[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2164-E2165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of the Free Flow of Information Act, H.R. 2102, legislation that would 
prevent journalists from being forced to reveal their confidential 
sources in legal proceedings.
  This important bill has strong bipartisan support and the endorsement 
of countless news organizations and the Newspaper Association of 
America.
  The ``press shield'' is critical to the functioning of our democracy. 
Compelling reporters to testify and reveal the identity of confidential 
sources hinders the free flow of information. Many people with 
important information about government wrongdoing would rather stay 
quiet than reveal their identities. Sometimes the only way a reporter 
can gain access to a source's information, and bring it to the public's 
attention, is by guaranteeing that source confidentiality.
  H.R. 2012 strikes a common sense balance between the public's need 
for information and fair justice. It would compel reporters to reveal 
the identity of a source if the court finds it necessary to prevent 
``imminent and actual harm to national security'' or ``imminent death 
or significant bodily harm.''
  The First Amendment states that, ``Congress shall make no law . . . 
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.'' The Founding 
Fathers clearly envisioned a free press that would enable the 
electorate to make informed decisions and hold the government in check. 
That's precisely what this bill would do.

[[Page E2165]]

  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2012 and protect the free press 
that our Founders envisioned.

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