Reporter Shield Law Moves Ahead in Senate

A proposed federal law that would protect journalists from having to reveal their sources in federal court has moved forward in the U.S. Senate.

The Free Flow of Information Act was passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee onto the floor today, reports the Associated Press. If enacted, it would provide the first federal shield for reporters, the AP notes in an earlier story.

However, the proposed bill contains exceptions concerning terrorism investigations and similar national security concerns—exceptions which reflect compromises that helped the bill garner the support it needs to potentially be enacted into law, as discussed in an earlier ABAJournal.com post.

It is supported by at least 50 media organizations, including the AP. It is opposed by the Bush administration, based on national security concerns.