Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act

Restore Pentagon press access for journalists

If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to restore press access to Pentagon areas that were open to credentialed journalists on May 22, 2025, including the "Correspondents' Corridor." If enacted, unescorted access would be returned where journalists had it on that date. If enacted, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency would be designated to run security reviews for Pentagon Facilities Alternative Credentials, and career officials would do timely, final reviews not subject to reversal by political appointees or policies that restrict First Amendment activity. If enacted, the Department would have to consult the House and Senate Armed Services Committees before changing press workspaces, access areas, or credentials. The bill would also seek to remove restrictions from Defense memos dated May 23 and October 6, 2025.