Bill · H.R. 7930· House(119-HR-7930)
Daniel Ellsberg Press Freedom and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/12/2026
- Last activity
- 3/12/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Rashida Tlaib
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Daniel Ellsberg Press Freedom and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2026," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code regarding the Espionage Act. It seeks to increase the mens rea requirements for offenses under the Act. The legislation changes the standards for gathering, transmitting, or losing defense information, as well as the disclosure of classified information. It also introduces new definitions for "covered person" and "foreign agent." Additionally, the bill creates new provisions regarding the testimony of purpose and affirmative defenses for defendants charged under sections 793 or 798.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+7
The bill protects individual expression by creating affirmative defenses for those disclosing information in the public interest.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+7
The bill enhances protections for speech related to whistleblowing by introducing specific intent requirements and affirmative defenses.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill facilitates transparency by protecting individuals who disclose government mismanagement, waste, or illegalities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Legal Protections for Whistleblowers: Under Section 2(c), a new affirmative defense is created. This allows individuals charged with offenses under sections 793 or 798 to argue they engaged in the conduct to disclose violations of law, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or dangers to public health and safety.
-
Right to Explain Intent: Section 2(c)(1) adds Section 799A, which allows a defendant charged with an offense under section 793 or 798 to testify about their specific purpose for the conduct in question.
-
Higher Standards of Intent for Prosecution: Section 2(a) amends subsection (a) of section 793 to replace "with intent or reason to believe" with "with specific intent." Furthermore, subsections (d) and (e) are amended to require that the individual acts "with specific intent to injure the United States or advantage any foreign nation."
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Narrower Scope of Crimes for Covered Persons: Section 2(a) modifies the definitions of offenses under section 793 to apply specifically to a "covered person." A "covered person" is defined as an individual who receives official access to classified information, signs a nondisclosure agreement, and is authorized to receive specific national defense materials by the President or a designated agency head.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Due Process+6Improves Government Transparency+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+5
- 3/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/12/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Jesús GarcíaDemocrat · Illinois
Summer LeeDemocrat · Pennsylvania
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Ilhan OmarDemocrat · Minnesota
Delia RamirezDemocrat · Illinois
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan