“No one should be silenced,” says Rep. Jasmine Crockett as she unveils the “Free Speech Act of 2025” — critics are already sounding the alarm.QT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 18, 2025, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) announced the introduction of the “Freedom from Regulatory Enforcement and Evaluation of Speech Policies to Ensure Editorial Choice Hold Act of 2025” (FREE SPEECH Hold Act), a new bill aimed at protecting First Amendment rights and preventing government overreach in online content moderation.

The legislation seeks to address growing concerns about social media companies’ content policies and the potential for government influence on what is allowed to be said or published on these platforms. Rep. Crockett’s bill would specifically target regulatory actions that could be interpreted as pressuring or coercing platforms to remove or suppress certain types of speech.

“The First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy, and we must ensure it is protected both on the streets and in the digital world,” said Rep. Crockett in a statement. “My bill is designed to create a clear barrier between government agencies and the editorial decisions of private companies. It’s about safeguarding the free exchange of ideas from potential government interference, regardless of whether that interference comes from the right or the left.”

The bill’s introduction comes at a time of heightened political debate over “free speech” and the role of tech companies in public discourse. While some lawmakers have called for stricter regulations on platforms to combat misinformation and hate speech, others, like Rep. Crockett, are focusing on preventing government bodies from exerting undue influence on these companies’ policies.

Rep. Crockett’s proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue the bill is a necessary step to prevent a “censorship-industrial complex” where government agencies collude with tech giants to silence dissenting voices. Conversely, some critics express concern that the bill could hinder efforts to curb harmful content, such as disinformation and incitement to violence, particularly in the run-up to elections.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review. Its future remains uncertain, but its introduction marks a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about the balance between free speech, corporate responsibility, and government regulation in the digital age.