S. 131493rd CongressSenate Bill

Congressional Free Speech Act

Introduced in the SenateDead

This bill died when its Congress ended.

Bills don't carry over between Congresses. Without re-introduction in a new session, it cannot advance.

Congressional Free Speech Act - Provides that no court or grand jury shall inquire of a Member or an aide either directly or indirectly into the protected legislative activities of a Member in a criminal proceeding without the Member's consent. Requires the Attorney General of the United States to personally approve the issuance of any subpena to a Member who is at that time serving in Congress, and to notify in writing that Member, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in the case of a Representative, and the President pro tempore of the Senate, in the case of a Senator, not less than forty-eight hours in advance of the issuance of the subpena. Provides that when an aide is served with a subpena which he has reason to believe may require his testimony on the protected legislative activity of a Member, the aide shall immediately inform that Member. Permits any Member to move in United States district court to quash any subpena issued by a court or grand jury in a criminal proceeding requiring him or an aide to appear to give testimony where the Member believes that the subpena seeks testimony about protected legislative activity. Sets forth the procedure for such a motion.

Introduced Mar 22, 1973
1
Introduced

Filed in the Senate

2
Passed Senate
3
Passed House
4
Became Law

This senate bill has been filed and is working its way through Congress. It will need to pass both the Senate and the House, then be signed by the President to become law.

Who introduced this

SE

Sam Ervin

Democrat

U.S. Senator · NC

Bipartisan — 28 cosponsors (24 D, 4 R)

Ask AI About This Bill

Get plain-language answers with direct quotes from the bill text.

to ask questions about this bill.

Your Representatives

Enter your address to see how your representatives voted on this bill.

Your address is only used to find your district and is never saved. See how it works

Votes

Public Opinion

No votes yet — be the first to weigh in.

to cast your vote

Your voice matters — let representatives know where you stand.

Comments

No comments yet. to be the first to weigh in.