Federal Media Shield Legislation

Senator Lugar and Representative Pence spoke at a joint appearance addressing the need for federal media shield legislation. They were cosponsors of the Free Flow of Information Act, or Media Shield bill. If passed, the bill would set national standards that must be met before a federal entity may subpoena a member of the news media in any government criminal or civil case. They also responded to questions submitted by members of the audience. The luncheon also commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Freedom on Information Act, which was enacted by Congress in July, 1966.