PenceBlog: <b>Pence, Lugar address National Press Club about need for media shield law</b> - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence : 6th District Of Indiana

Yesterday Congressman Pence, pictured left with Judith Miller, and Senator Richard Lugar addressed the National Press Club about need for a media shield law.

To read the remarks shared by Rep. Pence and Sen. Lugar, click here.

An article in today's Indianapolis Star says "the bill has received two hearings in the Senate, and a House hearing is scheduled for September."

Here is another excerpt:

"The public's ability to get information it needs in a democracy is hurt by a lack of federal protections for the news media, two Hoosier lawmakers said Tuesday.

"'The press is hobbled in performing the public service of reporting the news,' said Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind.

"Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., described a 'disturbing new trend' of clashes between the media and government authorities. Three journalists have been jailed since 2000 and 88 were subpoenaed by the Justice Department from 1991 to 2001, according to Lugar.

"The pair spoke at the National Press Club about legislation they introduced last year to protect journalists from revealing a source unless the information sought is necessary to prevent 'imminent and actual harm' to national security."

The Indy Star also published this question and answer sheet about a federal media shield.

posted by Pence Press Office # 8:49 AM