Nancy Pelosi: “I commend the cosponsors of this bipartisan legislation, Mr. Boucher and Mr. Pence, for their leadership and commitment…”

“I commend the cosponsors of this bipartisan legislation, Mr. Boucher and Mr. Pence, for their leadership and commitment to working in a bipartisan way on an issue central to our democracy. Thomas Jefferson once wrote, ``Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.'' Freedom of the press, protected by the first amendment, has been a cornerstone of our democracy, one that we cherish and promote around the world. A free press keeps our Nation informed and holds those of us in government accountable. It is critical to freedom of speech and expression in our country. Freedom of the press is fundamental to our democracy and it is fundamental to our security. Speaking truth to power is vital to our democracy today, as it has been throughout our history. Mr. Speaker, the recent contracting scandals in Iraq, the appalling care of our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital, and the hidden Medicare drug prescription estimates a few years ago are several of the many examples where press coverage shaped our debate and our actions.”