Schatz, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Commemorating World Press Freedom Day

WASHINGTON – Following World Press Freedom Day on May 3, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) this week introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing growing threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the vital role of independent journalism in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.

“A free press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy – and it’s vital that we protect and defend it, at home and abroad,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “The growing attacks on independent journalism are alarming, particularly given the many crises and conflicts happening globally. People rely on journalists to understand what’s happening in their own communities and make sense of the world. In turn, journalists go to extraordinary lengths, often at great personal risk, to report the truth. Unfortunately, we continue to see journalists lose their lives, be thrown in jail, or be threatened with lawsuits just for doing their jobs. Suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists is the oldest trick in the authoritarian playbook. Anyone who believes in democracy and freedom ought to be unreserved and unequivocal in our support for the free press.”

“Freedom of the press is one of the foundational principles of democratic governance,” said Senator Tillis. “As threats to journalists grow worldwide, the U.S. must stand with those who ensure that freedom of expression is protected as a universal right.”

Press freedom has faced a staggering global decline in recent years, and Senator Schatz has led bipartisan efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists worldwide.

A copy of the bill text is available here.

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