1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act, S.2074) proposes a federal shield law that would prevent the compelled disclosure of confidential sources and other protected information from journalists, ensuring source confidentiality, subject to common-sense exceptions, such as cases involving terrorism, other serious emergencies, or journalists suspected of crime. In January 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the legislation. This Act recognizes the vital role of a free and independent media in a democratic society, fostering transparency and upholding First Amendment rights that are the bedrock of our democracy.