National Press Club Statement about Press Freedom Provisions in the Most Recent Omnibus Law

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – The following is a statement by Jen JudsonPresident of the National Press Club, and Gil KleinPresident of National Press Club Journalism Institute on press freedom provisions $1.7 trillion The omnibus legislation was passed at the close of the last congressional session. The Press Club, an organization of journalists, does not lobby to pass specific legislation. However, it can provide comment on legislation that has already been passed.

“We were delighted to see that as a part of a plan supporting democracy in Central America In countries such as Afghanistan, Belarus And HungaryCongress has allocated funds to support and protect journalists and independent media that may have come under attack. We applaud the addition of a directive for State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, to require that U.S. diplomatic staff receive training on press freedom as part of their wider diplomatic curriculum.

The funding is valuable but the more important thing Congress may be sending is the recognition of the crucial role of free speech in democracy. Recent years have seen little public recognition of this idea by government officials.

“We were disappointed to find that the PRESS Act was omitted in the final bill following an objection from Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR). This legislation would have afforded significant protections to journalists as well as their sources.

The National Press Club, founded in 1908 is the most prominent professional organization for journalists. The Club is home to 3,000 members from nearly all major news organizations and is an important voice for press freedom in America and around the world.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute encourages a global citizenry through an independent, free press. It also equips journalists with standards and skills to inform the public in ways that promote a more representative democracy. The institute, which is a non-profit subsidiary of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, powers journalism in the public interests.

Contact: Bill McCarrenFor the National Press Club, please call 202-662-75434

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SOURCE National Press Club