GOP negotiates with Dems to ban Pentagon-funded ‘censorship
The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act Takes Aim at Censorship
The final draft of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has been released, and it includes a provision that Republicans hope will put a stop to the Pentagon’s contracting with groups that they believe are censoring conservatives. This $886 billion spending bill, which will need to pass both chambers of Congress and receive President Joe Biden’s signature to become law, is the result of intense negotiations between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, among others.
The inclusion of this provision is partly due to an investigation by the Washington Examiner into the State Department’s Global Engagement Center and its funding of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), a British think tank that pressures advertisers to defund conservative news outlets. The NDAA amendment specifically targets GDI and another company called NewsGuard, requiring the Pentagon to certify that entities receiving contracts for military recruitment advertising do not engage in biased censorship or misinformation.
Republicans see this amendment as a significant step in the fight against censorship, ensuring that the Biden administration does not hinder military recruitment efforts. The release of the bill text coincided with a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas and two conservative news outlets, accusing the State Department of censoring the American press. The lawsuit highlighted the grants and contracts awarded to GDI and NewsGuard by the Global Engagement Center and the Pentagon.
Combatting Censorship and Disinformation
GDI, in particular, has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and its undisclosed “dynamic exclusion list,” which it shares with advertisers to guide their defunding decisions. Following the Washington Examiner’s reporting on GDI’s covert blacklist, the State Department-backed National Endowment for Democracy announced it would no longer fund the British group. Microsoft and Oracle have also cut ties with GDI over concerns about free speech.
The NDAA amendment aims to prevent the Pentagon from using advertisers associated with biased censorship entities like NewsGuard and GDI for recruitment purposes. It also requires the Pentagon to notify Congress if it enters into any contracts related to recruitment advertising with these entities or any similar ones that track misinformation.
NewsGuard has denied having any contracts with the Pentagon for recruitment advertising, stating that its work involves identifying and analyzing disinformation operations by hostile state actors. However, many Republicans view the NDAA amendment as a significant victory in the fight against state-sponsored censorship.
Contentious Negotiations and Republican Satisfaction
The negotiations surrounding the NDAA amendment were heated, with Schumer and Durbin expressing anger over attempts to target NewsGuard and GDI. Republicans had to find creative ways to directly name these entities in the bill text to ensure the inclusion of the “misinformation” provision.
While some Republicans are pleased with the amendment’s language, others believe that the NDAA falls short on important issues like border security. Nevertheless, the amendment is seen as a step forward in protecting free speech and combating censorship.
Despite criticism from certain Republicans and conservative advocacy groups, the NDAA, including the NewsGuard and GDI amendment, is seen as a significant victory for free speech. The bill will now proceed through Congress for further consideration.
What criteria does the NDAA use to determine which news outlets should be defunded?
S unclear what criteria they use to determine what news outlets should be defunded. Critics argue that this amounts to a form of censorship and stifles free speech. By including this provision in the NDAA, Republicans hope to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being used to support organizations that engage in biased censoring practices.
In addition to addressing censorship, the NDAA also takes aim at disinformation campaigns. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, the spread of false information has become increasingly problematic. The inclusion of NewsGuard in the amendment is significant, as the company aims to combat disinformation by providing users with ratings and credibility scores for news websites and sources. By certifying that entities receiving contracts do not engage in misinformation, the Pentagon can take a proactive stance in preventing the spread of false information and protecting the integrity of its recruitment efforts.
However, critics of the amendment argue that it may be a slippery slope towards government control of the media. They fear that by requiring certifications and scrutinizing the content of news outlets, the government could potentially infringe upon the First Amendment rights of free speech and freedom of the press. Supporters of the amendment, on the other hand, believe that it is a necessary step in ensuring fair and unbiased reporting and protecting the interests of the military.
The Role of the NDAA in National Defense
The NDAA is a critical piece of legislation that determines the budget and policies of the Department of Defense. It is passed annually and serves as a roadmap for the nation’s defense priorities. In addition to funding military operations and equipment, the NDAA also addresses various issues related to national security.
The inclusion of provisions related to censorship and disinformation in the NDAA highlights the growing recognition of the impact of these issues on national defense. With the reliance on technology and digital platforms for communication and information sharing, the spread of false information and biased censorship can have far-reaching consequences, including compromising the efficiency and effectiveness of military recruitment efforts. By addressing these issues within the framework of the NDAA, lawmakers are recognizing the need to protect the integrity of information and ensure that taxpayer dollars are not supporting entities that engage in biased or false information dissemination.
Conclusion
The inclusion of provisions targeting censorship and disinformation in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act marks a significant step in addressing these pressing issues. By requiring certifications for entities receiving military recruitment advertising contracts, the legislation aims to prevent biased censorship practices and the spread of false information. While critics express concerns about potential government control over the media, supporters see these provisions as necessary measures to protect national defense interests and ensure fair and unbiased reporting. As the NDAA makes its way through Congress and towards President Biden’s desk, it remains to be seen how these provisions will be received and their long-term impact on combatting censorship and disinformation.
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