Protecting the Right to Anonymous Speech

Floor Speech

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Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, in the last few days, a new threat to American freedom has arisen.

We all know today that most people, or many people, get out their views on social media. There are positives and negatives to that, but there is no question it is true.

Particularly with today's intolerance, in which people can be fired for their views, I think it is very important that people be able to voice their views anonymously.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it has become apparent that some people want to bar you from expressing your views anonymously, which I think in many jobs and many occupations today could mean you are going to get fired. There is no other way to express your views other than anonymously.

As I understand it, our forefathers sometimes had to put out their words or their ideas of a future government anonymously to escape detection from the British. Voicing things anonymously is a long-held American tradition.

Mr. Speaker, I hope the American people are aware that, like so many other of our liberties, it is an attack by some politicians who want to make sure that your employers and your college professors have the ability to know the way you think so they can take revenge on you.

The American people must keep the right to post their views anonymously.

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