In Washington today, a bizarre development that breaks with years of political and press tradition. This can’t have anything to do with their secret plan to take away health care, could it?
ALERT: Reporters at Capitol have been told they are not allow to film interviews with senators in hallways, contrary to years of precedent
— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) June 13, 2017
Skipping hearings, body slamming a reporter, restricting cameras is usually not a sign of confidence in the popular appeal of one's agenda
— Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) June 13, 2017
CONDITIONS for any interview: Previously granted permission from senator AND Rules Committee of Senate
— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) June 13, 2017
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
The signs of authoritarianism are right here, folks. Trump isn’t alone in this. Consider the @GOP that enables him, as well as his voters.
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) June 13, 2017
Nothing to hide at all. Just good, open government https://t.co/WVH08x2IQN
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) June 13, 2017
NEW: The Sen Rules Cmte now wants us to request approval from them for EVERY on-cam interview of a Senator in the hallway we want to conduct
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) June 13, 2017
In the Senate there are very few places that are so-called designated camera stakeout positions. Most are not high traffic areas.
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) June 13, 2017
So restricting the access of TV cameras in hallways and requiring approval for every single interview is suffocating.
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) June 13, 2017
The GOP-led Congress' commitment to operate in shadow now includes the rule that the shining light shall be discouraged
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) June 13, 2017
Really hope journalists will ignore this unconscionable rule and flood the Capitol with cameras. Ask them what's in their healthcare bill! https://t.co/yMLMR7CNsa
— southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) June 13, 2017
Republicans don't want to be caught on camera running away from questions about their secret bill to take health insurance from millions. https://t.co/jOUbgQiucL
— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) June 13, 2017
One reason spontaneous interviews in Capitol are necessary: Many GOP lawmakers don't want to talk about health bill. Only way to get them. https://t.co/p3meqffE9T
— Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) June 13, 2017
Richard Shelby is the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. IMO he should be asked about this. https://t.co/wiA54CsPEP
— Eric Geller (@ericgeller) June 13, 2017
You know it's a good health bill when one GOP candidate attacks a reporter for asking about it + the Senate tries to shut down press access.
— Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) June 13, 2017
PHOTO: [Reuters] The U.S. Capitol building is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 24