Should Congress Support Freedom of the Press in Latin America and the Caribbean? (H. Res. 536)

What is H. Res. 536?

(Updated November 7, 2017)

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for freedom of the press in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also condemns violations of press freedom and violence against journalists. 

Latin American countries and the Caribbean would be urged to implement recommendations from the Organization of American States Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression.

The resolution also urges both the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Dept. of State to assist the media in closed societies to promote a free press. As a simple resolution, this legislation would not be legally binding or advance to the Senate from the House if passed.

Argument in favor

As a world leader, the U.S. needs to take a stand in favor of press freedom when it is undermined. It’s a simple gesture, but passing this resolution shows the U.S. supports journalists and the truth.

Argument opposed

There is not a lot the U.S. can do to ensure that freedom of the press is upheld in Latin American or Caribbean countries. Congress shouldn’t waste its time by bothering with a resolution supporting something it can't impact.

Impact

Journalists and members of the media in Latin American or Caribbean countries and the governments of those countries, the State Department, USAID, diplomatic relations between Latin American countries and the U.S. and the House of Representatives.

Cost of H. Res. 536

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) emphasized the need for a free press in countries where those freedoms and other democratic values have been undermined:

“Freedom of expression is the keystone that holds any democracy together. As a child in Cuba, I witnessed the deterioration of democracy as the Castro regime took over the island and systematically destroyed all aspects of freedom of speech and expression. Being able to speak without censorship is a right that should never be stifled. There is a strong connection between a country’s democratic values and the freedoms afforded to their press. Working to preserve freedom of speech and pushing back against those who seek to quiet their dissenters should be a top priority when engaging with our neighbors in the region.”

This bill has eight cosponsors in the House, including three Democrats and five Republicans. It was unanimously passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee in December 2015.

Of Note: According to Freedom House’s 2015 study on freedom of the press around the world, there are five countries considered to have a “not free” press in Latin America and the Caribbean: Cuba, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, and Venezuela. The status of press freedom in Cuba is considered by Freedom House to be among the “worst of the worst,” while more than 185 million people — 19 percent of the population of North and South America — live in countries without a free press.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) Press Release
• Freedom House (Context)
• Organization of American States (Context)

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user Dying Regime)