Read a one-pager for the bill HERE.

The NOPE Act would prevent the targeting of individuals or organizations on the basis of their constitutionally protected speech, beliefs, and political participation by:

• Reaffirming our Constitution and laws prohibit the president from weaponizing government against people who disagree with the administration. Uphold foundational constitutional principles that protect free speech and political participation. The DOJ, FBI, IRS, and other government agencies cannot be used to silence or target people for criticizing the government with constitutionally protected speech.
• Deterring government officials from abusing their power to silence or retaliate against critics. Deter misconduct by making clear there are consequences for violating federal civil rights laws and that federal officials can be held accountable for abuses.
• Providing tools for those wrongly targeted to defend themselves in court, including meaningful access to evidence, correcting the imbalance of proof, having the legal costs to defend themselves covered, and allowing courts to quickly dismiss abusive actions.
• Providing due process for any U.S. nonprofits the government attempts to label as criminal or terrorist organizations.
• Improving transparency and accountability for federal agencies that seek to silence critics. Create mechanisms for improved reporting and accountability for government agencies so that officials who commit misconduct by abusing their power to censor or retaliate against critics can be held accountable.