Three Republican U.S. senators—Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, John Thune of South Dakota, and John Cornyn of Texas—have voiced their opposition to a proposed rule by the federal judiciary that would mandate more extensive disclosure of financial relationships for amicus filers. The senators argue this regulation would infringe on First Amendment rights by compelling the disclosure of associations related to free speech projects.
In a letter addressed to the judiciary’s Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, the lawmakers stated, “The Supreme Court has long protected those who associate for speech purposes from compelled disclosure of those associations, subjecting any such disclosures to ‘exacting scrutiny.’” The full article can be found here.