Whereas the First Amendment to the United States Constitution states, that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances ; Whereas the Free Press Clause of the First Amendment protects publication of information and opinions, and applies to a wide variety of media; Whereas the United States has historically and proudly enjoyed freedom of the press; Whereas the United States is a democracy, not an autocracy; Whereas on February 24, 2017, the White House blocked a number of news outlets from attending a question-and-answer session; Whereas the news organizations blocked have reported on President Trump’s collaboration with Russia; Whereas the most recent fake news the American people are receiving have come from the President himself and his spokespersons; Whereas on January 21, 2017, White House press secretary Sean Spicer stated, This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration—period—both in person and around the globe. ; Whereas on January 21, 2017, White House press secretary Sean Spicer stated, We know that 420,000 people used the D.C. Metro public transit yesterday, which actually compares to 317,000 that used it for President Obama’s last inaugural. ; Whereas on January 21, 2017, White House press secretary Sean Spicer stated, This was the first time in our nation’s history that floor coverings have been used to protect the grass on the Mall. That had the effect of highlighting any areas where people were not standing, while in years past the grass eliminated this visual. ; Whereas on January 21, 2017, President Donald Trump stated, I looked out, the field was—it looked like a million, million and a half people. ; Whereas on January 23, 2017, President Donald Trump stated, that between 3 million and 5 million illegal votes caused him to lose the popular vote.