House Democrats Propose ‘Journalist Protection Act’
Join us and tell your reps how you feel!
What’s the story?
Thirteen congressional Democrats are sponsoring the Journalist Protection Act, which would make it a federal crime to intimidate or assault a reporter while they’re working.
Why does it matter?
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who sits on the House Intelligence and Judiciary committee, said the legislation was necessary because of President Donald Trump’s rising hostility towards the media.
"President Donald Trump’s campaign and administration have created a toxic atmosphere," Swalwell said in a press release. He added,
"It’s not just about labeling reports of his constant falsehoods as #FakeNews—it’s his casting of media personalities and outlets as anti-American targets, and encouraging people to engage in violence."
Today I intro'd the #JournalistProtectionAct to make a federal crime of certain physical attacks on those reporting the news. A free press is a pillar of our democracy; we can’t let violence proliferate in this toxic atmosphere that President Trump has created. pic.twitter.com/VXQMABw1uF
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) February 5, 2018
The president has described mainstream media outlets as "a stain on America," “trying to take away our history and our heritage,” and “the enemy of the American People.” He’s also retweeted videos of himself body-slamming a person with the CNN logo on their face.
#FraudNewsCNN #FNN pic.twitter.com/WYUnHjjUjg
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 2, 2017
Last month, a man was arrested for calling CNN and telling an operator, "Fake news. I’m coming to gun you all down."
The bill is supported by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and by News Media for Open Government.
What do you think?
Do journalists need a bill protecting their safety? Or are they "a stain on America"? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
Related Reading
Photo Credit: Walmart)
The Latest
-
IT: Battles between students and police intensify, and... 💻 Should we regulate AI access to our private data?Welcome to Thursday, May 2nd, listeners... The battle between protesters and police intensifies on college campuses across the read more...
-
Should U.S. Implement Laws Protecting Private Data from AI Access?Artificial intelligence is rapidly integrating into our everyday lives, transforming the way we work, live, and interact with read more... Artificial Intelligence
-
Protests Grow Nationwide as Students Demand Divestment From IsraelUpdated May 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST The battle between protesters and police has intensified on college campuses across the read more... Advocacy
-
IT: Rumors spread about ICC charging Israel with war crimes, and... Should states disqualify Trump?Welcome to Tuesday, April 30th, friends... Rumors spread that the International Criminal Court could issue arrest warrants for read more...