empty speech podium with american flag and empty chairs

H.R. 1 Would Keep All Voices From Being Heard

Mar 6, 2019 by AFP

Arlington, VA – Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips issued the following statement urging lawmakers in the House of Representatives to vote against H.R. 1 and continue to find better ways to strengthen our democracy by protecting free expression and the diversity of voices in civic life.

“Democracy thrives when it’s easier for all voices to be heard. But H.R. 1 does the opposite—making it harder for everyday Americans to engage on the issues they’re passionate about, and easier for Washington to insulate itself from critique. We stand firmly in support of the right of all Americans to participate in civic life without having to fear reprisal from those in power.”

Earlier this week, both the ACLU and the White House expressed similar concerns about the bill’s potential to stifle free speech. In a letter to the House Rules Committee, the ACLU argued that there are provisions of H.R. 1 that would “unconstitutionally impinge” free speech and “[harm] our public discourse by silencing necessary voices that would otherwise speak out about the public issues of the day.”

Americans for Prosperity elevates the voices of millions of Americans every day across the country so that Washington can hear them and take action. Our 3.2 million activists are engaged, educated, and empowered to play an active role in the public dialogue and right the injustices they see in their communities.

For further information or to set up an interview, please send an email to GBraud@afphq.org.

Through broad-based grassroots outreach, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is driving long-term solutions to the country’s biggest problems. AFP activists engage friends and neighbors on key issues and encourage them to take an active role in building a culture of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping one another. AFP recruits and unites activists in 35 states behind a common goal of advancing policies that will help people improve their lives. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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