Posted on 07/14/2017 9:21:37 AM PDT by jazusamo
Democratic congressman Jim Himes (D-Conn.) introduced a bill on Thursday requiring the White House to provide at least two on-camera press briefings per week.
The bill, called the "Free Press Act," requires the White House to provide for at least two press briefings each week and requires that those briefings be video recorded," according to a press release.
“President Trump has displayed an overtly hostile attitude toward the press since the early days of the presidential campaign,” said Himes. “Aggressiveness toward reporters was a hallmark of many Trump rallies, where it was common for members of the media to be threatened and intimidated.
"This simple bill achieves two important goals," Himes continued. "First, it ensures that the press briefings will continue on a regular schedule. Second, it guarantees the American people have access to the proceedings first hand."
“A free and independent press is essential to the survival of a functioning democracy,” he added. “The media’s role is to ask the tough questions on behalf of the American public and work to hold our leaders accountable. I hope this bill helps push back on the efforts of this, or any, administration to suppress this necessary reporting.”
White House press briefings have been occurring less in recent weeks after being an almost-daily occurrence in the first few months of the administration.
On-camera briefings are particularly less frequent, with the last one occurring on June 27.
Former White House press secretaries Ari Fleischer, who served under President George W. Bush, and Mike McCurry, who served under President Bill Clinton, both advocate abandoning on-camera press briefings due to the theatrics that come with it, stating it's "better for the public."
The Hill has reached out to the White House Press Office for comment.
Himes refers to himself as a Peruvian-American
Himes was born July 5, 1966 in Lima, Peru, to American parents, where his father worked for the Ford Foundation.
“Democratic congressman Jim Himes (D-Conn.) introduced a bill on Thursday requiring the White House to provide at least two on-camera press briefings per week.”
So, yet another IDIOT democrat congressman that hasn’t bothered to read the Constitution, what’s new.
“How about a bill requiring all members of Congress to carry a live microphone 24/7, hooked to the internet and open for access by constituents?”
And how about all Members of Congress be required to wear a NASCAR style driver’s suit with the names of all of their corporate and private donors sewn to the outside?
How about a bill requiring Congress to work at least 120 hours per month. THat would be a useful bill.
There is no need to ever again have regular on camera WH press briefings.
Call his office and politely suggested there are far more important things that need fixed. 202 224-3121
lol, just put up a clown caricature of obamma and say fill in the blanks, twice a week
Another cry-baby leftist who cannot handle being put in his place by Trump. Choke on it.
Himes was born July 5, 1966 in Lima, Peru, to American parents, where his father worked for the Ford Foundation.
Well, I was born in Rhode Island ...
So that must make me a Rhode Island Red ...
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
The legislature gets to tell the executive how it must exercise it’s first amendment rights? Where in the Constitution is that enumerated power for Congress?
By golly, you’re right.
I take back my request.
Let’s replace Senator Jon Tester, Democrat, with a shrub.
At least the shrub produces some oxygen.
Tester don’t produce anything.
“——— Second, it guarantees the American people have access to the proceedings first hand.”
—
Yeah,right,it’s ALL about the American people./s
.
Body cams for Congress! I love it!
LOL. Perfect response.
How about just cancel them altogether.
I like that. Great idea.
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