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119-sres-715119th Congress

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.

Sponsored By: Senator Schatz, Brian [D-HI]

Introduced

Summary

A free and independent press is vital to democracy. This resolution would declare press freedom a U.S. government priority and call for steps to protect journalists and promote accountability worldwide.

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  • Journalists and media workers: Calls attention to rising threats, including killings, detentions, spyware, and named cases. It cites at least 227 journalists killed in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon since October 7, 2023, and more than 300 journalists detained worldwide at the end of 2025.
  • U.S. diplomacy and accountability: Urges continued U.S. leadership and use of tools such as the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act, Global Magnitsky sanctions, and the Khashoggi Ban to investigate attacks and hold perpetrators accountable, and it designates May 3, 2026 as World Press Freedom Day for commemoration.
  • Public information and democracy: Frames press freedom as key to transparency, countering authoritarian information campaigns, and civic participation, noting long-term declines in press and internet freedom and that about 40% of people live in “Not Free” countries.

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Bill Overview

No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Schatz, Brian [D-HI]

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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