Free flow for open government

The U.S. House of Representatives, in a landslide vote this week, struck a blow for the public's right to know about their government.

The House voted 398-21 to approve the Free Flow of Information Act, which shields journalists from having to reveal their sources, except in certain circumstances. The effort is a response to the federal government's increasing propensity to try to force journalists to reveal sources. The American Society of Newspaper Editors has confirmed at least 40 such cases in recent years, but the number is believed to be much higher.

The government's increasing use of subpoenas and incarcerations of journalists can't help but have a chilling effect on people with a controversial story to tell. Without this protection for journalists, potential sources might choose to keep their secrets of government or corporate wrongdoing rather than risk exposure.

Then, the public loses. Or, as co-sponsor Mike Pence of Indiana noted on the House floor Tuesday, "The Free Flow of Information Act is not about protecting reporters; it's about protecting the public's right to know."

Washington is among 33 states and the District of Columbia with reporters' shield laws.

Two weeks ago, a similar bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. So the only hurdle left to this much-needed protection that helps provide a check on government is passage by the full Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid should bring this bill to the floor for a vote that helps ensure a more-honest government.