# 119-sres-204: 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, 2025.

119-sres-204, 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, 2025., is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI] (D-HI); status introduced (as of 2026-05-10).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-sres-204
- As of: 2026-05-10
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-sres-204
- Congress: 119
- Title: 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, 2025.
- Status: introduced
- Introduced: 2025-05-05
- Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI] (D-HI)
- Cosponsors: 9
- Policy area: International Affairs
- Touches household money: no
- Last recorded action: 2026-05-10

## Summary

**Press freedom** is essential to democracy and public accountability. This resolution would warn about growing global threats to journalists and urge U.S. leaders to act to protect journalists and defend independent media. - Journalists: Would call for the unconditional and immediate release of wrongfully detained journalists and condemn actions that led to at least 124 journalists and media workers killed in 2024 and about 361 journalists imprisoned that year. - U.S. foreign policy: Would ask the President and the Secretary of State to preserve U.S. leadership on press freedom, transparently investigate and bring to justice attackers of American journalists, and support accountability for attacks on journalists worldwide. - Democratic societies and the public: Affirms that an independent press helps expose corruption, refute authoritarian influence campaigns from the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, and inform voters about elections in 2025.

## Cosponsors (9)

- Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC] (R-NC), 2025-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA] (D-VA), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (D-OR), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD] (D-MD), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE] (D-DE), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] (D-IL), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA] (D-CA), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ] (D-NJ), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (D-OR), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z

## Related bills

- 119-s-5066: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026
- 119-s-51: Washington, D.C. Admission Act
- 119-s-5108: Right to IVF Act of 2026
- 119-s-1503: Equality Act
- 119-sres-913: A resolution relating to the death of the Honorable Nancy Kassebaum, former United States Senator for the State of Kansas.
- 119-sres-897: A resolution honoring the life, service, and legacy of the Honorable Jon Llewellyn Kyl, former Senator for the State of Arizona.

## Sources
- [119-sres-204 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-resolution/204)

## Related
- [119-s-5066: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5066)
- [119-s-51: Washington, D.C. Admission Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-51)
- [119-s-5108: Right to IVF Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5108)
- [119-s-1503: Equality Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-1503)
- [119-sres-913: A resolution relating to the death of the Honorable Nancy Kassebaum, former Uni…](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-sres-913)
- [119-sres-897: A resolution honoring the life, service, and legacy of the Honorable Jon Llewel…](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-sres-897)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-sres-204 (as of 2026-05-10).