Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), the author of the Senate version of the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act, or Press Act, had sought unanimous consent on the floor today to pass the bill. That is a legislative maneuver to pass legislation without a roll call, unless a lawmaker objects.

A journalism shield law, which would limit the federal government’s ability to force disclosure of journalists’ sources, failed in the Senate

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas blocked a bipartisan bill, that would have given journalists more protections under federal law, after Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon asked for unanimous consent Tuesday.

Cotton blocked the PRESS Act, a bipartisan bill intended to shield journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources when pressured by the federal government.

The Republican-majority House voted earlier this year to pass the PRESS Act, legislation that would protect reporters from being spied on by the government.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked an effort by Democrats to pass a bipartisan bill that would give journalists greater protections under federal law – a move that comes in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump opposing the measure.

The PRESS Act would protect a journalist from being forced to disclose their anonymous sources under threat of arrest or prosecution. This article, Bill aimed at protection of journalists stalls in U.