1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action against the Federal Communications Commission's unlawful attempts to pressure broadcasters for political purposes and chill free expression. The recent cancellation of a planned interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico on CBS represents a dangerous escalation in government overreach that threatens the constitutional rights of both media outlets and voters. FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued guidance in January 2025 suggesting the agency might target late-night talk shows using the equal time provision, despite news programs and talk shows having traditionally been exempt from this rule. This guidance has already produced its intended effect. CBS cancelled the Talarico interview citing concerns about potential retaliation from the Trump administration, and Paramount Global cancelled "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" last summer amid presidential criticism, though the company cited financial reasons. As FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated, this represents "yet another troubling example of corporate capitulation in the face of this Administration's broader campaign to censor and control speech." The FCC has no lawful authority to pressure broadcasters for political purposes or to create a climate that chills free expression. This pattern extends beyond Colbert. In September, Carr pressured ABC and television station operators to temporarily remove Jimmy Kimmel's show following conservative backlash, with Trump publicly supporting this action and calling for similar measures against Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon. These actions directly interfere with voters' ability to hear from candidates during the 2026 election cycle and represent government censorship of political speech. I urge you to publicly condemn the FCC's actions, support legislation to clarify that talk shows remain exempt from equal time provisions, and use your oversight authority to investigate this abuse of regulatory power. Press freedom and fair elections depend on your willingness to stand against this overreach.