Bill > HR7060

This bill, titled the "No Political Enemies Act," aims to prevent the U.S. government from targeting individuals and organizations based on their political speech or participation. It clarifies that the President does not have the authority to designate entities as domestic terrorist organizations and reaffirms that federal employees, including the President and Vice President, cannot violate constitutional rights like freedom of speech. The bill defines key terms such as "covered Federal official" (any executive branch employee, including the President), "covered person" (individuals or domestic entities), and "protected speech or participation" (all constitutionally protected expression, including criticism and dissent). It prohibits "covered Federal officials" from initiating investigations or enforcement actions ("covered Government action" or "covered enforcement claim") against "covered persons" if these actions are "substantially motivated" by the person's protected speech or participation, meaning their speech or participation was a motivating factor, even if not the sole reason. The bill establishes an "affirmative defense" for individuals facing government action, allowing them to argue that the action was substantially motivated by their protected speech, and if they present evidence, the government must prove otherwise with clear and convincing evidence. It also allows individuals to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctions to stop such actions and to sue for damages if a federal official knowingly took action substantially motivated by protected speech and violated constitutional rights, with limited immunity for officials. Furthermore, the bill permits the recovery of attorneys' fees and costs for parties who substantially prevail in cases where government actions were substantially motivated by protected speech, and it prohibits the use of federal funds for such politically motivated actions, allowing individuals to sue to stop violations. Finally, it mandates quarterly reporting from the Department of Justice to Congress on specific criminal investigations and prosecutions to increase transparency.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7060/all-info