This resolution — sponsored by Sen. Cardin [D-MD] — recognizes widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024. It makes particular reference the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's hostile environment towards journalists through transnational repression, systematic and arbitrary arrests, torture and inhumane or degrading treatment, lengthy pre-trial detentions, and conditional release restrictions, which inhibit reporters and columnists from traveling or returning to their professional work post-detention, including (1) Abdulrahman Farhana, a columnist who was detained in February 2019, and charged with membership in a terrorist organization, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (2) Zuhair Kutbi, a journalist who was jailed in January 2019, and reportedly suffers from torture, malnourishment, and denial of cancer treatment in prison, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; and (3) blogger Raif Badawi, who, according to Reporters Without Borders, recently completed a 10-year prison sentence on blasphemy and apostasy charges, and who remains subjected to a further 10-year travel ban, which prevents him from reuniting with his family who received asylum in Canada. It was introduced and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.