August 2, 2007 - As the Ranking Member of the U. S. House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, Congressman Trent Franks yesterday played an active role in the improvement and final passage of the Free Flow of Information Act, sometimes called the “Media Shield” Act.  Congressman Franks worked jointly with the bill’s sponsor and former Republican Study Committee Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) to craft a bill that would achieve the necessary federal protection for journalists while at the same time securing the national security of the United States and our Allies. 

Franks stated, “Despite the initial controversy surrounding this legislation, I was able to offer my support for the Media Shield bill after several substantive amendments were offered during the committee mark-up process, specifically related to the issue of national security.  I believe the final version of the bill creates an equitable balance between protecting the right of the people to a free and independent press, while avoiding provisions that might sanction illegal behavior or jeopardize the security of the United States against potential terrorists and other dangers.  The bill demonstrates the necessity of protecting one of the most effective checks on any government— a free people interacting with a free press.”

The Franks Amendment, adopted unanimously with complete bipartisan support on the Judiciary Committee, added the language that insured that our Allies’ fight in the war against terror and their efforts to secure their homeland from terrorist threats was secured as well.  Congressman Franks was invited by Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers and the bill’s sponsors to take a lead in a House Working Group that will shepherd the bill to final passage in the House of Representatives.

The bill’s underlying premise is that forcing reporters to disclose their sources sets an unwarranted, discrediting perception that journalists are nothing more than tools used to advance the government’s agenda. The result would be a chilling effect among the media, which would undermine the Founding Fathers' belief that this nation is best served by an informed public and a free press.