Leaks - Congress 2005-06

Hoekstra concerned about leaks but "not yet" ready to write new law

A hearing on unauthorized disclosures of national security matters in the press highlighted where the debate over "leaks" may be heading in the next several months: Most members of the House Intelligence Committee, which held the May 26 hearing, do not support writing new laws criminalizing journalists for unauthorized disclosures of classified information. At the same time, lawmakers remain concerned that leaks have caused significant damage to national security.

for more, see this hearing summary.

Statements submitted for the record

• Tom Brokaw, Walter Cronkite & Ted Koppel (joint letter)

• Jane Kirtley, Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, University of Minnesota

• Geoffrey R. Stone, University of Chicago School of Law

• American Society of Newspaper Editors (Note: 3.6 MB - large file)

• Federation of American Scientists (from Secrecy News)

• Illinois Press Association

• Media Law Resource Center

• Michigan Press Association

• Newspaper Association of America & National Newspaper Association joint letter

• National Security Archive (cover letter & statement)

• Radio-Television News Directors Association

• Reporters Commitee for Freedom of the Press