Bill · S.Res. 204· Senate(119-SRES-204)
A resolution recognizing escalating threats to freedom of the press and freedom of speech worldwide, including increasing harm to journalists reporting in conflict zones and under repressive regimes, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in upholding democracy, fostering economic prosperity, and keeping the public informed, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of "World Press Freedom Day" on May 3, 2025.
- Introduced
- 5/5/2025
- Last activity
- 5/5/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2759-2760)
- Sponsored by
- Brian Schatz
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
S. Res. 204 is a resolution recognizing the growing threats to freedom of speech and the press globally, especially for journalists in conflict zones and under repressive regimes. It reaffirms that a free press is essential for democracy, economic prosperity, and keeping the public informed. The resolution commemorates World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2025. It condemns the suppression of press freedom and calls for the release of wrongfully detained journalists. Finally, it asks the President and Secretary of State to maintain U.S. leadership in protecting journalist safety and promoting press freedom worldwide.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+10
The bill is a direct affirmation of the global right to freedom of speech and press.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+10
The bill explicitly recognizes and reaffirms the vital importance of freedom of speech and the press.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
Declares that a free press enhances public accountability and transparency of governments at all levels.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Government Accountability: A free press helps expose corruption and enhances the transparency of governments at all levels, which benefits the public by holding leaders accountable. (Resolved Section 1)
-
Public Health and Safety: The dissemination of information by a free press is described as essential for improving the health and safety of the public. (Resolved Section 1)
-
Protection of Journalists: The resolution calls for the unconditional and immediate release of wrongfully detained journalists and urges the U.S. government to investigate and bring perpetrators of attacks against American journalists to justice. (Resolved Sections 7 and 9)
-
Support for Democracy: By reaffirming press freedom as a priority, the U.S. government aims to support human rights, good governance, and the countering of authoritarianism. (Introductory Paragraph and Resolved Section 8)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for individuals or groups in the United States are explicitly stated in the provided text.
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+10Improves Government Transparency+7Improves Privacy Rights+2Improves Electoral Process+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+10Improves Gender Equality+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves International Alliances+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+2Improves Internet Access+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1
- 5/6/2025
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- 5/5/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2759-2760)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon