WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps applauded last night’s House passage of the Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 (H.R. 985). The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support by a voice vote. The bill would ensure that reporters posses the ability to protect the identity of sources and report appropriate information without fear of intimidation or imprisonment. The legislation would set criteria which must be met in order to compel the disclosure of sources and information from reporters in any federal criminal or civil matter to protect the ability of reporters to guarantee confidentiality to their sources. These standards would carefully balance the public’s interest in the free flow of information with the fair administration of justice and the needs of law enforcement and national security. In the 110th Congress on October 16th, 2007 the House passed identical legislation with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 398 to 21. The Senate did not act on the measure in the 110th Congress, but Capps is hopeful the Senate will take up the measure in the 111th Congress.
“A free press is absolutely critical to the proper functioning of our democracy,” said Capps. “Under current federal law the Bush Administration was able to, and frequently did, pressure reporters and their publications to reveal the identity of their confidential sources in an effort to silence legitimate criticism of its actions. But responsible use of anonymous sources has long been a tool for getting important facts to the public. From Watergate to the Iraq War, news stories partially based on accurate information provided anonymously to reporters has shed much needed light on important national security issues. Enacting the Free Flow of Information Act will protect journalists and their sources, and ensure our country has a free and vibrant press.”
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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with
