Rep. Nancy Mace today introduced the "No Funds for Fascists Act,” which her office says will ensure "American taxpayer money does not support governments censoring or abridging free speech and engaging in coercive actions against media platforms to stifle dissent."
The No Funds for Fascists Act aims to stop bilateral economic assistance, including funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to any foreign government found by the Secretary of State to infringe on free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution.
“Free speech is fundamental to our democracy, and the 'No Funds for Fascists Act' is a decisive step to ensure American taxpayer money is not used to support foreign regimes suppressing this right," said Rep. Mace. “History shows us how quickly freedoms erode when speech is stifled by powerful governments. We have a responsibility to stand against this oppression, both at home and abroad.”
Key provisions of the "No Funds for Fascists Act" include:
- Prohibiting bilateral economic assistance to foreign governments abridging free speech protected under the U.S. Constitution
- Barring aid to governments pressuring or coercing social media platforms and news outlets to censor protected speech
- Requiring the Secretary of State to determine and publish in the Federal Register findings on countries violating these principles
