U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan measure cosponsored by Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The measure now moves to the President’s desk for a signature.

“A free press is essential for the wellbeing of our citizenry and the stability of our democracy,” Senator Hassan said. “This new memorial symbolizes our sacred First Amendment right by honoring America’s journalists, including New Hampshire’s own James Foley, who have given their lives to expose hard truths and report the news.”

“The threats and violence facing journalists around the world are alarming and we have many brave men and women who went to extraordinary lengths to report the news and uncover the truth. New Hampshire’s own James Foley is among these courageous individuals,” said Senator Shaheen. “This legislation would allow us to memorialize the service of journalists like James, who put the public interest over their own safety to tell the stories that needed to be told. We must remember their names and the stories they gave us, but above all we must take additional measures to prioritize journalists’ safety. Too many lives have been taken and too many remain imprisoned around the world – this demands a U.S. and global commitment.”

The privately funded memorial would be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and would honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.

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