# Plain Language Summary: H.R. 7690

This bill prevents the Department of Homeland Security from using any federal money to run or create a "Disinformation Governance Board." The bill also blocks the department from spending money on any similar board or office that would do basically the same thing. In simple terms, it's saying the government can't fund this specific unit or anything like it.

To understand what this means, you need to know what the Disinformation Governance Board actually was. In 2022, the Department of Homeland Security created this board to identify and counter false information that might threaten national security or election integrity. The board was supposed to monitor misleading claims spreading online and work to combat them. However, it became controversial almost immediately, with critics arguing that a government agency monitoring and labeling information as false raised concerns about free speech and government overreach. Supporters countered that the board was necessary to fight dangerous misinformation.

This bill takes a clear side in that debate by essentially shutting down the board through the power of the purse—if there's no money, the board can't operate. The practical effect is that the Department of Homeland Security cannot spend taxpayer dollars on this work. The bill also prevents the department from simply renaming the board or creating a new office that does the same job under a different name, closing what some might call a loophole.

For most Americans, this bill's impact depends on your perspective about government's role in fighting misinformation. If you're concerned about government agencies deciding what information is true or false, this bill aligns with your views. If you believe the government should actively combat dangerous false information, you'd likely oppose it. Either way, it means the federal government won't be funding this particular effort to identify and counter disinformation.

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to establish or carry out the activities of a Disinformation Governance Board of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

McCarthy, Kevin

 <p>This bill prohibits the use of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds to carry out the activities of a Disinformation Governance Board or to establish or carry out the activities of any other DHS entity that is substantially similar to the board.</p>