The PRESS Act Trump opposes: Reporter protections or security risk?

[Karah Rucker]

President-elect Donald Trump is urging Republicans to block a bill aimed at protecting journalists from government surveillance.

The legislation – called the press act – would be the first federal law to shield reporters from having to disclose their confidential sources.

It’s received bipartisan support – but some opposition from high-profile republicans –

Including its party leader.

Trump posted on truth social in response to A pbs REPORT OVER THE PRESS ACT –

THAT REPUBLICANS “MUST KILL THIS BILL!”

HIS OPPOSITION COMES AFTER THE BILL PASSED THE HOUSE EARLIER THIS YEAR.

The PRESS Act would establish the nation’s first-ever federal shield law, which would protect journalists from being forced to reveal their sources to federal investigators. It also prevents the government from seizing reporters’ records, ensuring that journalists can do their jobs without the fear of government intrusion.

THERE’S AN ONGOING CASE RIGHT NOW THAT COULD SEE FOX NEWS REPORTER CATHERINE HERRIDGE JAILED OVER NOT REVEALING HER SOURCES TO A STORY ABOUT A CHINESE AMERICAN SCIENTIST “YANPING CHEN”.

SHE REPORTED ON AN FBI INVESTIGATION INTO CHEN’S CHINESE TIES AND WHETHER THEY POSED NATIONAL SECURITY RISKS.

CHEN SUED SEVERAL FEDERAL AGENCIES IN RESPONSE TO HERRIDGE’S REPORT CLAIMING IT RUINED HER REPUTATION AND DEMANDED TO KNOW HERRIDGE’S SOURCE – A SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED OVER IT – BUT HERRIDGE REFUSED.

SOME LEGAL ANALYSTS TOLD THE SEATTLE TIMES IF THE PRESS ACT WERE LAW –

THE SUBPOENAING OF HERRIDGE WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN ALLOWED.

HERE’S WHAT SOME LAWMAKERS FOR AND AGAINST THE LEGISLATION ARE SAYING.

REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN KEVIN KILEY SAYS –

“A critical aspect of the freedom of the press is the pursuit of truth without government entanglements or intimidation. Administrations from both political parties have unjustly targeted journalists and used compulsory process to obtain information from them about their sources. Most states have protected journalists from such interference, and it is past time for Congress to do so as well.” 

SIMILAR PRESS PROTECTIONS ALREADY EXIST IN 49 STATES –

BUT THIS LAW WOULD OFFER THE PROTECTIONS AT A FEDERAL LEVEL.

OPPONENTS RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT THE BILL’S POTENTIAL TO PROTECT “LEAKERS” – SOMEONE WHO WOULD RELEASE CLASSIFIED OR SENSITIVE INFORMATION IN A REPORT.

REPUBLICAN SENATOR TOM COTTON SAYS –

During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the press routinely revealed details about America’s efforts to hunt down terrorists, details that helped our enemies cover their tracks and evade justice. These leaks were reckless and harmful to our national security, yet the PRESS Act would immunize journalists and leakers alike from scrutiny and consequences for their actions.”

THE LIKELIHOOD THE SENATE EVEN TAKES UP THE BILL THIS SESSION IS SAID TO BE UNLIKELY –

WITH DEMOCRATIC SENATORS SAYING THEIR PRIORITY IS “CONFIRMING JUDGES” AND PASSING OTHER HIGHER-INTEREST LEGISLATION BEFORE THE POLITICAL POWER SHIFTS IN CONGRESS.