Ways and Means Committee, Judiciary Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill, titled the "No Political Enemies Act," aims to prevent the Federal Government from targeting individuals and organizations for their political speech or participation. It explicitly prohibits any covered Federal official from initiating or directing a covered Government action or covered enforcement claim against a covered person that is substantially motivated by protected speech or participation . The bill defines "substantially motivated" as a motivating factor, not necessarily the sole or primary reason, for the government's action. The legislation establishes an affirmative defense for any covered enforcement claim if it was substantially motivated by the covered person's protected speech or participation. If substantial evidence of such motivation is presented, the court must order expedited discovery, and the government bears the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that legitimate, non-political grounds justify the claim. Failure to meet this burden results in the dismissal of the enforcement claim or other appropriate relief. Furthermore, the bill allows a covered person to bring a civil action seeking injunctive relief against officials taking politically motivated actions, with a violation of First Amendment rights being sufficient to establish harm. It also permits civil actions for damages against a covered Federal official who knowingly initiated a politically motivated action that violated constitutional rights. This provision abrogates official immunity, except where the official acted in good faith and the speech was clearly not constitutionally protected, and limits federal indemnification for such officials. The bill also enables courts to award attorneys' fees and costs to parties who substantially prevail and demonstrate political targeting in criminal or civil proceedings, removing statutory limits on these awards. It amends federal law to prohibit the obligation or expenditure of federal funds for politically motivated government actions or enforcement claims, allowing civil actions to enjoin such violations. Finally, the Attorney General is required to submit quarterly reports to Congress on significant criminal investigations and prosecutions, and to provide immediate notification of court orders affecting prosecutorial declarations.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
No Political Enemies Act
USA119th CongressHR-7060| House
| Updated: 1/14/2026
This bill, titled the "No Political Enemies Act," aims to prevent the Federal Government from targeting individuals and organizations for their political speech or participation. It explicitly prohibits any covered Federal official from initiating or directing a covered Government action or covered enforcement claim against a covered person that is substantially motivated by protected speech or participation . The bill defines "substantially motivated" as a motivating factor, not necessarily the sole or primary reason, for the government's action. The legislation establishes an affirmative defense for any covered enforcement claim if it was substantially motivated by the covered person's protected speech or participation. If substantial evidence of such motivation is presented, the court must order expedited discovery, and the government bears the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that legitimate, non-political grounds justify the claim. Failure to meet this burden results in the dismissal of the enforcement claim or other appropriate relief. Furthermore, the bill allows a covered person to bring a civil action seeking injunctive relief against officials taking politically motivated actions, with a violation of First Amendment rights being sufficient to establish harm. It also permits civil actions for damages against a covered Federal official who knowingly initiated a politically motivated action that violated constitutional rights. This provision abrogates official immunity, except where the official acted in good faith and the speech was clearly not constitutionally protected, and limits federal indemnification for such officials. The bill also enables courts to award attorneys' fees and costs to parties who substantially prevail and demonstrate political targeting in criminal or civil proceedings, removing statutory limits on these awards. It amends federal law to prohibit the obligation or expenditure of federal funds for politically motivated government actions or enforcement claims, allowing civil actions to enjoin such violations. Finally, the Attorney General is required to submit quarterly reports to Congress on significant criminal investigations and prosecutions, and to provide immediate notification of court orders affecting prosecutorial declarations.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.