Gas prices are affecting everything these days — even important Senate votes:
By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON
sources in some federal courts stalled in the Senate on Wednesday, the latest victim of
a partisan fight over what to do about gas prices.
that would promote more domestic oil and gas production.
which would shield reporters from being forced by federal prosecutors to reveal their
sources, except in certain circumstances.
murder or kidnapping.
forward over the GOP objections.
media shield, arguing the bill could damage national security by harming prosecutors’
ability to track leaks.
important stories, and that a recent flurry of attempts to compel reporters to cough up
their sources’ identities is proof that the legislation is needed.
press and the security of our citizens. In a free and democratic country, we should be
able to do both.”
people, contending the government shouldn’t determine who gets journalistic protections
and who doesn’t.
one, am not comfortable with the federal government licensing journalists,” said Sen.
John Cornyn, R-Texas.
criticisms.
sources in cases involving leaks of classified information.
public interest with the intent of disseminating it to the public.
decision to subpoena reporters to testify against I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, once a
White House aide, in a case that grew out of Fitzgerald’s leak investigation. Libby was
convicted of obstruction, perjury and lying to the FBI; his sentence was commuted by
President Bush.
issued,” said Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the lead Republican sponsor.