S. Res. 595 (Introduced in Senate) — Recognizing 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 free societies and democracies, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2020.

That the Senate—

(1)

declares that a free press—

(A)

is a central component of free societies, democratic governance, and contributes to an informed civil society, and government accountability;

(B)

helps expose corruption, and enhances public accountability and transparency of governments at all levels; and

(C)

disseminates information essential to improving public health and safety;

(2)

condemns threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world; and

(3)

in remembrance of journalists who have lost their lives carrying out their vital work—

(A)

calls on governments abroad to implement United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/163 (2013) by thoroughly investigating and seeking to resolve outstanding cases of violence against journalists, including murders and kidnappings, while ensuring the protection of witnesses;

(B)

condemns all actions around the world that suppress freedom of the press;

(C)

calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all imprisoned journalists;

(D)

reaffirms the centrality of freedom of the press to efforts of the United States Government to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote good governance domestically and around the world; and

(E)

calls upon the President and the Secretary of State—

(i)

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;

(ii)

to improve the rapid identification, publication, and response by the United States Government to threats against freedom of the press around the world;

(iii)

to urge foreign governments to protect the free flow of information and to transparently investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists; and

(iv)

to promote the respect and protection of freedom of the press around the world.

Cite this provision

Incoming references