Shield law falls short · 30 July 08
Looks like the vote on a federal shield law fell short of success today in D.C. Leaders of the Society of Professional Journalists are expressing disappointment in the Senate’s vote, which stalled S. 2035, the Senate version of the Free Flow of Information Act.
A majority vote in favor of ending talks on 2035 would have sent the shield law to the senate floor. It received only 51 of the necessary 60 votes. The 43 senators who voted against cloture, mostly Republican, cited a pending energy bill as motivation. Senate Republicans are threatening to block most Senate business to push through the vote on increased domestic fuel production.
SPJ President Clint Brewer said the organization will continue to encourage a climate where journalism can be practiced freely and will push others to do the same.
The Society and its leaders encourage journalists across the country to contact their senators and voice their support for the bill. Contact information can be found at Senate.gov.
