Bill · H.Res. 386· House(119-HRES-386)
Condemning recent attacks on the free press by President Donald J. Trump and reaffirming the United States commitment to preserving and protecting freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democracy.
- Introduced
- 5/6/2025
- Last activity
- 5/6/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Steve Cohen
- Cosponsors
- - 14 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
H. Res. 386 is a resolution that condemns attacks on the free press by President Donald J. Trump. It claims the President has harmed press freedoms through inflammatory rhetoric, lawsuits, and efforts to defund certain broadcasters. The resolution reaffirms that a free press is essential for democracy and government accountability. It urges the executive branch to respect journalists' rights and calls for the release of 11 USAGM journalists imprisoned abroad. Finally, it expresses solidarity with journalists facing threats or violence.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+8
The resolution explicitly condemns attacks on the free press and reaffirms First Amendment protections.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+8
The resolution reaffirms the commitment to preserving and protecting freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democracy.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The resolution emphasizes that a free press is essential for ensuring government accountability.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Preservation of Democracy: The resolution reaffirms the role of a free press in ensuring government accountability and an informed citizenry, which it describes as fundamental to preserving democracy.
-
Protection of Journalists: The resolution urges the executive branch to let journalists perform their duties without fear of retaliation and expresses solidarity with those facing harassment or violence.
-
International Aid: The resolution calls for efforts to secure the release of 11 USAGM journalists who are currently imprisoned abroad.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Loss of Public Broadcasting: The text notes that the President has sought to defund National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), including an executive order to stop funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
-
Risk to USAGM Staff: The text states that international employees of USAGM risk deportation to hostile countries without U.S. support and protection.
-
Exposure of Sources: The resolution mentions the rescinding of a Department of Justice policy against subpoenaing journalists, which exposes the sources of journalists to potential identification and punishment.
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+8Improves Government Transparency+7Improves Privacy Rights+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+8
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+3
- 7/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/20/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/6/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 10 Cosponsors added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Gerald ConnollyDemocrat · Virginia
Salud CarbajalDemocrat · California
Gilbert CisnerosDemocrat · California
Sarah ElfrethDemocrat · Maryland
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts
Dave MinDemocrat · California
Jerrold NadlerDemocrat · New York
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Janice SchakowskyDemocrat · Illinois
Mary Gay ScanlonDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan