S. Res. 447 — what changed
Recognizing the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority in the efforts of the United States Government to promote democracy and good governance.
From Reported in Senate to Agreed to Senate. 1 section amended between Reported in Senate and Agreed to Senate.
That the Senate—
expresses concern about the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world following World Press Freedom Day, held on May 3, 2014;
commends journalists and media workers around the world for their essential role in promoting government accountability, defending democratic activity, and strengthening civil society, despite threats to their safety;
pays tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives carrying out their work;
calls on governments abroad to implement United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/68/163), by thoroughly investigating and seeking to resolve outstanding cases of violence against journalists, including murders and kidnappings, while ensuring the protection of witnesses;
condemns all actions around the world that suppress freedom of the press, such as the recent kidnappings of journalists and media workers in eastern Ukraine by pro-Russian militant groups;
reaffirms the centrality of freedom of the press to efforts by the United States Government to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote good governance domestically and around the world; and
calls on the President and the Secretary of State—
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to improve the means by which ensure that the United States Government rapidly identifies, publicizes, and responds to threats against freedom of the press around the world;
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to continue to urge foreign governments to transparently investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists; and
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to continue to highlight the issue of threats against freedom of the press year-round.