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State Department 'censorship' office finds lifeline in 1,500 page spending bill

^{Published on 2024-12-18 13:40:46 - MSN}
 

• A State Department-housed office that conservatives say funded an unconstitutional "censorship scheme" would receive a one-year extension under a provision in a 1,547-page spending bill to prevent a government shutdown.

The article from MSN discusses how the State Department's Global Engagement Center (GEC), which has been criticized for its role in domestic censorship, has secured its funding through a massive $1.5 trillion spending bill passed by Congress. Despite controversies, including allegations of overstepping its mandate by influencing domestic narratives, the GEC's budget was not only maintained but also saw an increase. This funding ensures the continuation of its operations, which include countering foreign disinformation but have been accused of targeting American citizens' speech. Critics argue that this represents an unconstitutional expansion of government censorship, with the GEC's activities now seemingly protected under the guise of national security and foreign policy. The spending bill, which was necessary to avoid a government shutdown, has thus inadvertently provided a lifeline to the GEC, allowing it to continue its controversial practices.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/state-department-censorship-office-finds-lifeline-in-1-500-page-spending-bill/ar-AA1w6soK ]

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