We bring forth solemnly a personal terror shared by many others - losing the liberties we hold dearest as Americans. The recent intimidating actions taken by Representative Mike Collins against New Jersey-born Episcopal Bishop Rev. Mariann Budde are a glaring example of this fear being realized. On 1/21/2025 at 10:09 AM, Representative Collins used his official X.com account (Formerly known as Twitter) to call for the deportation of Budde. Her supposed error? Merely exercising her right to free speech, asking President Trump to show compassion towards LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented immigrants.

Representative Collins' misuse of an official government account not only suppresses Rev. Budde's freedom of speech and attempt to intimidate and discourage Americans from using their First Amendment rights. According to a study by Pew Research Center, nearly 58% of the American public have refrained from speaking out on an issue because they feared retribution or harsh response from government officials. This amplifies the urgency of the situation. Additionally, it is against his very oath if office and a violation of his ethics expectations as an elected official--he is not supporting or defending the Constitution, which he just recently took an oath to do just this month. He does have his own rights--but he does not have the freedom to say whatever he wants through the mouth of the government or official channels, like his X account. Thus, he should be held to a higher standard and answer to the American people about his gross misconduct. 

It is our collective responsibility to protect our fundamental rights from being eroded by such attempts at authoritarianism. We urge that appropriate actions be taken to impeach Representative Mike Collins, thereby upholding the sanctity of our cherished American values.

Stand with us, for in defending our rights, we defend America's soul. Sign this petition to impeach Representative Mike Collins for infringing free speech via the First Amendment.