GOP senators want to query attorney general on reporter-shield legislation

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee want to question Attorney General Eric Holder Jr about his support of a compromise reporters' shield law before they vote on it, according to congressional sources. On Wednesday, AG Holder sent a letter to Sen Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the committee's chairman, outlining his views of the new version of the legislation. The proposed bill worked out with Senate sponsors, would provide varying levels of protection for journalists who use confidential sources when writing about criminal and national security matters. In his letter, AG Holder urged that "no further amendments be adopted to this carefully crafted compromise." "Republicans eagerly await the opportunity to question the attorney general about the true impact of this legislation on our ability to keep Americans safe and protect our most vital classified information," said Stephen Miller, press secretary for Sen. Jeff Sessions (AL), the ranking Republican on the committee. "The attorney general's two-page views letter was woefully short and left many questions unanswered," he added.