Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression Act (JAWBONE Act). The bill would create a cause of action against any government agency or employee that engages in jawboning, defined as coercing or attempting to coerce broadcasters, online service providers, or AI services to change content. Plaintiffs could seek monetary damages under the act. The legislation also aims to address legal obstacles, including difficulties in obtaining private communications between government officials and private companies. Cases involving alleged jawboning are often dismissed when officials leave office or administrations change. The Biden administration attempted to remove social media posts about COVID-19 and the 2020 election; the Trump administration pressured TV broadcasters. This led to bipartisan Senate action to prevent indirect government censorship. According to tradersunion.com, the JAWBONE Act would require agencies to submit certain communications with companies to Congress. Rollcall.com reported that the Biden administration pushed to remove certain social media posts about COVID-19 and the 2020 election and that the Trump administration applied pressure against TV broadcasters. Reason.com reported that President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at 'restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship' on the first day of his second term and demanded that ABC punish late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel for speech he disliked.