ICYMI: Senator Markey, Leader Schumer Slam “Federal Censorship Commission” Under Chairman Brendan Carr

Watch: Markey, Schumer, advocates call out Trump admin's censorship

Washington (September 19, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) today slammed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr for his censorship of Jimmy Kimmel this week and the FCC's unconstitutional attacks on free speech at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol. The full press conference can be viewed here.

"The First Amendment is the beating heart of our democracy. It protects the right of Americans to speak freely, to criticize their leaders, and to entertain and inform without fear of government reprisal," said Senator Markey. "On Wednesday, Chairman Carr shockingly violated that principle when he threatened Disney, ABC, and their affiliates over a monologue by comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

"Since when did the FCC become the arbiter of truth in this country? The United States should be a model for free expression. Yet when a government official threatens comedians and news organizations, we begin to resemble the very governments we criticize. Authoritarians know that humor is powerful. And so they try to crush it.

"There's far, far too much silence from Republicans these days. So that's why we are here. We are here to defend the First Amendment. To defend the independence of the press. And to defend the right to mock your leaders without fear. That is what's at stake."

Senator Markey and Leader Schumer were joined at the press conference by Deirdre Schifeling, Chief Political and Advocacy Officer of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders.

On Thursday, Senator Markey, Leader Schumer, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led seven of their colleagues in writing to Chairman Carr urging the FCC to cease its censorship of media organizations. Senator Markey then went to the Senate floor to ask unanimous consent to pass a resolution condemning Chairman Carr for his censorship of Kimmel. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) objected without any explanation.

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