[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 61 (Thursday, April 17, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H2454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION ACT

  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, 3 years ago, I authored H.R. 2102, the Free 
Flow of Information Act, with my colleague Rick Boucher from the State 
of Virginia.
  As a conservative who believes in limited government, I believe the 
only check on government power in real time is a free and independent 
press. And the Free Flow of Information Act is not about protecting 
reporters, it's about protecting the public's right to know.
  American people should know, Madam Speaker, we're at a unique moment 
in the history of this legislation. The overwhelming bipartisan House 
passage of the Free Flow of Information Act has now been joined with 
Senate action that includes the leadership of Senator Richard Lugar, 
Senator Arlen Specter, Senator Patrick Leahy and others. Senator Barack 
Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton add themselves as cosponsors of the 
bill this week, and I heartily welcome the strong endorsement of 
Senator John McCain of this legislation.
  I believe there's now a bipartisan majority in both the House and the 
Senate to support this vital legislation and ensure the vitality of a 
free and independent press for generations to come.
  We just need one vote in the other body. And I believe we'll put a 
stitch in this tear in the first amendment freedom of the press.

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