1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

A free and independent press is essential to democracy, accountability, and the public’s right to know. Yet journalists face increasing threats, intimidation, legal harassment, and efforts to discredit or silence reporting that holds power accountable. These attacks undermine trust, chill truthful reporting, and weaken democratic institutions. The federal government has a responsibility to protect press freedom, not erode it. That means defending reporters from retaliation, opposing surveillance or prosecution aimed at journalists and their sources, and ensuring transparency laws are upheld rather than undermined. When journalism is attacked, corruption thrives and the public loses its voice. Protecting the press protects democracy itself. I urge you to defend the First Amendment, stand against efforts to intimidate or suppress journalists, and take concrete action to safeguard a free, independent, and fearless press.