A member of the House of Representatives is offering legislation that would make it illegal for businesses to take action against consumers who write "honest" negative reviews online about products and services.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) told the National Journal that the forthcoming measure would make it illegal for companies to have non-disparagement clauses in their consumer contracts.

"It's un-American that any consumer would be penalized for writing an honest review," Swalwell said. "I'm introducing this legislation to put a stop to this egregious behavior so people can share honest reviews without fear of litigation."

The Consumer Review Freedom Act follows last week's signature of Gov. Jerry Brown on a similar law in California that includes a $10,000 fine against companies that violate the so-called "Yelp bill." Swalwell's law, if passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama, would function nationwide.

Companies have repeatedly attacked those who have written negative product reviews. The last time was in July, when a supplements maker took to the Amazon.com marketplace to threaten legal action against those leaving unfriendly remarks.

Ubervita, a Washington state company that sells testosterone boosters, multivitamins, and weight loss supplements, had been responding in the comments section under its products to blast those leaving negative reviews. The firm suggested that some of the negative reviews could land the reviewer in a "lot of legal trouble."