A resolution recognizing the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority in the efforts of the United States Government to promote democracy and good governance.

Bill: 113-sres-447
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2014-05-15 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays
Conflicts and wars
Congressional tributes
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Europe
Evidence and witnesses
Human rights
News media and reporting
Russia
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Ukraine
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2014-05-15
text: 
Expresses concern about the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world following World Press Freedom Day. 
 
 Commends journalists and media workers for their essential role in promoting government accountability, defending democratic activity, and strengthening civil society, despite threats to their safety. 
 
Pays tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives carrying out their work. 
 
Calls on governments abroad to implement United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/68/163), by seeking to resolve outstanding cases of violence against journalists. 
 
Condemns all actions around the world that suppress freedom of the press, such as the recent kidnappings of journalists and media workers in eastern Ukraine by pro-Russian militant groups. 
 
Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) improve the means by which the United States responds to threats against freedom of the press around the world, and (2) urge foreign governments to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists.

action_date: 2014-06-25
text: 
Expresses concern about the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world following World Press Freedom Day, held on May 3. 2014.
 
 Commends journalists and media workers for their essential role in promoting government accountability, defending democratic activity, and strengthening civil society, despite threats to their safety. 
 
Pays tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives carrying out their work. 
 
Calls on governments abroad to implement United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/68/163) by seeking to resolve outstanding cases of violence against journalists. 
 
Condemns all actions around the world that suppress freedom of the press, such as the recent kidnappings of journalists and media workers in eastern Ukraine by pro-Russian militant groups. 
 
Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) ensure that the United States responds to, and highlights the issue of, threats against freedom of the press around the world; and (2) urge foreign governments to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists.

action_date: 2014-07-08
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on June 25, 2014. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 
Expresses concern about the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world following World Press Freedom Day, held on May 3. 2014.
 
 Commends journalists and media workers for their essential role in promoting government accountability, defending democratic activity, and strengthening civil society, despite threats to their safety. 
 
Pays tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives carrying out their work. 
 
Calls on governments abroad to implement United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/68/163) by seeking to resolve outstanding cases of violence against journalists. 
 
Condemns all actions around the world that suppress freedom of the press, such as the recent kidnappings of journalists and media workers in eastern Ukraine by pro-Russian militant groups. 
 
Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) ensure that the United States responds to, and highlights the issue of, threats against freedom of the press around the world; and (2) urge foreign governments to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-07-08
text: Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4284-4285; text as passed Senate: CR S4284-4285)
action_date: 2014-07-08
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S4284-4285; text as passed Senate: CR S4284-4285)
action_date: 2014-06-25
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 440.
action_date: 2014-06-25
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and with an amended preamble. Without written report.
action_date: 2014-06-25
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and with an amended preamble. Without written report.
action_date: 2014-06-24
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
action_date: 2014-05-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3078)
action_date: 2014-05-15
text: Introduced in Senate