The House on Tuesday voted 398-21 to pass H.R. 2102, The Free Flow of Information Act, a bill that protects reporters from having to reveal their sources. However, journalists could still be forced to disclose information on sources in cases which could prevent acts of terrorism or harm national security.
The White House threatens a veto, saying the bill would encourage leaks of classified information.
Supporters point out how stories such as Abu Ghraib, clandestine CIA prisons and questionable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center wouldn’t have come to light if sources weren’t guaranteed confidentiality.
“Freedom of the press is fundamental to our democracy and it is fundamental to our security,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
More than 50 news outlets and journalism organizations support the bill, which must now pass through the Senate.