With Free Speech Under Attack, Congress Must Act to Protect Every American’s Basic Rights

New bill would seek to protect free speech after White House vowed, unconstitutionally, to attack and undermine liberal opposition

LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, members of Congress from both the House and Senate introduced the No Political Enemies Act (NOPE Act), aimed at protecting individuals and organizations from the unprecedented level of political prosecutions and reprisals being conducted by the Trump White House.

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“Freedom of speech, including speech we disagree with or find offensive, is the foundation of our democracy. The assault on basic freedom we have witnessed in just the last two weeks is modern-day McCarthyism, and  we no longer have the luxury of acting like ‘things are normal.’ Using the power of the FCC to quash a comedian is not normal. Labeling the entire opposition as ‘domestic terrorism’ without a shred of evidence is not normal. That a deeply unpopular Trump White House feels bold enough to trample the most basic and foundational American freedoms like free speech should chill each and every one of us to our core. Introducing this bill is a step in the right direction, and we applaud the members of Congress who support it. But without the votes to back it up, this will all stop at being symbolic opposition. For the future of this country, we must not and can not let this effort end here, and we must continue to defend free speech.”

Barbara Hartzell, Executive Director of Native Voters Alliance Nevada, issued the following statement:

“This is not politics as usual. This is the use of government power to silence dissent, and it should shake every Nevadan who believes in freedom and liberty for all. When critics are branded as ‘domestic terrorists’ and comedians are censored, we have crossed a line from public safety into political retaliation. This is not leadership, it is authoritarianism.

“This is Governor Lombardo’s chance to prove that he stands with Nevadans, not with bullies who weaponize power to crush their opponents. Free speech is not a partisan issue. It is the bedrock of democracy, and when it is under attack, every elected official has a duty to defend it. If the Governor refuses to speak up now, Nevadans will know exactly where he stands, and it will not be with the people.”

Dawn Etcheverry, President, Nevada State Education Association, issued the following statement:

“The First Amendment is the cornerstone of our democracy, protecting the right to speak, write, protest, and express ourselves freely. For educators and public employees, this right is essential, especially when speaking on issues of public concern. The newly introduced No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act is an essential response as it seeks to shield critics such as journalists, media personalities, educators, and nonprofits from being targeted by the government simply because their views don’t align with those in power. Schools and may set rules to keep classrooms neutral and orderly, but those limits must be fair and cannot silence disfavored viewpoints. Protecting free speech means ensuring that educators, like all citizens, can engage in open debate on matters that shape our communities and our democracy.”

Kaylyn Kardavani, Executive Director of New Day Nevada, issued the following statement:

“As we see attacks against First Amendment rights, it is a chilling reminder of how fragile our democracy is. From silencing comedians to going after manufactured ‘terror networks’, we have seen a staunch ramp-up of persecution in the last couple of weeks by the current Trump Administration and its allies. The No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act is a good first step toward protecting against the chilling threats we’ve seen. However, without support, it will go nowhere, leaving us in a McCarthy-era of persecution and repression. We urge members of Congress to support this legislation. Freedom of speech is not partisan. It is the foundation of our civil liberties, and it should be protected.”

Leo Murrieta, Executive Director with Make the Road Action Nevada, issued the following statement:

“This year, we have seen how political retaliation and abuse of power threaten the fundamental rights of marginalized communities and institutions. The misuse of government power to target, intimidate, and silence political opponents and marginalized communities is a blatant assault on our democracy and fundamental rights. This abuse of authority cannot be tolerated. The No Political Enemies (Nope) Act is a critical response to these dangerous tactics, essential to protecting free speech, securing due process, and holding corrupt officials accountable. We will not stand by as our rights are weaponized for political gain—it's time to fight back and defend our democracy. This is the moment representatives have to show up for the constituents and stand for what is right and defend the rights of working-class families across the nation.”

Laura Martin, Executive Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Action Fund, issued the following statement:

“The Trump Administration has enacted a full assault on the people and their constitutional rights. From eroding due process to deploying the US military against their own communities for exercising their right to protest. Freedom of speech is an integral part of a functioning democracy. Trump’s most recent rhetoric and attacks on dissenting groups is an invitation for yet another crowdsourced witch hunt and another tactic employed by this Administration to instill fear and silence working people. The NOPE Act is a crucial measure in protecting Nevadans, free speech, and our democracy.”

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About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.