WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SRES 715

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.

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Bennet and 8 co-sponsors

The bill urges the President and Secretary of State to protect journalists worldwide, investigate attacks, and hold perpetrators accountable to defend freedom of the press as essen

Submitted in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SRES 715

Summary of SRES 715 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

  • This Senate resolution recognizes escalating threats to freedom of the press and freedom of speech worldwide, with emphasis on the harm to journalists in conflict zones and under repressive regimes.
  • It reaffirms the vital role of a free, independent press in upholding democracy, supporting economic prosperity, and keeping the public informed.
  • It designates 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.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Acknowledgments:
    • Reiterates that a free press is foundational to American democracy and to global democratic governance.
    • Highlights the role of a robust independent press in countering malign influence campaigns by authoritarian states (e.g., Russia, China).
    • Emphasizes that censorship, including killings and harassment of journalists, undermines public knowledge of conflicts and other issues.
  • Context and evidence:
    • Cites ongoing declines in global press and internet freedom (references to Freedom House reports and Reporters Without Borders indices).
    • Documents numerous cases of journalists killed, detained, or harassed in conflict zones and under repressive regimes, including specific U.S. and international journalists.
    • Notes the use of spyware against journalists and media workers.
  • Congressional stance:
    • Declares that press freedom supports U.S. foreign policy goals related to countering authoritarianism, promoting democratic governance, human rights, transparency, and civil society participation.
  • Accountability and actions requested of executive branch:
    • Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to:
    • Preserve and strengthen U.S. leadership on press freedom and journalist safety.
    • Transparently investigate attacks on journalists and bring perpetrators to justice (including attacks on American journalists and, where possible, on journalists of other nationalities).
    • Promote respect and protection of press freedom globally.
  • Humanitarian and democratic emphasis:
    • Pays tribute to journalists who have sacrificed or lost their lives in pursuit of truth.
    • Calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all wrongfully detained journalists.
    • Affirms that press freedom is central to U.S. democracy promotion, conflict mitigation, human rights, and governance efforts both domestically and internationally.

Who is affected

  • U.S. Government policy and foreign relations posture regarding press freedom and journalist safety.
  • International journalists and media organizations, particularly those operating in conflict zones or repressive environments.
  • U.S. policymakers, including the President and the Secretary of State, who would be urged to take concrete actions to protect journalists and hold violators accountable.
  • The broader public, by underscoring the importance of independent media for transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on April 30, 2026.
  • This is a concurrent (non-binding) Senate resolution intended to express the Senate’s view and urge executive action rather than establish new law or mandatory programs.
  • The resolution commemorates World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2026, aligning with international observances.

Notable supporting context and background

  • References to existing U.S. and international frameworks:
    • First Amendment foundations for press freedom in the United States.
    • The Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act and the Global Magnitsky Act as precedents for promoting and measuring press freedom and holding violators accountable.
    • The Khashoggi Ban as part of visa restriction tools used to deter anti-journalist repression.
  • Cited data points from reputable watchdogs (Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists, PEN America) to illustrate trends in press freedom, journalist safety, and internet freedom.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, journalists, or general public) or compare it to prior resolutions on press freedom.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.