On July 13, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced an amendment to the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act that includes pivotal protections for journalists. The amendment “expands the scope of required reports related to violations of the human rights of journalists, requires the President to impose certain property and visa-blocking sanctions on persons responsible for gross violations of the human rights of journalists.” The amendment would further prohibit “certain foreign assistance to a governmental entity of a country” if officials of that country have committed gross violations “of human rights against a journalist.” Rep. Schiff and others introduced a resolution in May condemning attacks on the free press, specifically citing the actions of Russia, China, and Afghanistan. The Alliance applauds this amendment as a great step towards further protecting and preserving a free and independent press both in the US and internationally.
Members of the News/Media Alliance staff have contributed to this post.
