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SR715

A resolution recognizing escalating threats to freedom of the press and freedom of speech worldwide, including increasing harm to journalists reporting in conflict zones and under repressive regimes, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in upholding democracy, fostering economic prosperity, and keeping the public informed, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of "World Press Freedom Day" on May 3, 2026.

Introduced·4/30/26
Introduced
Introduced in Senate · May 6, 2026

April 30, 2026

Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Welch, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Coons, and Mr. Bennet) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

RESOLUTION

Recognizing escalating threats to freedom of the press and freedom of speech worldwide, including increasing harm to journalists reporting in conflict zones and under repressive regimes, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in upholding democracy, fostering economic prosperity, and keeping the public informed, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of “World Press Freedom Day” on May 3, 2026.

  1. (1) declares that a free press—
    1. (A) is a central component of free societies and democratic governance;
    2. (B) contributes to an informed civil society and government accountability;
    3. (C) helps to expose corruption;
    4. (D) enhances public accountability and transparency of governments at all levels; and
    5. (E) disseminates information that is essential to improving public health and safety;
  2. (2) expresses concerns about threats to the exercise of freedom of expression, including by the press, around the world;
  3. (3) recognizes and commends journalism’s role in providing trusted, accurate, and timely information and in holding governments and leaders accountable to citizens, including for human rights abuses;
  4. (4) recognizes the indispensable role of journalists and media outlets in informing voters and the international community about elections in multiple countries worldwide in 2025;
  5. (5) recognizes the critical importance of international journalists’ access to conflict zones to conduct independent reporting;
  6. (6) pays tribute to journalists who made tremendous sacrifices, including the loss of their lives, in the pursuit of truth and justice;
  7. (7) condemns all actions around the world that suppress press freedom and endanger the safety of journalists;
  8. (8) calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all wrongfully detained journalists;
  9. (9) reaffirms the centrality of press freedom to efforts of the United States Government to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote human rights and good governance domestically and around the world; and
  10. (10) calls upon the President and the Secretary of State—
    1. (A) to preserve and build upon the leadership of the United States on issues relating to press freedom and journalist safety, on the basis of the protections for freedom of the press afforded to the American people under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States;
    2. (B) to transparently investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks and threats against American journalists;
    3. (C) to support transparent investigations and efforts to ensure accountability for attacks against journalists of other nationalities; and
    4. (D) to promote the respect and protection of press freedom around the world.