Key conservative presses for shield law after seizure of NYT reporter's records

[DonViejo]

Source: The Hill




BY SCOTT WONG - 06/15/18 06:03 AM EDT

The Justice Department’s seizure of a New York Times reporter’s private email and phone records has sparked one of President Trump’s top GOP allies in Congress to say he’ll aggressively pursue legislation to protect journalists.

Freedom Caucus leader Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a possible candidate for Speaker, said the need for a federal media “shield” law is even more critical after the taking of reporter Ali Watkins’ records. The shield law he’s proposed would protect journalists from being forced by the government to turn over their records or sources, and is similar to a bill that had been co-authored by Vice President Mike Pence.

“For me, it truly is about the Constitution,” Jordan, a former attorney, told The Hill in an interview.

“When you think about the context of the last several years, you’ve seen the IRS target conservative for their political beliefs. You’ve seen what the FBI was trying to do with phones and Apple encryption. You’ve seen this deal with the FBI and this reporter, Ali Watkins,” he said.

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/house/392322-key-conservative-presses-for-shield-law-after-seizure-of-nyt-reporters-records

[lagomorph777]

1. Interesting.

I wonder what he's been up to.

[CanonRay]

2. If it's truly about the Constitution

why haven't I heard of him once criticizing Trump, who violates the Constitution on a daily and ongoing basis?

[marieo1]

3. minngal

I'm shocked DJT has any allies in congress!! Can't they see, can't they hear, can't they read, what a total idiot DJT is. I just don't get it, what kind of a human being is able to overlook all the horrible things he does and wants to do. It's a sham and a horrible shame. Shame on anyone that supports DJT and his cohorts.

[czarjak]

4. Jim Jordon?

Who knew!

[relogic]

5. What repub tripe.

“The shield law he’s proposed would protect journalists from being forced by the government to turn over their records or sources, and is similar to a bill that had been co-authored by Vice President Mike Pence.”

That paragraph is quite revealing. “The shield law” he and Pence want is useful to them as only as far as it will protect their faux, fox propaganda output, but the law will never be applied to protect the integrity of true journalistic attempts in ensuring government transparency as long as they maintain power.

[Dawson Leery]

6. What is the juvenile little wrestler trying to hide?