Wamp Backs Free Flow Of Information Act
October 16, 2007

Congressman Zach Wamp voted Tuesday in support of the Free Flow of Information Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 398 to 21.

The federal media shield law provides ground rules for when the confidential relationship between reporters and their sources can be protected.

“Freedom of the press is fundamental to keeping the American public well informed. The press must remain free and independent of government influence. I have cosponsored this bill in the past to allow journalists to protect the identity of their confidential sources and voted for it today,” said Congressman Wamp.

The Free Flow of Information Act provides a privilege in federal court proceedings for reporters to refrain from revealing their confidential sources, similar to the privilege currently offered by 32 states and the District of Columbia. The bill allows for some exceptions for disclosure where a strong public interest compels it. The exceptions are to prevent an imminent and actual harm to national security; to prevent imminent death or significant bodily harm; or to determine who has disclosed trade secrets, personal health, or financial information in violation of law.