Does the House Need to Condemn Fake News and Alternative Facts? (H. Res. 191)

What is H. Res. 191?

(Updated July 9, 2020)

This resolution would express the House of Representatives’ opposition to fake news and alternative facts, and reiterate Congress’s obligation to uphold the freedom of the press under the Constitution’s First Amendment. It also would call on the president to acknowledge his support for the First Amendment and U.S. democracy, and state that the U.S. should continue being a democracy rather than autocracy. Finally, the resolution would call on White House spokespersons to not issue fake news, and request that those who offer alternative or inaccurate facts should immediately retract their statements.

As a simple resolution, this legislation wouldn’t advance beyond the House if passed and wouldn’t have the force of law.Impact:

Argument in favor

America should continue to have a free press, and real news shouldn’t be dismissed as facts simply because the White House disagrees with it.

Argument opposed

This is resolution is a petty, political gesture that carries no legal significance and accomplishes nothing.

Impact

The House of Representatives; the White House; and the president.

Cost of H. Res. 191

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) introduced this bill to “stand in support of the First Amendment of the Constitution to uphold the freedom of the press, and oppose fake news and alternative facts,” adding:

“This is America where we enjoy freedom of the press.  Real news should not be dismissed as fake simply because the White House disagrees, and I call on Congress to oppose the ‘fake news and alternative facts’ issued by the President and White House spokespersons in support of the First Amendment, freedom of speech and of the press.”

This legislation has the support of three cosponsors, all of whom are Democrats.

Of Note: President Donald Trump has accused media organizations of perpetuating “fake news” about him and his administration. Kellyanne Conway, a senior Trump adviser, used the phrase “alternative facts” when defending the White House’s erroneous claims about inauguration crowd size.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) Press Release
  
• Breitbart
  
• The Hill
  
• Mediaite
  
• Washington Examiner
  
• Washington Times