1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I support the passage of the PRESS act. This bill aims to protect journalists from being compelled to disclose confidential sources and information obtained through journalism, except in limited circumstances involving terrorism, imminent violence, or specified offenses against minors. It establishes important safeguards for the free flow of information to the public by prohibiting the federal government from forcing journalists to reveal protected information unless a court deems it absolutely necessary under a preponderance of evidence standard. The bill also extends protections to service providers storing data on behalf of journalists. This legislation upholds crucial press freedoms while still allowing for disclosure in serious criminal cases. It strikes a reasonable balance between preserving the independence of the press and enabling law enforcement to investigate credible threats to public safety. Given the importance of an unfettered press in a democracy, swift passage of this bill should be a priority to maintain government transparency and accountability.