Behind The Free Speech Front Lines With Sen. Eric Schmitt
Jan 14, 2025
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Republican Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri, known for championing First Amendment rights, delves into the rising threat of censorship by Big Tech and the government. He discusses his new bill aimed at empowering citizens to sue federal employees who violate free speech rights. The conversation highlights alarming declines in free speech on college campuses and critiques the political hypocrisy undermining democracy. Schmitt also addresses the challenges posed by lawfare and the Justice Department's alleged weaponization in political contexts.
Senator Eric Schmitt's proposed Censorship Accountability Act seeks to empower citizens to hold government officials accountable for First Amendment violations.
Schmitt emphasizes the importance of engaging lower propensity voters to translate electoral excitement into effective governance on critical issues.
Deep dives
Commitment to First Amendment Rights
Senator Eric Schmidt emphasizes the significance of protecting First Amendment rights through legislation such as the Censorship Accountability Act. This act aims to empower individuals to hold government officials accountable if their speech rights are violated. The senator reflects on the current political climate, asserting that the Republican Party now represents working Americans, unlike the Democratic Party, which he claims has become elitist. By advocating for robust free speech protections, Schmidt intends to ensure that citizens can freely express their opinions without fear of censorship or government retribution.
Challenges in Republican Governance
Schmidt discusses the challenges faced by the Republican-controlled Congress in delivering on campaign promises while managing a divided Senate. Despite having gained momentum from recent elections and the backing of a successful campaign, the need to mobilize lower propensity voters remains crucial. He notes that the excitement of the election results, characterized by mass rallies and community engagement, must translate into tangible actions and policies in Washington. Addressing substantial issues like energy policy, border security, and economic reform are essential to fulfilling the Republican mandate.
Exposing Government and Big Tech Collusion
The senator recounts his experience as Missouri's attorney general, highlighting a crucial lawsuit he filed against the Biden administration regarding censorship practices and collusion with tech giants. The discovery process revealed extensive coordination between government officials and social media platforms to suppress dissenting voices, particularly during the pandemic and election cycles. This case, Schmidt argues, is pivotal for understanding the extent of censorship in America and the risks it poses to constitutional freedoms. The information gained through this lawsuit has had significant implications for ongoing congressional inquiries into government accountability and media interference.
Legislative Responses to Censorship
Schmidt outlines a series of legislative measures aimed at reforming how both government entities and social media platforms handle free speech and censorship. One key proposal seeks to enable citizens to sue government officials for First Amendment violations, thereby increasing accountability. Additionally, he advocates for a reevaluation of Section 230 protections for social media companies, suggesting they should not receive legal immunity if they engage in censorship activities. This multifaceted approach aims not only to expose wrongful practices but also to initiate systemic change within bureaucracies and tech companies, ensuring better protection for individual rights.
On this episode of "The Federalist Radio Hour," Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri joins The Federalist's Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle to reflect on the federal government's push for Big Tech to censor dissent and outline a new bill that aims to give Americans a right to sue federal employees who infringe on the First Amendment.
You can read more about Schmitt's fight against censorship here.
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