The House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government is currently hosting a hearing on freedom of the press and protecting journalists, as the Biden Regime attempts to infringe on the rights of the press and shape news stories to fit their narrative.
Rep Chip Roy opened the hearing at 9:30 am ET, remarking, “Today’s hearing is about defending our fundamental liberty and protecting journalists and their sources from these attacks. We will examine the federal government’s infringement on the freedom of the press and examine the prospects for federal shield law.”
Witnesses include investigative journalists Catherine Herridge and Sharyl Attkisson and Chief Broadcast Officer at SAG-AFTRA News & Broadcast Department Mary Cavallaro.
Recall that last month, Catherine Herridge, an Emmy-winning and nominated reporter known for her work on national security and intelligence, was held in civil contempt by an Obama-appointed federal judge for her refusal to unmask her confidential sources related to a blockbuster story on how there is infiltration from China in US universities.
The judge ordered Herridge to turn over her source(s) in response to a lawsuit that was filed by Chinese-American scientist Yanping Chen against the FBI. Chen subpoenaed Herridge in an effort to find out who her sources were. When Herridge refused, she was threatened with contempt charges and potential jail time.
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Full Testimony:
Journalist Catherine Herridge Breaks Her Silence With Powerful Statement At House Hearing
In a striking rebuke of the Biden DOJ’s assault on journalistic freedoms, Catherine Herridge faced down government overreach in the House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing, championing the Press Act while her own legal battle against compelled source disclosure unfolds. Herridge, renowned for her work with Fox News and CBS News, delivered her opening statement on Thursday, marking her first public words since being embroiled in a significant First Amendment dispute.
Herridge, who is facing contempt of court charges for refusing to disclose her sources in stories involving a scientist under FBI scrutiny, transitioned to CBS News from Fox News in 2019. Unfortunately, she was part of a group of 20 employees laid off by CBS in February. The hearing on Thursday went on to criticize the federal government’s encroachments on the press freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. Herridge, recently held in contempt of court for her refusal to disclose her sources, pointed to the existential threats such legal actions pose to journalistic integrity and the free flow of information crucial to a democratic society.
“I was held in contempt of court for refusing to disclose my confidential sources on a national security story,” Herridge recounted. “This legislation will provide protections for every working journalist in the United States now and for the next generation,” she explained, referring to the Bipartisan Press Act.
Herridge’s testimony vividly painted the chilling effect that the threat of contempt charges and the pressure to reveal confidential sources exert on investigative journalism. She argued that without stringent protections, the willingness of sources to come forward with vital information would severely diminish, undermining the press’s role in holding power to account. Drawing from her own harrowing experience, Herridge called attention to the implications of her case, which stems from a Privacy Act lawsuit. “Forcing a reporter to disclose confidential sources would have a crippling effect on investigative journalism,” she explained.
Amidst personal and professional turmoil, including being laid off and having her reporting files seized by CBS News, Herridge’s resolve has only strengthened. “The First Amendment, the protection of confidential sources, and a free press are my guiding principles,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the wide-ranging support from fellow journalists, First Amendment organizations, and notably, her former employer, Fox News.
“I deeply appreciate the Committee’s commitment to this legislation and holding this public hearing,” Herridge concluded.
Herridge has been recognized for her detailed reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop scandal. She is also an award-winning journalist who departed CBS News in February amid layoffs by its corporate parent Paramount. Herridge is said to have met with X CEO Linda Yaccarino at The Jefferson Hotel in Washington, DC, earlier in March for a potential show on the platform.
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