Markup of free flow of information act

Passing a shield law would place a heavy burden on the Justice Department to demonstrate a compelling need for a reporter's source.

After proposing a federal media shield law that did little to protect the relationship between journalists and their sources, the White House has agreed with the Senate Judiciary Committee on a revised -- and much improved -- version of the Free Flow of Information Act.

A lot of wrongdoing in government and elsewhere would remain hidden if honest insiders, who may fear going public, hadn't tipped off news reporters in exchange for promises of confidentiality.

Armed with a compromise bill that has the approval of the Attorney General and the co-sponsors of the bill, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) was once again unable to consider the Free Flow of Information Act.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved two data security bills Nov 5.

The Obama administration and Congress appear to be moving toward agreement on a federal shield law, which would protect reporters who refuse to reveal confidential sources. The Senate should pass this compromise bill quickly, and the president should sign it into law.

Senate supporters of a bill protecting a reporter's right to protect confidential sources in federal court said Friday they've reached a compromise with the Obama administration and media groups that gives the government authority to override those rights in certain national security cases.