US Codex
Bill
Notes

A resolution responding to widening threats to freedoms of the press and expression around the world, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance on World Press Freedom Day.

H. Res. 345 · 116th Congress · Jul 15, 2019 · Lineage

RESOLUTION

That the House of Representatives—
(1)
condemns threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world;
(2)
remembers the bravery of journalists and media workers around the world who, despite threats to their safety, play an essential role in—
(A)
promoting government accountability;
(B)
defending democratic activity; and
(C)
strengthening civil society;
(3)
remembers journalists who have lost their lives carrying out their work;
(4)
calls on governments abroad to implement United Nations General Assembly Resolution 163 (2013) by thoroughly investigating and seeking to resolve outstanding cases of violence against journalists, including murders and kidnappings, while ensuring the protection of witnesses;
(5)
condemns all actions around the world that suppress freedom of the press;
(6)
reaffirms the centrality of freedom of the press to efforts of the United States Government to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote good governance around the world; and
(7)
calls on the President and the Secretary of State—
(A)
to preserve and build upon the leadership of the United States on issues relating to freedom of the press, on the basis of the protections afforded the American people under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States;
(B)
to improve the rapid identification, publication, and response by the United States Government to threats against freedom of the press around the world;
(C)
to urge foreign governments to transparently investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists; and
(D)
to highlight the issue of threats against freedom of the press in the annual country reports on human rights practices of the Department of State and through diplomatic channels.