Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
A resolution condemning recent attacks on the free press by President Donald J. Trump and reaffirming the United States commitment to preserving and protecting freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democracy.
A Democratic resolution with 10 Democratic cosponsors · See all 11 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2777)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution aims to condemn recent attacks on the free press by President Donald J. Trump. It seeks to reaffirm the United States' commitment to protecting freedom of the press as a vital part of democracy. The text outlines several actions taken by the President that allegedly harm press freedoms, such as targeting specific media outlets and seeking to defund public broadcasting. It also notes the impact of executive actions on the United States Agency for Global Media. Finally, the resolution calls for the release of imprisoned journalists and expresses solidarity with those facing threats.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +7
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The resolution explicitly condemns attacks on press freedom and reaffirms the First Amendment's protections.
- Scored +7
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?
The resolution reaffirms the commitment to protecting press freedom and freedom of speech as cornerstones of democracy.
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
By advocating for a free press, the resolution supports the primary mechanism for ensuring government accountability and transparency.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Preserving Democracy and Accountability: The resolution reaffirms that a free press is fundamental to ensuring government accountability and maintaining an informed citizenry (Whereas clause 1).
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Protection of Journalists: The resolution urges the executive branch to allow journalists to perform their duties without fear of retaliation (Resolved section 3).
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Support for Imprisoned Reporters: The resolution calls for continued efforts to secure the release of 11 USAGM journalists who are currently behind bars abroad (Resolved section 4).
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Solidarity for At-Risk Workers: The resolution expresses solidarity with journalists who face harassment, violence, or threats due to their public service (Resolved section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risk to International Employees: USAGM employees working in Washington, D.C., or abroad, who are on work visas, face the risk of deportation to hostile countries (Whereas clause regarding USAGM).
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Threat to Journalist Sources: The rescinding of a Department of Justice policy against subpoenaing journalists exposes their sources to the threat of identification and punishment (Whereas clause 8).
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Threats to Global Journalists: The actions described set a precedent that could embolden authoritarian regimes to suppress expression, which endangers the lives of journalists working in those countries (Whereas clause regarding dangerous precedent).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The resolution explicitly condemns attacks on press freedom and reaffirms the First Amendment's protections. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — By advocating for a free press, the resolution supports the primary mechanism for ensuring government accountability and transparency. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill opposes the rescinding of policies that protect journalists from being subpoenaed, which protects source privacy.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The resolution reaffirms the commitment to protecting press freedom and freedom of speech as cornerstones of democracy.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The resolution calls for the release of imprisoned journalists abroad and promotes US leadership in championing press freedom globally.
- 5/6/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2777)
- 11 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont