Representative Pence on the House floor, urging Senate action on the Free Flow of Information Act Related Documents Congressman Pence Urges Senate Action on Media Shield Bill

Washington, Apr 21, 2008 -

Congressman Mike Pence, the co-author of the Free Flow of Information Act, gave this one minute speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today, urging the Senate to vote on the Free Flow of Information Act:

“Three years ago I authored H.R. 2102, The Free Flow of Information Act, with my colleague Rick Boucher from the state of Virginia.

“As a conservative who believes in limited government, I believe the only check on government power in real time is a free and independent press.  The Free Flow of Information Act is not about protecting reporters; it’s about protecting the public’s right to know.

“The American people should know, Madam Speaker, we’re at a unique moment in the history of this legislation. The overwhelming bipartisan House passage of the Free Flow of Information Act has now been joined with Senate action that includes the leadership of Senator Richard Lugar, Senator Arlen Specter, Senator Patrick Leahy and others. Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton added themselves as co-sponsors of the bill this week, and I heartily welcome the endorsement of Senator John McCain of this legislation.

“I believe there is now a bipartisan majority in both the House and the Senate to support this vital legislation and ensure the vitality of a free and independent press for generations to come.

“We just need one vote in the other body, and with it I believe we’ll put a stitch in this tear in the First Amendment freedom of the press.”