How to Contact Your Representative to Protect Press Freedom

The Issue

What's at Stake

Press freedom in the United States faces significant challenges in 2026, including the revocation of press credentials, threats of federal investigations against journalists, use of the Espionage Act against news organizations, and executive pressure on media companies. Independent journalism is a cornerstone of democratic accountability — it is how citizens learn what their government is doing.

Congress has the authority to protect press freedom through legislation, oversight, and the appropriations process. The PRESS Act, which would shield journalists from being compelled to reveal confidential sources in federal proceedings, has been reintroduced and your representatives vote on whether it advances.

45th

U.S. ranking in RSF World Press Freedom Index in 2025, down from 10th in 2002

1791

Year the First Amendment was ratified, protecting freedom of the press

Federal shield laws currently protecting journalists from federal subpoenas

Take Action

How to Contact Your Representative — Step by Step

Find your representatives

Enter your ZIP code in RepReach to see your House rep and both Senators with direct phone numbers. Press freedom legislation moves through both chambers.

Call about the PRESS Act specifically

The PRESS Act would create a federal shield law protecting journalists from being compelled to reveal confidential sources in federal proceedings. Asking your representative to support it is a concrete, actionable ask.

Frame it as a First Amendment and democracy issue

Press freedom protects all Americans' right to know what their government is doing — framing it this way resonates with members across party lines.

Follow up in writing

RepReach generates a personalized written message based on your position. Written contacts on First Amendment issues create a record staffers reference in member briefings.

What to Say

Tips for Your Call or Email

📍

Start with your city. Local news organizations are in every congressional district — connecting press freedom to local journalism makes your call concrete.

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Name local journalism if relevant. If a local newspaper, TV station, or news site serves your community, mentioning it gives your call immediate local relevance.

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Ask for the PRESS Act specifically. 'I urge you to support the PRESS Act and federal shield law for journalists' is a clear, loggable ask.

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Frame it as a First Amendment value. Press freedom is a foundational American principle — framing your call around protecting democratic accountability resonates across party lines.

RepReach writes your script for you

Tell the app where you stand and add any personal details — RepReach builds a complete, personalized call or email script around your story. No blank page, no guessing what to say.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PRESS Act?

The PRESS Act (Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act) would create a federal shield law protecting journalists from being compelled to reveal confidential sources in federal court proceedings. It has passed the House with bipartisan support in previous sessions but has not yet become law.

How is press freedom being threatened in 2026?

Specific threats include the revocation of press credentials from major news organizations, investigations of journalists under the Espionage Act, executive pressure on media ownership, and the defunding of public broadcasting. The cumulative effect is a more constrained information environment for American citizens.

Does calling about press freedom make a difference?

Yes. The PRESS Act has demonstrated that bipartisan constituent support can move legislation on press freedom. Members hear from journalists, their families, local news advocates, and citizens who rely on independent journalism for information about their government.

How do I find my representative's phone number?

Enter your ZIP code in the RepReach app to instantly find your House representative and both U.S. Senators with their direct district office phone numbers.

Act in 60 Seconds

RepReach finds your representatives by ZIP code and builds a personalized script around your story — so you're never staring at a blank page.

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Keep Going

How to Contact Your Representative About Press Freedom