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119-hr-1880119th Congress

Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a new _viewpoint protection_ that bars the FCC from revoking licenses or imposing conditions based on the viewpoints a broadcaster or its affiliates express. It would add Section 14 to Title I of the Communications Act to limit FCC actions tied to broadcast viewpoints while keeping some enforcement powers intact.

Show full summary
  • Broadcasters and licensees would gain a legal shield against FCC actions taken because of the viewpoints they or affiliated parties broadcast. This protection is spelled out as a new Section 14.
  • The FCC would be restricted from placing viewpoint-based conditions on approvals under section 214 and section 310(d), affecting transfer and authorization reviews.
  • The bill preserves FCC authority to act for violations of specific criminal statutes (for example, 18 U.S.C. 1304, 1343, 1464) and to address content that meets First Amendment incitement standards.
  • The Findings emphasize protecting FCC independence and say investigations or threats must not be used to pressure licensees or suppress viewpoints.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Broadcast and telecom owners shielded from viewpoint-based FCC actions

If enacted, the FCC would be barred from revoking licenses, denying approvals, or taking action because of the viewpoints someone airs or shares. The FCC also could not put viewpoint-based conditions on approvals under sections 214(a)-(c) or 310(d) for applicants, transferees, successors, or affiliates. The FCC could still act for crimes or incitement, including violations of 18 U.S.C. 1304, 1343, or 1464, and content that is incitement under the First Amendment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 3/21/2025

  • Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]

    FL • D

    Sponsored 3/21/2025

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 3/24/2025

  • Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 4/28/2025

  • Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

  • Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 9/26/2025

  • Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 10/21/2025

  • Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 12/9/2025

  • Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 12/9/2025

  • Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 12/23/2025

  • Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 1/27/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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