Ron Johnson on Free Speech, Filibuster, and DHS Funding (12 min) | 03-16-26

Senator Ron Johnson joins Sid to touch upon his defense of the First Amendment and a free press, saying he generally opposes the government threatening broadcasters’ licenses, though he notes broadcast license holders have responsibilities to report truthfully and correct errors. He says a question about FCC complaints was sprung on him, as he intended to focus on the SAVE America Act and the filibuster. Johnson explains cloture and argues the modern cloture vote often shuts down debate; he says a “talking filibuster” wouldn’t overcome Democrats’ ability to keep offering amendments, and contends passing the SAVE America Act likely requires ending the cloture vote and moving to majority passage, believing Democrats will end the filibuster anyway. He also criticizes Republicans’ DHS funding strategy, saying they should have bundled DHS funding with Democratic priorities, and faults leadership for not attaching the Shutdown Fairness Act, which he says would have ensured pay during shutdowns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices