Stop state approved speech

The Pentagon’s new rule requiring journalists to pledge not to report any information without prior approval is an outrageous but predictable authoritarian move. It is about controlling the narrative, not protecting national security. This comes on the heels of comedians being fired for criticizing those in power, lawsuits aimed at newspapers, threats to silence liberal organizations, and threats to revoke broadcast licenses. Each step is part of a broader effort to silence critics and intimidate the free press. Congress must not allow the government to dictate what may be reported before it is published. The First Amendment guarantees that journalists hold government accountable—not that government decides what may be reported. These escalating threats to free speech must be stopped before they become permanent. I urge you to demand immediate reversal of this policy and defend the constitutional freedoms that are the foundation of our democracy.