Senate Democrats have introduced new legislation aimed at reversing the restrictions placed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the news media at the Pentagon. These measures, they argue, have hindered independent reporting within the department.
The proposed law, named the Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act, was presented by Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii. It seeks to reinstate journalists’ access that was previously available before Hegseth’s rules were enacted, including regaining use of the ‘Correspondents’ Corridor,’ a longstanding facility used by national security reporters.
The legislation faces challenges in gaining support in the GOP-led Senate. Part of its aim is to allow reporters unescorted access to certain department areas that were accessible before the late 2025 restrictions implemented during the Trump administration.
“At a time of war, transparency and independent, accurate reporting matter more than ever,” Schatz stated. “Our bill will reverse the Pentagon’s effort to shut out the free press and make sure the public gets the information it deserves.”
The Pentagon has chosen not to comment on the pending legislation. Besides Schatz, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators Adam Schiff, Jeanne Shaheen, Jon Ossoff, Chris Van Hollen, Tammy Duckworth, Tim Kaine, Richard Blumenthal, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Coons, Cory Booker, Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, and Jacky Rosen.
The restrictions imposed by Hegseth include new credentialing requirements and the necessity for escorts in large sections of the building to prevent unauthorized leaks of classified information, which are claimed to protect national security.
The New York Times has challenged these restrictions in court, alleging violations of the First Amendment. A recent ruling from a federal appeals court permits the Pentagon to maintain its escort mandate temporarily, overturning a previous decision that suspended such requirements.
The proposed legislation also mandates that the Pentagon Force Protection Agency handle the security review process for reporters.