It seems that no matter what is on the agenda of the Senate Judiciary Committee, it is deemed more important than the reporters shield, otherwise known as S. 448, Free Flow of Information Act of 2009. This time consideration of the Performance Rights Act ate up all of the debate time on a session constricted by action on the Senate floor. The shield was held over yet again, for the fifth time.
And next week, for the sixth time, it will be on the mark up agenda again. The committee will also consider its companion House version, H.R. 985, Free Flow of Information Act of 2009. The session is scheduled for Thursday 10/22/09 at 10AM.
Competing for attention will be a couple of crime-related bills. One of them looks particularly popular – it has no less than ten senators signed on to it at co-sponsors.
Will S.1340, Crime Victims Fund Preservation Act of 2009 or S.714, National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009 knock reporters silly one more time? Stay tuned.
