New Camera Restrictions in Capitol Part of Disturbing Trend in Media Harassment

Statement of Michael Copps former FCC Commissioner & Common Cause Special Advisor

Reports that Capitol Police officers may have been directed to obstruct reporter access in the Capitol are deeply disturbing. American democracy depends on a functional and unfettered press, but recently press freedom has been under attack as rarely before. The American people need to know whether the Capitol Police were ordered to curtail reporter access in the Senate, and if so, by whom. And most importantly full access to the Capitol must be restored for all reporters and photographers. Congress may prefer to operate behind closed doors but its business is the business of the American people who elected Members to represent them in Washington.