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The Senate has a shrinking window to protect press freedom

^{Published on 2024-12-07 00:01:31 - The Washington Post}
 

• In 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland established new, but long-needed, press protections barring federal prosecutors from pursuing journalists' communication records with confidential sources except in extreme circumstances. But these protections are only as good as the administration controlling the Justice Department.

The article from The Washington Post, published on December 6, 2024, discusses the Senate's consideration of the PRESS Act, a bill aimed at protecting journalists from being compelled to reveal their sources. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed support for the legislation, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding press freedom. The bill has garnered bipartisan backing, reflecting a rare consensus on the need to protect journalistic integrity. Attorney General Merrick Garland has also voiced his support, highlighting the role of a free press in democracy. The article details the ongoing debate around the balance between national security and the public's right to know, with critics arguing that the bill might hinder investigations into serious crimes. However, proponents argue that without such protections, sources would dry up, leading to a less informed public and weakened democratic processes.

Read the Full The Washington Post Article at:
[ https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/12/06/press-act-senate-schumer-journalism-garland/ ]

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