On July 14, the House voted in favor of an amendment protecting journalists’ operations in Russia. The recent 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) incorporated the Federal Contracting for Peace and Security Act, which ensures that American taxpayers don’t support Russia’s war against Ukraine. That legislation would “prohibit the federal government from entering or renewing contracts with companies that continue to do business in Russia during its war of aggression against Ukraine.” Without exemption, it would have the unintended consequences of negatively impacting journalists operating in Russia. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) proposed an amendment that would ensure journalists are exempted from the new restrictions, which the House approved by a vote of 330-99. The Alliance applauds Rep. Maloney for protecting journalists who put themselves at risk to deliver quality news, often in dangerous and hostile situations. The Alliance will continue working to protect and preserve the free press both in the US and abroad.
Members of the News/Media Alliance staff have contributed to this post.
