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First Amendment Accountability Act

2/1/2025, 7:53 AM

Summary of Bill HR 162

Bill 119 hr 162, also known as the "Federal Employee Accountability Act," aims to establish a legal recourse for individuals whose First Amendment rights have been violated by federal employees. The bill allows individuals to bring a civil action against federal employees who have infringed upon their freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, or petition.

Under this legislation, individuals can seek damages and injunctive relief against federal employees who have violated their First Amendment rights. The bill also includes provisions for attorney's fees and costs to be awarded to the prevailing party in such cases.

The purpose of this bill is to hold federal employees accountable for any violations of the First Amendment and to ensure that individuals have a means of seeking redress for such violations. The bill does not target any specific group or agency, but rather seeks to protect the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Overall, the Federal Employee Accountability Act aims to uphold the principles of free speech and expression enshrined in the First Amendment, and to provide a mechanism for individuals to seek justice in cases where their rights have been infringed upon by federal employees.

Congressional Summary of HR 162

First Amendment Accountability Act

This bill creates a new federal cause of action for the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the First Amendment by a federal employee acting under color of any statute, ordinance, custom, or usage of the United States.

The term federal employee means an individual, other than the President or Vice President, who occupies a position in the Executive Branch.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 162

Bill HR 162 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 3, 2025. Bill HR 162 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 3, 2025.  Bill HR 162's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 3, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 162

Total Number of Sponsors
8
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
8
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
30
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
30
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 162

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 162

To provide for a right of action against Federal employees for violations of First Amendment rights.
To provide for a right of action against Federal employees for violations of First Amendment rights.

Comments

Forrest Pollard profile image

Forrest Pollard

679

1 year ago

I'm totally on board with this new bill! Finally, someone is holding those Federal employees accountable for violating our First Amendment rights. It's about time they face consequences for their actions. Can't wait to see how this plays out and how it might impact me personally. Let's make sure everyone's rights are protected!

Donovan Eason profile image

Donovan Eason

713

1 year ago

I totally support this bill, it's about time those Federal employees are held accountable for violating our First Amendment rights. It's just not right, you know? But what do you think will happen in the short term because of it?

Kiana Parrott profile image

Kiana Parrott

704

1 year ago

This bill is a joke! It's just another way for the government to control us and take away our rights. I can't believe they're trying to pass this crap. It's ridiculous! #NotMyGovernment #FirstAmendmentRights #NoThanks

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 162

Harriet M. Hageman
Harriet M. Hageman
WyomingRepublican
Barry Moore
Barry Moore
AlabamaRepublican
Thomas Massie
Thomas Massie
KentuckyRepublican
Andrew Ogles
Andrew Ogles
TennesseeRepublican
Troy E. Nehls
Troy E. Nehls
TexasRepublican
Josh Brecheen
Josh Brecheen
OklahomaRepublican

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