Limit secrecy

July 21, 2008 05:04 pm

— The U.S. Senate should follow the lead of the House of Representatives by overwhelmingly approving the Free Flow of Information Act. Simply put, the bill would establish a federal shield law to protect reporters from being forced to reveal confidential sources. Such protection is crucial to preserving the critical flow of information between anonymous government officials and the press.
Currently, 33 states protect reporters from being compelled to reveal confidential sources, but the lack of a federal law does not protect the identity of confidential federal informants. That’s needed to protect the public’s right to know what their government and its employees are doing.
The Free Flow of Information Act was approved by the House by a lopsided 398 to 21 margin, clearly indicating broad, bipartisan support. Both Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama have said they support the bill and will vote for it.
The bill does not give absolute protection to reporters and their sources. It includes a number of exceptions to address national security and safety concerns.
There has been far too much secrecy in government during the two terms of President George W. Bush. It is time the Senate helps limit such secrecy by enacting a shield law that is long overdue.