Congress has reintroduced the PRESS Act. Now lawmakers must pass it.

AP Photo/Jim Mone
The PRESS Act is the most important press freedom bill in modern history.
The PRESS Act would protect journalists from being forced to reveal their confidential sources in federal court and would stop the federal government from spying on journalists— including through tech companies like Google and Facebook.
Its modern definition of ‘journalist’ would protect reporters big and small from across the political spectrum – whether they work at a mainstream news organization, an alternative outlet, are independent, or freelance. It has broad bipartisan support and has already passed the House unanimously.
Help pass the PRESS Act.
Call or email your member of Congress and urge them to support the PRESS Act so it can become law. Federal law should protect journalists and sources who expose newsworthy information the public needs to know.
Help advance press freedom by writing newspaper op-eds or letters to the editor in support of the PRESS Act.
FPF’s Cusack, Stern appeal to their senator in Chicago Sun-Times
Senate must advance legislation to protect journalists and their sources from subpoenas and surveillance
Just a few months into 2024, the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker has documented four arrests or detentions of journalists covering protests in New York, Tennessee, and California. These arrests violate journalists’ rights, and they undermine the right of the public to learn about newsworthy events happening in their communities. They also show the disturbing and stubborn persistence of a system of policing that either doesn’t know or doesn’t care about First Amendment rights.
Journalists and sources face confusion and unpredictability without a federal shield law. The public suffers as a result
Iowa senator can further his legacy of supporting whistleblowers and First Amendment freedoms
Cornyn and Cruz have complained about spying on journalists before. Now they can help outlaw it
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his support this week for the PRESS Act, the strongest shield bill Congress has ever proposed. One of the most important things reporters can do is write about the PRESS Act in news reports or editorials, and non-journalists can help spread the word with op-eds and letters to the editor. Read more in our newsletter.
No more stalling. It’s time for Congress to revise and limit Section 702
Government seeks permanent seizure of journalist Tim Burke's computers
Bipartisan bill would protect journalist-source confidentiality and put a stop to government surveillance of reporters