Who elected her????? --------------------------------------------------- Thank you for contacting the importance of a free press and recent actions taken by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter. The Supreme Court has ruled that "to gather news it is often necessary to agree either not to identify the source of information published or to publish only part of the facts revealed, or both; that if the reporter is nevertheless forced to reveal these confidences to a grand jury the source so identified and other confidential sources of other reporters will be measurably deterred from furnishing publishable information, all to the detriment of the free flow of information protected by the First Amendment." Recently, the DOJ has reportedly taken a number of concerning actions with regard to the Associated Press (AP) and the obtainment of telephone records. This is deeply troubling. The first and fourth amendments to our constitution speak to our vital free speech, free press, and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. I wholeheartedly agree with the Supreme Court ruling, and believe it is vitally important to protect against any infringement on these rights. Throughout my career I have supported measures that further protect these rights. I am a proud cosponsor of the Free Flow of Information Act (S. 987), legislation Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced in response to the AP scandal. This measure sets criteria that must be met to compel the disclosure of sources and information from reporters in any federal criminal or civil matter. S. 987 will ensure that the ability of reporters to guarantee confidentiality to their sources is not threatened. Furthermore, this legislation places a "media shield" in federal law, similar to shield laws already in place in Wisconsin and forty-eight other states, which prevents journalists from being compelled to testify, produce documents, or disclose sources in civil and criminal cases, unless certain standards and conditions are met. Thus, this bill gives journalists certain rights and abilities to seek sources and report appropriate information to the public without fear of imprisonment. Please be assured of my strong support of measures that enhance our constitutional rights. I will continue to safe guard the rights that this scared document endows. Once again, thank you for contacting my office. It is important for me to hear from the people of Wisconsin on the issues, thoughts and concerns that matter most to you. If I can be of further assistance, please visit my website at baldwin.senate.gov for information on how to contact my office. Sincerely, Tammy Baldwin United States Senator
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:26:49 +0000
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