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.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 407

119th Congress

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.

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 18, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Edward J. Markey

Senator

Democratic

MA

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

This bill expresses the Senate's view that comments made by the FCC chairman threatening to punish a TV network and host for their political commentary were dangerous and unconstitutional. The resolution supports the idea that the government should not interfere with free speech rights, even for media personalities expressing political views.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S5051-5052)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill expresses the Senate's view that comments made by the FCC chairman threatening to punish a TV network and host for their political commentary were dangerous and unconstitutional. The resolution supports the idea that the government should not interfere with free speech rights, even for media personalities expressing political views.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This resolution expresses support for the designation of October 2023 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

The resolution condemns the FCC chairman's threats to penalize a TV network and host for their political commentary as a violation of free speech rights.
The bill expresses the Senate's view that the government should not interfere with or try to punish media outlets or personalities for their political speech.
The resolution aims to affirm the importance of protecting free and open political discourse, even for media figures, as a core democratic principle.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this resolution is passed, it would send a clear message from the Senate that attempts by government officials to threaten or punish media outlets and personalities for their political views are unacceptable and unconstitutional. This could help discourage future government overreach and interference in free speech rights, benefiting the media, political commentators, and the general public who rely on a free and open press.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Commemorative events and holidays

Genetics

Hereditary and development disorders

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

407, 119th Congress (2025). "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.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sres-407