1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the bill recently introduced by Rep. Brian Mast that would grant Secretary of State Marco Rubio the power to revoke U.S. passports based on speech and thought. This proposed legislation, which is part of a larger State Department reorganization, is not only unconstitutional but also dangerously vague, potentially allowing for the targeting of American citizens based on their protected First Amendment rights. The bill claims to target "terrorists and traffickers," but its broad language could lead to the denial of Americans' right to travel based solely on their speech. This is a clear violation of our constitutional freedoms and a step towards what can only be described as fascist policies. The power to revoke passports of individuals convicted or charged with material support for terrorism, or those determined to have provided support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, is far too broad and open to abuse. Recent history has shown us the dangers of expanding anti-terror laws, especially in the wake of events like the October 7 Hamas attacks. This bill follows that concerning pattern, potentially impacting journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who may express unpopular opinions. The case of Turkish doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk, whose visa was revoked based on an opinion piece critical of Israel, serves as a stark warning of how such powers can be misused. While the bill includes an appeal process, it lacks clear standards, leaving too much discretionary power in the hands of the Secretary of State. This could lead to arbitrary decisions and "thought policing," punishing speech rather than actual criminal activity. Furthermore, the potential for misuse by future administrations of either party poses a significant threat to our democratic principles. I urge you to stand against this unconstitutional and dangerous legislation. Protect the First Amendment rights of all Americans by opposing Rep. Mast's bill and any similar attempts to curtail our freedoms. Our nation's strength lies in our ability to express diverse opinions without fear of government reprisal. Don't let this bill lock Americans in based on protected speech.