Urgent Action Needed to Combat Disinformation and Protect Democracy

I am writing to urge you to take immediate legislative action to combat the rising threat of disinformation and propaganda, which is fueling political polarization, election denialism, and radicalization in the United States. The unchecked spread of false narratives on social media and partisan media networks has become one of the greatest threats to democracy today. Without meaningful intervention, public trust in elections, institutions, and factual discourse will continue to erode. The Scale of the Disinformation Crisis • Social Media Amplification – False news spreads six times faster than factual news, making it difficult for truth to counteract misinformation (MIT Study). • Foreign Influence – Russian operatives spent millions on coordinated disinformation campaigns in 2016 and 2020, aiming to divide Americans and undermine trust in elections (U.S. Intelligence Reports). • Decline of Local Journalism – Since 2005, more than 2,500 local newspapers have shut down, leaving communities more vulnerable to misinformation and propaganda (Brookings Institution). Policy Actions to Counter Disinformation 1. Social Media Algorithm Transparency – Require tech companies to disclose how content is amplified and regulate algorithms that prioritize engagement over truth, driving extremism. 2. Public Interest Journalism Funding – Expand grants for local, nonpartisan journalism to counteract media consolidation and the decline of trustworthy reporting. 3. National Media Literacy Program – Integrate media literacy education into high school curricula to equip students with critical thinking skills to identify misinformation. 4. Stronger Accountability for Disinformation – Hold media organizations and social media platforms liable for knowingly spreading election-related falsehoods that threaten democracy. Disinformation is not just a media issue—it is a national security threat. If left unchecked, it will continue to sow division, fuel political violence, and erode faith in democratic institutions. I urge you to prioritize legislation that safeguards truth, facts, and the integrity of our public discourse. History will remember whether we acted in defense of democracy or allowed it to be undermined by lies and manipulation. The choice is clear—we must act now.