Demand Progress

Stop Ted Cruz’s dangerous anti-protest bill!

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    Stop Ted Cruz’s dangerous anti-protest bill!

    Petition to Congress:
    We urge you to oppose the Stop FUNDERs Act, a dangerous piece of legislation that would criminalize dissent and take away our First Amendment rights.

    As Trump defies the courts to invade cities and lawlessly bombs boats in the Caribbean, six Democrats in Congress decided to speak out. The six lawmakers, all with backgrounds in intelligence or the military, reminded troops of their duty to refuse illegal orders that violate the Constitution.1

    Trump responded by calling the statement “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” essentially advocating for the execution of these congressional Democrats.2

    Ted Cruz wants to give Trump even greater power to punish free speech, and has introduced a bill that threatens anyone who shows up to protests or even expresses a dissenting opinion. Cruz specifically said his bill would punish the organizers of the No Kings rallies.3 Congress must act now to stop MAGA officials from persecuting protesters.

    Sign the petition: Stop Ted Cruz’s bill to help Trump criminalize dissent. Protect our First Amendment rights!

    In their statement to servicemembers, the six Democrats said, "Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders."4

    Cruz’s dangerous bill (the “Stop FUNDERs Act”) is endorsed by MAGA loyalist Kash Patel, who vowed to investigate groups that are supposedly funding protests of Trump’s authoritarian policies.5, 6

    Trump, Ted Cruz, Kash Patel, and Stephen Miller are trying to end dissent and criminalize free speech in America. Congress must stop them and block Cruz’s bill.

    Sign the petition: Defend the First Amendment and protect the people opposing Trump’s authoritarian agenda! Oppose Ted Cruz’s anti-protest bill.

    Sources:

    1. NPR, "'I'm not going to be intimidated': Rep. Crow responds to Trump's sedition threat,” November 21, 2025.
    2. Ibid.
    3. Common Dreams, "Ted Cruz Says His Bill Will Allow DOJ to ‘Prosecute’ Those Who Fund No Kings Protests, Which Have Been Overwhelmingly Peaceful,” October 16, 2025.
    4. The Guardian, "Outrage after Trump accuses Democrats of ‘seditious behavior, punishable by death’,” November 20, 2025.
    5. People For, "Heritage Action Cites ‘Marxist Occupation of Our Streets’ to Support Cruz Bill Targeting Progressives,” October 27, 2025.
    6. Jewish Insider, "Kash Patel vows to investigate funding for far-left protest movements,” September 17, 2025.
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