Expressing the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense should revise restrictions on press coverage of military operations undertaken in the Persian Gulf region to limit such restrictions to those required for operational security and protection of classified information.

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense should revise current guidelines relating to news media coverage of activities in the Persian Gulf region to ensure that the news media has timely access to all unclassified information and activities other than information and activities that, if disclosed, would endanger the lives or security of U.S. forces.

 
HCON 38 IH
102d CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 38
Expressing the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should
revise restrictions on press coverage of military operations undertaken in
the Persian Gulf region to limit such restrictions to those required for
operational security and protection of classified information.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 16, 1991
Mr. STOKES submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Armed Services
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should
revise restrictions on press coverage of military operations undertaken in
the Persian Gulf region to limit such restrictions to those required for
operational security and protection of classified information.
Whereas the Secretary of Defense has issued guidelines to Department of
Defense personnel relating to press coverage of military activities in the
Persian Gulf region as part of Operation Desert Shield that severely limit
freedom of the press;
Whereas the American public has a right to be informed of military activities
in the Persian Gulf region; and
Whereas the Department of Defense guidelines go substantially beyond the
limitations required for operational security and protection of classified
information: Now, therefore, be it
  Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That
  it is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should revise
  current guidelines to Department of Defense personnel relating to news
  media coverage of activities in the Persian Gulf region to ensure that
  the news media has timely access in as complete a manner as possible to
  all unclassified information and activities, other than information and
  activities that, if disclosed, would endanger the lives or security of
  United States forces. Upon issuing such revised guidelines, the Secretary
  should issue a statement setting forth the rationale for any restrictions
  imposed on news media coverage of military activities in the Persian Gulf
  region and explaining in particular how such restrictions balance military
  requirements with the rights of the people to be informed.