Breaking: Reporters Now Banned From Filming Senators in Capitol Building Hallways
Clear First Amendment Violation
In what likely is a blatantly unconstitutional move reporters have just been banned from filming Senators in the hallways of the U.S. Capitol. Interviews of Senators frequently take place in those hallways, and reporters often can be seen asking lawmakers questions as they travel through the building.Â
NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Kasie Hunt, who daily appears on MSNBC, often from the Capitol building, broke the news via Twitter:
CONDITIONS for any interview: Previously granted permission from senator AND Rules Committee of Senate
— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) June 13, 2017
She notes not only does it break years of precedence, but reporters must obtain permission from both the Senator and the Senate Rules Committee to do their reporting. Journalists have strong First Amendment protections, and this new move, presumably by the GOP, clearly violates them.
In a rare move, Hunt also posted a public plea:
Do YOU want to see journalists hold your elected representatives accountable? Call the Capitol and say so: 202-224-6352 https://t.co/hTuOioMH87
— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) June 13, 2017
Response on Twitter was immediate:
U.S. Democratic Senators:
Maybe not the right moment to lower the secrecy veil on Congress. To whoever is trying to protect Senators – we can fend for ourselves. https://t.co/YSbTuaIZKV
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 13, 2017
As ranking member of the Senate Rules Committee I call on the majority to allow reporting in the Capitol to proceed as usual.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 13, 2017
Press access should never be restricted unfairly, particularly not when one party is trying to sneak a major bill through Congress.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 13, 2017
MSNBC Producer:
Coincidence? This comes as Senate Republicans try to push through health care legislation behind closed doors. https://t.co/AJ04NOUmjb
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 13, 2017
HuffPost Politics reporters:
RIP the People’s House https://t.co/lRx5sHNcmW
— Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) June 13, 2017
This is how Republicans govern when they don’t want to be asked questions about their secret healthcare bill, or about the president. https://t.co/l4aw4TcE1k
— Christina Wilkie (@christinawilkie) June 13, 2017
ThinkProgress Editor and Founder:
Have these people read the Constitution? https://t.co/ojpVPeY5hn
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) June 13, 2017
NBC News political reporter:
Can’t help but notice this comes as Congress is crafting major legislation behind closed doors without the usual public process there either https://t.co/XutcMJPLj4
— Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) June 13, 2017
Others:
Thank you, Kasie, for bringing this travesty to our attention. On the phone now.
— Robert Helle (@cubfan0217) June 13, 2017
Keep on interviewing in the halls, anyway. If they try to arrest you, contest in court as First Amendment violation. https://t.co/RNoNTQv16o
— Eric Kleefeld (@EricKleefeld) June 13, 2017
UPDATE I: 2:07 PM EDT –
Before this article was published NCRM emailed the Director of the Senate Radio TV Press Gallery, Mike Mastrian. Moree than 90 minutes later we have yet to receive a response.
Developing.
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This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.Â

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