The House passed a reporter shield bill by a veto-proof 398-21 vote last fall. But the Senate version has been stalled since October because of objections from the administration and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.

But pressure is now building for swift passage of the measure. Why? Former USA Today reporter Toni Locy (pictured) was found in contempt of court last month for refusing to comply with a court order from U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton to name government sources who supplied information about a former Army scientist’s possible role in the 2001 anthrax attacks. Locy could personally
face fines up to $5,000 per day unless she reveals her sources.