Proposed legislation – expected to be introduced this week – seeks to create a permanent memorial in Washington DC that will "commemorate America’s commitment to a free press by honoring journalists who have sacrificed their lives in service to that cause."
While I enthusiastically support the creation of this memorial to journalists, and I applaud the efforts of the people, and organizations, behind this project, I nevertheless remain disappointed that legislators have so far failed to show similar bipartisan support for important efforts that would proactively protect and support journalists who are fulfilling their watch dog responsibilities.
Needed legislation such as the Journalist Protection Act – H.R. 4935, and much-needed federal shield laws would prove that Congress is prepared to proactively defend and protect America's journalists from physical and political attack that have become the status quo.