US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB145

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  

Caption

Reassuring that the United States Has Wide And Scrupulous Rhetorical Insight to Garnish Honest Thought Act of 2023 or the RUSH WAS RIGHT Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating in any manner the requirement that broadcasters present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance (commonly known as the Fairness Doctrine).

Impact

By prohibiting the reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine, HB145 impacts state and federal regulations surrounding media operations and speech. It effectively allows broadcasters greater latitude in their programming decisions without the obligation to present opposing viewpoints. Proponents of the bill argue that this freedom is crucial for fostering diverse content and perspectives in the media landscape, asserting that market forces and viewer choice should dictate programming rather than regulatory mandates.

Summary

House Bill 145, titled the 'RUSH WAS RIGHT Act of 2023', seeks to prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine. Originally instituted to ensure broadcasters presented opposing viewpoints on controversial public issues, the Fairness Doctrine was abolished in 1985. This bill aims to permanently prohibit any rules or regulations by the FCC that would require broadcasters to feature dissenting opinions, thereby foreclosing the possibility of its reimplementation in the future. The bill reflects a significant pivot in communication policy regarding how media outlets handle public discourse and controversial topics.

Contention

However, the bill has drawn contention from critics who argue that its passage could lead to a decline in balanced reporting and an increase in bias within broadcast media. Opponents are concerned that without the Fairness Doctrine's requirements, broadcasters may prioritize sensationalist or partisan viewpoints over impartial coverage. Supporters of the bill counter that it is a necessary step toward protecting free speech and allowing broadcasters to operate without government interference, highlighting the ongoing debate over regulation versus deregulation in media.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB160

SALT Fairness Act of 2023 This bill repeals the temporary restrictions in taxable years 2018 through 2025 on the deductibility of state and local taxes.

US HB89

Injunctive Authority Clarification Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal courts from issuing injunctive orders that bar enforcement of a federal law or policy against a nonparty, unless the nonparty is represented by a party in a class action lawsuit.

US HB64

David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2022 or David’s Law This bill adds hate crime offenses and penalties to the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits interference with federally protected activities. Current law already prohibits and penalizes similar offenses under the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits hate crime offenses. Additionally, the bill authorizes state and local grants to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. It also authorizes the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Justice to hire additional personnel to prevent and respond to alleged criminal civil rights offenses involving interference with federally protected activities. Finally, the bill directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to study whether it is appropriate to provide a sentencing enhancement for adult defendants who recruit minors to commit hate crime offenses.

US HB154

Securing our Elections Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification. Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed. An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters. The bill also requires an election official to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.

US HB51

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the admission of the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the United States. The commonwealth consists of all the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding certain federal property. The excluded property shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of federal government; it includes the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, and the federal office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and Capitol Building. In addition, the bill maintains the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property and prohibits the commonwealth from taxing federal property except as permitted by Congress. Within 30 days of this bill's enactment, the DC mayor must call for the election of two Senators and one Representative for the commonwealth. The commonwealth shall be admitted into the United States upon a presidential proclamation announcing the results of that election. The bill applies current DC laws to the commonwealth and continues pending judicial proceedings. It also continues certain federal authorities and responsibilities, including regarding employee benefits, agencies, and courts, until the commonwealth certifies that it is prepared to take over those authorities and responsibilities. Further, the bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution to repeal the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (which allows DC citizens to vote in presidential elections). The bill also establishes a commission to advise the President, Congress, and DC and commonwealth leaders on the transition.

US HB125

Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal agencies from mandating the use of masks or face coverings on planes, trains, buses, and other public conveyances and at transportation hubs to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies (1) the rule issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 29, 2021, that mandates such use of masks or face coverings; and (2) orders and directives of the Transportation Security Administration that relate to the CDC rule.

US HB263

Stop Trying to Obsessively Vilify Energy Act or the STOVE Act This bill prohibits federal agencies from promulgating rules or guidances that restrict or ban the use and purchase of gas-powered stoves, cooktops, ranges, or ovens in the United States.

US HB192

This bill prohibits an individual who is not a U.S. citizen from voting in any elections in the District of Columbia (DC). Federal law bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections; however, the DC Council passed a bill on October 18, 2022, that allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections.

US HB252

Inflation Prevention Act of 2023 This bill establishes a point of order that, when the annualized rate of inflation exceeds 4.5%, prohibits the House and Senate from considering legislation that provides new budget authority and is estimated to increase the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The prohibition may be waived in the Senate by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Senate.

US S08116

Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.