Congressman Deutch (FL-21) has cosponsored H.R. 1962, the Free Flow of Information Act of 2013.

In light of recent controversies regarding the seizure of journalists’ records, it has become even more apparent that US law must protect journalists against any invasion of First Amendment rights. H.R. 1962 is a bill that would shield journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources during federal court proceedings. The only exception to this rule would be when a court has determined that disclosing confidential sources is imperative to thwarting an actual or imminent threat to national security or public safety.

This bill protects the rights guaranteed to all citizens in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the freedom of the press to report without fear of reprisal from the government. Journalists will not have to work in fear of legal repercussion, and the confidentiality of sources will not be violated. H.R. 1962 balances the needs of the press and the government’s responsibility to protect US national security.

To read more about H.R. 1962, click here.