House Judiciary Committee Passes PRESS Shield Bill

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 7, 2022 | 12:03pm CT

U.S. Congress

H.R.4330 - Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), which would establish protections for journalists at the federal level regarding the revelation of their confidential sources except in defined circumstances such as threats to national security, passed the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday by unanimous voice vote. H.R. 4330 was introduced by Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Ted Lieu (D-CA). It now goes to the full House for a vote.

"I'm delighted that the House Judiciary Committee passed my PRESS Act on a unanimous bipartisan voice vote," said Rep. Raskin. "The constitutional promise that no law shall abridge the freedom of the press instructs us to protect journalists from government overreach and abuse of the subpoena power, and today this committee has made good on that promise. I'm grateful to Chairman (JERRY) NADLER (D-NY) for including this crucial legislation in today's markup, and I'm thankful to my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee for unanimously supporting its passage."

"The First Amendment is essential to our democracy and to ensuring both a free press and an informed public," said Yarmuth. "I'm so proud that our PRESS Act cleared the Judiciary Committee today and is one step closer to passage in the House. As the first Society of Professional Journalists member to be elected to Congress, I know how important it is that we protect journalists and their ability to speak truth to power without fear of retaliation or retribution. I thank my colleague, Congressman Raskin, for his leadership in pushing this important legislation through the committee."

"I'm pleased that our colleagues on the Judiciary Committee agree that we must protect press freedom," said Lieu. "The PRESS Act by Rep. Raskin and me enables journalists to exercise their constitutional rights without fear of interference from the government. I hope we can now get this bill to the floor for a vote and reaffirm our support for one of the most essential pillars of our Democracy."

In a statement, NAB President/CEO Curtis Legeyt said, "NAB applauds the House Judiciary Committee for its bipartisan passage of the PRESS Act, legislation that will protect journalists' right to legally, openly and fearlessly report the news. Embracing the right of a free press to report the news without fear or favor, journalists rely on confidential sources to shine a light on wrongdoing in government, expose waste of taxpayers' dollars and hold our elected officials accountable.

"Broadcasters appreciate the leadership of Reps. Raskin, Lieu and Yarmuth on this important issue, and Senator Wyden's sponsorship of companion legislation in the Senate. We look forward to working with all members of Congress to pass this important legislation that upholds a guiding principle of American democracy."