On May 3, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), and other members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations introduced a bi-partisan resolution in both the House and the Senate condemning threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the necessity of journalism for a healthy democracy. On World Press Freedom Day, the resolution condemns the increase in international attacks on press freedom, specifically including the actions of Russia, China, and Afghanistan to stifle media independence—often retaliating against journalists through arrests and even violence. Rep. Schiff said “we stand firmly with members of the media by recognizing their remarkable contributions and sacrifices, and pledging to defend their rights at home and abroad.” The resolution points out “the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirm[s] freedom of the press as a priority of the United States.” The Alliance applauds this resolution for pointing out the vital work that journalists perform and for prioritizing the preservation of a free and independent press. Read more.
Members of the News/Media Alliance staff have contributed to this post.
