Journalist Protection Bill Blocked In Senate After Tom Cotton Objects To Speedy Passage
deadline.comWith the clock ticking on the current Congress, there are new doubts over the prospects for a bill that would shield journalists from being compelled by the federal government to reveal their sources and materials.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) objected to efforts to speedily pass the bill, arguing that it was a “threat to national security” and was “the biggest giveaway to the liberal press in American history.” Sen.
Ron Wyden (D-OR), the author of the Senate version of the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act, or Press Act, had sought unanimous consent on the floor today to clear the bill.
That is a legislative maneuver to pass legislation without a roll call, unless a lawmaker objects. The Press Act passed the House in a unanimous vote earlier this year.
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