Federal Shield Law

The Newspaper Guild-CWA, along with many journalism groups in Washington D.C., has been advocating for passage of a national shield law. We're asking you to contact your own senators, and the senators of the Judiciary Committee (listed below) to express your desire for passage of S. 448.

There is a broad recognition that passage of a national law is overdue. The House has already passed a version (although the Senate language is better).

View the Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 Bill.

Let your voice be heard - it makes a difference. Please take action today by sending the letter below to your Senator.

Judiciary Members:

Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Ranking Member
Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.)
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Edward Kaufman (D-Del.)
Richard Durbin (D-Ill.)
Charles Grassley (R-Iowa)
Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.)
Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
Al Franken (D-Minn.)
Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.)
Tom Coburn (R-Okla.)
Arlen Specter (D-Pa.)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
John Cornyn (R-Texas)
Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman
Herb Kohl (D-Wis.)
Russell Feingold (D-Wis.)

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

The last several years has seen several journalists in jail for refusing to reveal confidential sources, and about two dozen more questioned or subpoenaed about their confidential sources.  This has a corrosive effect and threatens our First Amendment freedoms and the public's right to know. 
I believe the Senate should pass S.448 to defend the rights of journalists and to shield them against having to expose confidential sources. The legislation allows for protection of national security and other serious matters. 
The House has already taken action, but the Senate now has the ability to pass better-written legislation. 
Support for a Federal Shield Law help protect the public's right to know, in holding government and other institutions accountable for their actions, and in establishing reasonable standards for both compelling and shielding disclosure of sources and information.

Please support the public's right to know by co-sponsoring the Free Flow of Information Act.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your address]

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