Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) was unable to quell misgivings about the new, supposedly-improved compromise version of the reporters shield bill, forcing it right back into its no-action cubbyhole. RTDNA, speaking for broadcasters, was disappointed with the result.
“The continued attempts to give the government the ability to override the shield law would make it a paper shield at best,” said RTDNA Chairman Stacey Woelfel. “While I’m disappointed the committee did not vote to pass the bill today, my hope is that senators can regroup to bring a stronger version of the bill back for consideration as soon as possible.”
According to RTDNA, some Republicans on the panel said the bill may be a compromise version, but it didn’t include compromises they might have suggested. Leahy adjourned the meeting ahead of a possible flurry of amendment attempts. Leahy also threatened to bypass the Judiciary Committee entirely and take the bill straight to the floor of the Senate.
RBR-TVBR observation: This bill will pass. Some day. It really will.
