Rubio, Menendez, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling for Freedom of the Press Around the World

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) led 10 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution that recognizes the growing threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world. The resolution calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all imprisoned journalists and reaffirms freedom of the press as a priority of the United States in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.
Additional cosponsors include Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and John Boozman (R-AR).
Rubio is a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
'I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution and advancing policies that ensure freedom of the press and free expression,' Rubio said. 'From Russia, to China, Hong Kong, Egypt, Belarus, Turkey, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, reporters continue to courageously fight in defense of the truth throughout the world. We remain firm in our commitment to advance and support press freedom.'

'With this resolution, we honor the immense sacrifices that journalists everywhere have borne in their dogged pursuit of the unvarnished truth and their unceasing quest to inform the public. With a global decline in democracy, their work to ensure transparency, accountability and the rule of law is more important than ever,' Chairman Menendez said. 'From Russia to Venezuela, Ethiopia to Hong Kong, a free and independent press is not only a foundational pillar of democracy and a vital check on government overreach and abuse, but is also paramount to societal growth and advancement. In the face of unprecedented assaults against the fundamental right of free expression and free press around the globe, I am proud to lead this effort to ensure the United States remains resolute in our defense of those brave enough to hold up a mirror to the powerful and tell a story that deserves to be told.'