H.R. 162 — First Amendment Accountability Act

This section establishes a private right of action against a federal employee (i.e., an executive branch employee other than the President or Vice President) who, acting under color of federal law, deprives a U.S. citizen or person within U.S. jurisdiction of First Amendment rights. The section (1) bars suits against a federal employer or the government for conduct within the scope of employment; (2) authorizes courts to award reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing parties other than the United States; and (3) includes a severability clause.