Condemning recent attacks on the free press by President Donald J. Trump and reaffirming the United States commitment to preserving and protecting freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democracy.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 386
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:59:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 386) aims to condemn specific actions by President Donald J. Trump that are seen as attacks on the free press. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to protecting freedom of the press, described as a fundamental element of democracy that ensures government accountability, an informed public, and protection of basic rights.
Key Provisions
The resolution is structured around "Whereas" clauses that outline concerns and a "Resolved" section with specific actions for the House of Representatives:
- Background Concerns ("Whereas" Clauses):
- Emphasizes the role of a free press in democracy.
- Lists alleged actions by President Trump, including:
- Accusing media outlets (e.g., The Washington Post, CNN) of illegal behavior without evidence.
- Labeling networks like CNN and MSNBC as political tools of the Democratic Party.
- Excluding the Associated Press from White House access, leading to First Amendment lawsuits (the First Amendment protects free speech and press rights).
- Suing CBS News over an interview edit and threatening to revoke broadcast licenses.
- Attempting to defund National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) through probes and executive orders.
- Refusing questions from NBC reporters and pressuring PBS on diversity policies via funding threats.
- Rescinding a Department of Justice policy that protected journalists from subpoenas (legal orders to provide information), potentially exposing sources to punishment.
- Highlights reductions to the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), affecting outlets like Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and others that provide news to areas without free press.
- Notes risks to 11 imprisoned USAGM reporters abroad and visa issues for international staff.
- Warns that these actions undermine First Amendment rights, encourage authoritarian regimes, and endanger global journalists.
- Actions for the House ("Resolved" Section):
- Strongly condemns Trump's attacks on the press and efforts to undermine journalistic institutions.
- Reaffirms the vital role of a free press in democracy and accountability.
- Urges the executive branch (the President's administration) to respect journalists' rights and allow them to work without retaliation.
- Calls for efforts to free the 11 imprisoned USAGM journalists.
- Expresses solidarity with journalists facing threats or violence for their work.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's opinion but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It has no legal force and cannot enforce changes, such as restoring funding or policies. However, it could influence future legislation or executive actions by highlighting concerns.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May pressure agencies like the Department of Justice, Federal Communications Commission, and USAGM to reconsider actions against media, potentially stabilizing funding and operations for public broadcasters.
- On Citizens: Reinforces public trust in the press by condemning attacks, which could encourage civic engagement and media literacy, while protecting journalists' ability to inform the public without fear.
- On International Relations: Affirms the U.S. as a leader in press freedom, potentially strengthening diplomatic efforts against censorship abroad and supporting U.S.-funded global media, but could strain relations with countries viewing it as interference.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Journalists and Media Outlets: Domestic (e.g., CNN, NPR, PBS) and international (e.g., Voice of America, Radio Free Asia) reporters, who face direct threats to access, funding, and safety.
- Government Entities: The executive branch (President's administration), USAGM, and congressional committees (Judiciary and Foreign Affairs) involved in oversight.
- International Communities: Imprisoned USAGM staff, global journalists in authoritarian regimes, and U.S. allies promoting free expression.
- The Public: American citizens relying on an independent press for information and accountability.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Invokes the First Amendment, highlighting potential violations through executive actions that restrict press access or protect sources. It underscores risks of subpoenas and funding cuts as threats to free speech, but as a resolution, it cannot resolve ongoing lawsuits (e.g., against CBS or Associated Press).
- Political: Introduced by Democratic representatives, it reflects partisan divides on media relations and executive power. It could galvanize support for press protections in Congress but risks being seen as politically motivated criticism, potentially escalating tensions between branches of government without binding outcomes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (14)
Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Condemning recent attacks on the free press by President Donald J. Trump and reaffirming the United States commitment to preserving and protecting freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democracy. — issued 2025-05-06 — PDF (4 pages)