NAB applauds House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (MI-14), Reps. Rick Boucher (VA-09), Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) and their Judiciary Committee colleagues for approving H.R. 985, the Free Flow of Information Act. The legislation, which would establish a federal law allowing journalists to protect the identity of confidential sources, passed by a voice vote on March 25.

Commenting on the Judiciary Committee action, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton issued the following statement:

"For years, broadcast journalists have demonstrated a commitment to keeping Americans informed with timely investigative reporting on issues of critical importance. Key to this effort is a reporter's ability to retain access to confidential sources without fear of prosecutorial reprisal. NAB thanks Chairman Conyers and Reps. Boucher, Goodlatte and Pence for their continued leadership on this issue, and we look forward to passage by the full House and Senate."

On March 24, NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr sent a letter to Chairman Conyers thanking him for his leadership on the issue and urging swift passage of the bill. With today's action, H.R. 985 will now go before the full House of Representatives for approval. Companion legislation in the Senate, S. 448, is awaiting committee consideration.