Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is backing the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act, a bill designed to protect journalists’ sources and data from government intrusion. However, with Republicans poised to take control of the Senate in January, the bill faces an uncertain future.
The PRESS Act, supported by the New York News Publishers Association and co-sponsored by bipartisan senators, passed the House unanimously but has stalled in the Senate due to opposition from Republican Sen. Tom Cotton and President-elect Donald Trump. Cotton claims the bill undermines national security, while Trump urged Republicans to reject it, continuing his criticism of mainstream media.
Schumer emphasized that a free press is essential for democracy, but calls for swift action have grown louder. The Freedom of the Press Foundation urged Schumer to push the bill forward before the new administration begins, warning that speeches alone won’t secure journalists’ protections.
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