Senate Free Flow of Information Act S 2035 Revised Aug. 1, 2008.

July 21 letter to members of the Senate from the Media Coalition Supporting the Free Flow of Information Act

Having passed in the House, the Free Flow of Information Act now must pass in the Senate. Click on the links below to see responses to these arguments being raised against a shield law:

• Talking point responses to common objections all in one document (PDF) NEW
• A thorough point-by-point legal response to common objections all in one document (PDF) NEW
• The Act would delay investigations or prosecutions.
• There have been only a few source-related subpoenas issued, so no legislation is needed.
• It would hamper the government's ability to protect the nation against terrorist attacks and other threats to security.
• Sources who unlawfully leak classified information may be shielded by journalists
• The definition of a journalist is too broad.

Issue-by-Issue comparison of HR 2102 with S 2035

HR 2102 passes 398-21 in House floor vote, Oct. 16, 2007.

• See how your representative voted in the final roll call.
• Version of HR 2102 passed by House Judiciary Committee, Aug. 1, 2007.
• HR 2102 co-sponsors
• White House Statement of Administration Policy on HR 2102, Oct. 16, 2007.

On May 2, 2007, Senators Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and Representatives Richard Boucher, D-Va., Mike Pence, R-Ind., John Conyers, D-Mich., Howard Coble, R-N.C., John Yarmuth, D-Ky., and David Weldon, R-Fla., introduced companion bills entitled the "Free Flow of Information Act."

• Letter to ASNE members from president and FOI co-chairs
  
• Frequently asked questions.
• Section-by-section analysis.
• Talking points.
• NAA media coalition press release.
• Companies and organizations endorsing HR 2102.

Senate Judiciary Committee and Free Flow of Information Act, S 2035

• S 2035 text introduced in Senate.
  
• Talking Points specific to S 2035 which were drafted by the coalition of media companies and organizations, including ASNE, who support the Free Flow of Information Act.
  
• A Fact Sheet discussing S 2035, also drafted by this coalition of media companies and organizations.
  
• Issue by issue comparison of S 1267 and S 2035.