Schatz Leads Group of 9 Senators In Introducing Resolution Commemorating World Press Freedom Day

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) led a group of nine senators in introducing a resolution recognizing growing threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the vital role of independent journalism in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.

"A free press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy - and it's vital that we protect and defend it, at home and abroad," said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "The growing attacks on independent journalism are alarming, particularly given the many crises and conflicts happening globally. People rely on journalists to understand what's happening in their own communities and make sense of the world. In turn, journalists go to extraordinary lengths, often at great personal risk, to report the truth. Unfortunately, we continue to see journalists lose their lives, be thrown in jail, or be threatened with lawsuits just for doing their jobs. Suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists is the oldest trick in the authoritarian playbook. Anyone who believes in democracy and freedom ought to be unreserved and unequivocal in our support for the free press."

Schatz's resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). The resolution is supported by PEN America.

"Being a journalist is more dangerous today than at any time in history. World Press Freedom Day is not only a celebration of the world's intrepid journalists, but a reminder that journalists-and the free press at large-are under attack," said Senator Welch. "We're calling on Congress to remember the lives of journalists killed while reporting, and recommit to defending press freedom in our own country and around the world."

"On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the journalists who go to extraordinary lengths to bring the truth to light," said Senator Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "As democratic values and institutions are being threatened around the world, I'm proud to join my colleagues to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the freedom of the press."

"A free and independent press is the bedrock of our democracy, and an essential feature of democracies around the world. Editors and journalists risk threats, detention, and even death to keep citizens informed and hold public officials to account," said Senator Bennet. "Now more than ever, we recognize and celebrate their contributions to maintaining our system of government, and their efforts to extend the same freedoms we enjoy at home to those still denied them abroad."

Press freedom has faced a staggering global decline in recent years, and Senator Schatz has led bipartisan efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists worldwide.

A copy of the bill text is available here.

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