What does Preamble of Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to protect the editorial independence of the Stars and Stripes news organization.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to Stars and Stripes, a publication serving members of the United States Armed Forces, particularly those serving abroad. It emphasizes Stars and Stripes' historical role and continued editorial independence from external interference. The text asserts that a free and independent press is vital for democratic governance and transparency. Stars and Stripes provides unique coverage of issues impacting servicemember and veterans' quality of life. Independent war reporting is considered essential for transparency and accountability regarding the costs of armed conflict. Maintaining a separation between Department of Defense public affairs and Stars and Stripes' editorial operations is deemed necessary to preserve trust. Protecting press freedom within the defense sector is presented as strengthening national security. Overseas military personnel and their families often rely on Stars and Stripes as a primary source of news. The section notes that these individuals are vulnerable to foreign adversary influence operations. Congressional oversight is deemed necessary to prevent censorship or political influence on Stars and Stripes.

What does INDEPENDENCE OF STARS AND STRIPES. of Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act of 2026 do?

This section codifies requirements related to the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, referencing existing Department of Defense and Code of Federal Regulations provisions. The Secretary of Defense must ensure Stars and Stripes adheres to high journalistic standards and operates independently from military command and external influences. The Stars and Stripes publisher must be a civilian government employee with professional news media experience, overseeing the publication's operations. Stars and Stripes reporters covering Department of Defense installations should have access to events open to those with installation access. Stars and Stripes is designated as a digital-first news organization, also maintaining a print edition. Withholding unfavorable news regarding the Department of Defense, military services, or the U.S. Government from Stars and Stripes is prohibited. Exceptions to the news publication requirements exist for classified information or information that could endanger personnel or harm national security, requiring concurrence from the publisher and a combatant commander. Civilian candidates cannot be excluded from consideration for Stars and Stripes staff positions. Stars and Stripes is permitted to purchase and publish content from commercial news media services.

Back to bills

Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/20/2026 · Introduced: 5/20/2026

Author: Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill formally establishes the Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act of 2026 to protect the publication's editorial independence from external influence.
It mandates that the Stars and Stripes publisher be a civilian with professional news media experience and prohibits withholding unfavorable news, except for classified information or threats to personnel/national security.
The bill designates Stars and Stripes as a digital-first news organization while maintaining a print edition and ensures reporters have access to events open to those with installation access.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account