PenceBlog: Pence Says No More 'Deep Throats' Without Federal Media Shield - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence : 6th District Of Indiana

Two things are clear about the role that former FBI Assistant Director W. Mark Felt played in the infamous Watergate scandal: Deep Throat exposed corruption in high places because of his absolute confidence that his identity would be protected, and Deep Throat would not have that protection today.

However motivated by patriotism and high ideals, it is unlikely that W. Mark Felt would reveal confidential information to reporters at the Washington Post today. As a litany of federal prosecutions attests, under current law, reporters may be forced to reveal the identity of confidential sources under circumstances similar to this case.

Unless Congress enacts a federal media shield law, it is likely there will be no more Deep Throats because of the risk that government officials face by revealing information that the public has a right to know.

Congress should ensure the accountability that attends confidential sources and a free and independent press. Congress should enact the Free Flow of Information Act (H.R. 581)."

posted by Pence Press Office # 2:03 PM