Walberg Supports Free Flow of Information Act

Press Release

WALBERG SUPPORTS FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION ACT

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI7) today announced he has co-sponsored H.R. 2102, the Free Flow of Information Act, introduced by Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN).

The bi-partisan bill's stated purpose is to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media.

"I have often said that I came to Congress not to maintain the status quo in Washington, D.C., but to work for real, meaningful reform on how Congress spends taxpayer dollars," Walberg said.

"I believe in limited government and fiscal discipline, and in today's modern media age, the best way to keep our government accountable is a free and independent press. Government waste, fraud and abuse are a breach of public trust, and we must not punish reporters who bring such indiscretions to light through confidential sources. Passing legislation creating a federal media shield is the best way to protect the public's right to know."

BACKGROUND:

- This bill would prevent prosecutors and lawyers from forcing journalists to reveal their confidential sources
- The bill would not apply in situations where a source's identity must be revealed to prevent "imminent and actual harm" to national security, to prevent "imminent death or significant bodily harm" or to identify disclosed trade secrets or a person's protected financial or medical information

Source