Cruz Proposes Bill to Curb Government Censorship

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 3:18pm CT

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) used a Wednesday hearing titled "Shut Your App: How Uncle Sam Jawboned Big Tech Into Silencing Americans" to unveil plans for legislation aimed at limiting government pressure on private companies to restrict speech - a practice known as "jawboning."

In his opening remarks, Cruz argued that federal officials have crossed constitutional lines by encouraging social-media platforms and technology companies to suppress user content under the guise of combating misinformation. He cited past incidents involving journalist Alex Berenson and The Federalist's Sean Davis, who have said their posts were limited or removed after government agencies raised concerns.

The senator said his forthcoming bill would "prohibit government jawboning and empower Americans to hold government officials accountable." According to Cruz, the legislation would make it easier for individuals to seek monetary damages and establish clearer legal definitions for courts and regulators to address censorship claims.

The move follows a recent controversy involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who was briefly suspended by ABC after remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Cruz - who criticized Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr for threatening action against Kimmel - said the episode underscored the need for bipartisan agreement on protecting free expression.

"Censorship is wrong, regardless of who's doing it," Cruz told The Wall Street Journal, adding that he hopes Democrats will join him in advancing the proposal.

Cruz also connected his initiative to artificial-intelligence regulation, warning that government influence over AI systems could shape what information Americans see and share. His comments followed a report from his office alleging that the Biden administration pressured social-media companies through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to limit speech on issues such as pandemic policies and election integrity.

The senator said his bill will be introduced in the coming weeks as part of his broader Legislative Framework for American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence. Hearings on the issue are expected to continue through the fall.