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SRES 407

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the comments made by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, threatening to penalize ABC and Disney for the political commentary of ABC late night host Jimmy Kimmel were dangerous and unconstitutional.

119th Congress Introduced by Ed Markey and 1 co-sponsor

SRES 407 condemns FCC Chairman Carr's threats against ABC and Disney, affirming First Amendment rights and calling for respect for independent media from government interference.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SRES 407

Summary of SRES 407

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: SRES 407
  • Title: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the comments made by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, threatening to penalize ABC and Disney for the political commentary of ABC late night host Jimmy Kimmel were dangerous and unconstitutional.
  • Status: Introduced in Senate
  • Introduced Date: September 18, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SRES 407 is to formally condemn the actions of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr regarding his comments that threatened penalties against ABC and Disney due to the political commentary made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The resolution asserts that such threats are an infringement on constitutionally protected speech and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding First Amendment rights.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes the following key provisions:

  1. Condemnation of Chairman Carr:

    • The Senate condemns Chairman Brendan Carr for allegedly abusing his regulatory authority to intimidate Disney and ABC regarding their content.

  2. Affirmation of First Amendment Rights:

    • The resolution reaffirms the significance of the First Amendment, highlighting the necessity for broadcasters and journalists to operate independently from government interference.

  3. Call for Retraction:

    • The Senate calls on Chairman Carr to retract his threats and to recommit to respecting the constitutional boundaries of his role as a federal regulator.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Specifically, Chairman Brendan Carr, who is being called out for his comments.
- ABC and Disney: These companies are directly referenced in the resolution due to the threats made against them.
- Broadcasters and Journalists: The resolution aims to protect the broader community of media professionals from government coercion.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced and Referred: The resolution was introduced in the Senate on September 18, 2025, and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on the same day.
  • Legislative Context: As a resolution, SRES 407 does not have the force of law but serves as an official statement of the Senate's position on the matter.

Sponsors

  • Primary Sponsor: Edward J. Markey
  • Cosponsor: Ron Wyden

This resolution reflects the Senate's stance on the importance of free speech and the independence of media entities from government threats, reinforcing the constitutional protections afforded to expression and commentary in the United States.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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