Prioritize passage of PRESS Act for press freedoms

The PRESS Act is a crucial piece of legislation that safeguards the freedom of the press and the public's right to access information by preventing unnecessary government surveillance of journalists. With its unanimous House approval nearly a year ago, the bill enjoys broad bipartisan backing. However, the current Senate session is nearing its end, leaving little time for the PRESS Act to be passed into law. This bill would prohibit federal agencies from targeting journalists and their sources through subpoenas, warrants, or accessing records held by third parties like Google or Meta, except in rare cases involving imminent violence or terrorism. It provides critical protections for journalists engaging in legitimate newsgathering activities, shielding them from unwarranted intrusions that could deter whistleblowers and impede the free flow of information to the public. Given the bipartisan nature of this legislation and the fundamental democratic principles it upholds, passing the PRESS Act should be a top priority before the Senate's window closes. Failing to act risks leaving journalists vulnerable to the whims of shifting Justice Department policies or potential retaliation from future administrations hostile to press freedoms. Enshrining these protections into federal law is vital to safeguarding robust journalism and government accountability. The Senate must seize this opportunity to secure the PRESS Act's passage and fortify the role of a free press in American democracy.