[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 31, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E75]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    OPPOSING CONSERVATIVE CENSORSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2023

  Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise with deep concerns regarding 
big technology companies' ongoing efforts to silence conservatives on 
media platforms. In the wake of the 2020 New York Post's Hunter Biden 
Laptop story censored by social media platforms and news stations, 
Americans saw firsthand the government and media collaborating to 
silence the truth to influence a presidential election. As a pillar of 
the U.S. Constitution, free speech is critical to our civil discourse, 
and denying viewers access to a wide array of news opinions and stories 
is a dangerous precedent.
  Further, I am deeply troubled on February 22, 2021, some Democrat 
members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee used their power to 
push for censorship of television networks like Newsmax, Fox News, and 
One America News Network. This was a blatant attempt by Democrats to 
silence conservatives and push their thumb to influence free speech and 
the upcoming midterm election.
  I believe all voices and political views should be fairly represented 
and accessible so my constituents can access a wide variety of content. 
That is why, on January 20, 2023, I wrote to DirecTV's Chief Executive 
Officer, Mr. William Morrow, regarding their contract negotiations with 
Newsmax to ensure both parties come to a solution. Sadly, last week, 
the contract between Newsmax and DirecTV expired. I urge both parties 
to return to the negotiating table, so Pennsylvanians do not lose 
access to this vital cable news channel.
  Mr. Speaker, this dangerous trend and bias towards conservatives can 
no longer last in the public sphere. Television providers like DirecTV 
are uniquely positioned to ensure fair consideration in programming 
distributions regardless of political affiliations.

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