Free Flow of Information Act approved by House of Representatives in 398-21 vote

Back in May, Kevin wrote about the Free Flow of Information Act and the legal shield it would provide for journalists and bloggers. After a House vote of 398-21 in favor of the bill yesterday, Nate Anderson at Ars Technica reveals, that legal shield is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Free Flow of Information Act, which Anderson says has received support from both sides of the aisle, would ultimately work to keep the government in check.

The bill would offer protection of sources and documents to journalists (including professional bloggers) caught up in federal investigations, and could put an end to images of reporters led from court in handcuffs after refusing to testify.

And while it may be receiving bipartisan support at the legislative level, the executive branch is less receptive, according to Editor & Publisher.

The White House issued a statement Tuesday afternoon saying President Bush’s advisers would recommend he veto the legislation unless it’s changed, claiming the bill is too broad and could harm national security.

“It is likely that the legislation will encourage more leaks of classified information by giving leakers such a formidable shield behind which they can hide,” the statement read.

While the law only covers professional journalists (those who report news for “financial gain or livelihood”), there are undoubtedly bloggers out there who do just that – and who should legitimately not have to fear prosecution or jail. Whether the bill becomes law or not, it is apparent by the vote that politicians from both sides of the political spectrum understand the value of journalistic checks and balances.