Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act

This bill seeks to restore the ability of credentialed journalists to report from within the Pentagon, reversing recent restrictions imposed by the Secretary of Defense in 2025 and 2026. These restrictions limited access, required escorts, and moved press facilities outside the main building, departing from decades of established practice. Congress emphasizes that independent press access is crucial for accurate reporting on U.S. defense policy and for citizens to hold the government accountable, a principle historically supported by the Department of Defense since World War II. To achieve its purpose, the Act mandates that the Secretary of Defense, within 30 days of enactment, restore press access to areas accessible before May 22, 2025, including the "Correspondents' Corridor," and reinstate unescorted access for credentialed journalists. It also requires the integrity of the Pentagon Facilities Alternative Credential process, ensuring security reviews are conducted by career officials without political influence or unnecessary delays, and are timely and determinative. Furthermore, the bill prohibits any future changes to press access without prior consultation with the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.