SEJ Opposes Press Restrictions for Trump Impeachment Trial

January 16, 2020 — The Society of Environmental Journalists joined with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 56 other media organizations in a letter opposing restrictions on the press during the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump.

The letter states, in part, "...Senate leaders, the Senate Sergeant at Arms, and the United States Capitol Police have an obligation to preserve and promote the public’s right to know." and "The reported restrictions on the use of electronic devices and on the ability of reporters to question lawmakers as they move about the Capitol, as well as the additional security screening, will hinder reporting without an obvious benefit for Senate security. With these restrictions in place, journalists’ efforts to share timely and accurate updates and commentary on the proceedings with the American public will be impeded."

• Text of the January 16, 2020 letter to Senators Mitch McConnell and Charles Schumer from the 58 media organizations.
• January 17, 2020, RCFP release.