A federal shield law that would protect journalists from disclosing their sources and material to the authorities was reportedly thwarted through the efforts of Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas.
The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act, also known as the PRESS Act, was introduced in the Senate on Tuesday, and Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, called for unanimous consent in order for the Senate to adopt the bill.
Cotton raised an objection to the bill which he argued would grant unacceptable privileges to the already privileged liberal media.
Cotton voiced that the “liberal media” did not deserve more protections and blasted the media for its position.
“The press badge doesn’t make you better than the rest of America or put you above the law,” Cotton said during a speech on the Senate floor.
“No American citizen should be afforded the privilege provided in this bill, least of all the media,” he added.
Wyden, who was responsible for writing the bill that was passed by the Senate, intended to approve the law without a roll call, but Cotton raised an objection to this plan.
In an online post that he made earlier on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat of New York) discussed the plan and urged Senate Republicans to refrain from interfering with its passage.
“This bill would protect journalists against overreaching government surveillance. It would ensure reporters can’t be legally required to disclose sources or research files or hand over data held by phone and internet companies.” Schumer wrote on his X account.
Tonight, I will attempt to pass the PRESS Act in the Senate.
This bill would protect journalists against overreaching government surveillance.
It would ensure reporters can’t be legally required to disclose sources or research files or hand over data held by phone and internet…
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 10, 2024
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