Capito: Free Flow of Information is Necessary for Democracy

Press Release

Capito: Free Flow of Information is Necessary for Democracy

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced her support for bipartisan legislation - the Free Flow of Information Act - to support a free press and the public's right to know.

"A free press provides the only constant check on government power and authority," noted Capito. "This bill champions the role of the First Amendment and protects the media's ability to speak truth to power."

Members of the media often rely on confidential sources when reporting on important matters of public interest. The Free Flow of Information Act would preserve the relationship between journalists and their sources, while maintaining an open line of communication to and from the American public.

Capito said the source-journalist relationship is vital to ensuring that citizens have the information they need to make informed decisions about public affairs.

"Recklessly compelling reporters to testify about their confidential sources amounts to a chilling effect on the free flow of information. The media is certainly not without fault, but we must not jeopardize their ability to disseminate important information to the American public."

While shielding journalists from retribution or prosecution for protecting source identities, the Free Flow of Information Act would also outline criteria for exceptions to the law in unique circumstances where national security or other issues present a more pressing public interest.

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