Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) inaugural broadcast into China and its mission to provide an independent source of news to closed societies in Asia. In the House, a similar resolution will soon be introduced by Representatives Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) and Steve Chabot (R-Ohio).
“For the last 25 years, Radio Free Asia has served as a free speech platform for audiences living under authoritarian rule and in some of the world’s most challenging media environments,” said Senator Coons.“It has also played a vital role in documenting human rights and civil rights abuses in these countries, an important and impressive achievement considering the heightened pressure on press around the world. I am proud to reaffirm Congress’ commitment to supporting press freedom, and I look forward to seeing Radio Free Asia continue to pursue journalistic excellence and maintain its international reputation for reliable news across the continent.”
“I am pleased to sponsor this bipartisan resolution with Senator Coons, commending Radio Free Asia on its continued work in providing a free flow of information in South and East Asia,” said Senator Portman.“For the past 25 years, Radio Free Asia has delivered balanced and objective reporting to countries where freedom of the press is only an idea. Their work is critical to combating the deception and falsehoods spread by authoritarian regimes and violent non-state actors, and I appreciate their continued efforts to combat anti-democratic influences in the region.”
This resolution:
• Recognizes the importance of Radio Free Asia on its 25th anniversary as an independent news organization chartered and funded by Congress with a mission to bring uncensored, accurate news to people living in closed societies in Asia;
• Honors the dedication and courage of the former and current journalists of Radio Free Asia in the face of threats and adversity from foreign governments and rising risks for press freedom in Asia and across the globe; and
• Commends the continued effectiveness and success of Radio Free Asia in its pursuit of independence and credible journalism.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
###