House Passes Schiff, Chabot Resolution Highlighting Importance of Press Freedom
Bipartisan Resolution Recognizes Dangers Reporters Confront Around the World, Reaffirms Press Freedom as U.S. Government Priority
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the House of Representatives passed a resolution highlighting the importance of press freedom and condemning attacks against journalists. The bipartisan resolution, introduced by Schiff and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus, recognizes threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world, the importance of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirms freedom of the press as a priority for the U.S. government.
“Every day, journalists put their lives on the line to report from some of the world’s most repressive regimes and war zones, and play an indispensable role in exposing corruption and abuse,” said Rep. Schiff. “Recent years have been some of the most dangerous and deadly in memory for journalists. Each death and each imprisonment is a blow against freedom and accountability, and we will not stand idly by. I’m proud that my colleagues have recognized the importance of press freedom around the world, and affirmed the need for U.S. leadership to promote a free and fair press. The voice of people seeking justice cannot be silenced forever, and we will stand strongly with all those around the world fighting for accountability and truth.”
“Independent and unbiased journalism holds governments accountable by giving citizens the information they need to judge the actions of their leaders,” said Rep. Chabot. “By passing this resolution, the House sent a clear reminder to authoritarians that we are committed to protecting the press freedoms that make such journalism possible. As co-chairs of the Freedom of the Press Caucus, Congressman Schiff and I have sought to raise awareness on the threats faced by journalists and we will continue to fight to uphold freedom of the press around the globe.”
The resolution passed the House by unanimous voice vote. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate that passed by unanimous consent.
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