PRESS Act Triumphs in the House: A Milestone for Press Freedom

Newsdesk R. Michael February 18, 2024 3 min read

Unanimous House Approval: PRESS Act Paves the Way for Journalistic Independence and Confidentiality Protection

Washington, DC – In a historic moment for press freedom, Congressman Jamie Raskin’s (MD-08) Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act has secured unanimous, bipartisan support and successfully passed the House of Representatives. Developed in collaboration with Representatives John Yarmuth (KY-03) and Ted Lieu (CA-33), this legislation stands as a critical step towards safeguarding a free and independent press.

The primary objective of the PRESS Act is to establish a federal statutory privilege, ensuring the protection of journalists from being compelled to reveal confidential sources and preventing any potential abuse of subpoena power by federal law enforcement.

Expressing his satisfaction, Rep. Raskin stated, “Today is a triumphant day for press freedom. With the PRESS Act closer than ever to becoming law, a federal press shield law is within reach that affords journalists protection from government overreach and abuse of the subpoena power.”

Acknowledging the collaborative effort, he added, “I’m grateful to Representatives Yarmuth and Lieu for their partnership in this effort to make good on this foundational constitutional promise, and I urge our colleagues in the Senate to advance the central, bipartisan mission of protecting a truly free and unmuzzled press—by sending this legislation to the president’s desk.”

The PRESS Act has garnered widespread support from various organizations dedicated to upholding the principles of a free press. Endorsements include Demand Progress, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), News Media Alliance (NMA), News Leaders Association, MPA – The Association of Magazine Media, Protect the 1st, Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

This legislative victory is not the first attempt by Rep. Raskin to address the crucial issue of press freedom. In 2017, he introduced a bipartisan federal press shield bill, drawing inspiration from a 2007 press shield bill (H.R. 2102). The 2007 bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, securing a 398-21 vote and receiving commendation from then-Congressman Mike Pence. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a Senate version of the bill in 2021.

As the PRESS Act progresses, it marks a significant milestone in the ongoing mission to fortify the foundations of democracy by ensuring the vitality and independence of the press. The legislation now awaits Senate consideration, emphasizing the bipartisan commitment to protecting the invaluable role journalists play in preserving the public’s right to information.

In a resounding victory for press freedom, the House’s unanimous, bipartisan support for Congressman Jamie Raskin’s PRESS Act marks a significant step towards ensuring the safeguarding of journalists from exploitative state spying. As the legislation inches closer to becoming law, it brings the promise of a federal press shield law, shielding journalists from government overreach and protecting the fundamental constitutional right to a free and unmuzzled press. Endorsed by various organizations, the central bipartisan mission of safeguarding press freedom awaits Senate action, encouraging a united commitment to this crucial cause.