Opposing Conservative Censorship

Floor Speech

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Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise with deep concerns regarding big technology companies' ongoing efforts to silence conservatives on media platforms. In the wake of the 2020 New York Post's Hunter Biden Laptop story censored by social media platforms and news stations, Americans saw firsthand the government and media collaborating to silence the truth to influence a presidential election. As a pillar of the U.S. Constitution, free speech is critical to our civil discourse, and denying viewers access to a wide array of news opinions and stories is a dangerous precedent.

Further, I am deeply troubled on February 22, 2021, some Democrat members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee used their power to push for censorship of television networks like Newsmax, Fox News, and One America News Network. This was a blatant attempt by Democrats to silence conservatives and push their thumb to influence free speech and the upcoming midterm election.

I believe all voices and political views should be fairly represented and accessible so my constituents can access a wide variety of content. That is why, on January 20, 2023, I wrote to DirecTV's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. William Morrow, regarding their contract negotiations with Newsmax to ensure both parties come to a solution. Sadly, last week, the contract between Newsmax and DirecTV expired. I urge both parties to return to the negotiating table, so Pennsylvanians do not lose access to this vital cable news channel.

Mr. Speaker, this dangerous trend and bias towards conservatives can no longer last in the public sphere. Television providers like DirecTV are uniquely positioned to ensure fair consideration in programming distributions regardless of political affiliations.

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