1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I am urging you to take action in regards to the recent instance of federal government overreach that directly threatens the First Amendment. I am referring to the actions of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, who used his office to pressure a private media company, ABC, to cancel a television show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. This is not a matter of a host's political views or the content of his jokes; it is an issue of the federal government attempting to use its regulatory power to censor protected speech. The FCC is expressly prohibited from censorship. Chairman Carr's public threats of regulatory consequences for a network that airs content he dislikes sets the precedent to silence any voice that offends those in power. I urge you to use your position as an elected official to protect and uphold the rights protected in our Constitution. I ask that you: * Condemn Chairman Carr's actions publicly and articulate our commitment to the First Amendment. * Explore joining with other states to challenge this federal executive branch overreach. A coordinated, multi-state effort would send a powerful message that the states will not tolerate the federal government using its power to police speech. * Sponsor or support legislation that reinforces a position on protected speech and clarifies that states will not enforce any federal regulations that are used to infringe upon free expression. * Urge the Senate Oversight Committee on Telecommunications and Media to investigate Chairman Carr and Brian Kilmeade. Thank you for your service and for your attention to this critical matter.