Ranking Member Suhas Subramanyam Supports Pentagon Press Corps and Denounces Secretary Hegseth’s Demands

October 16, 2025 Press Release Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Military and Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee, denounced Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s move to coerce the Pentagon Press Corps into signing an agreement that included unprecedented restrictions on journalistic independence. The 17-page agreement included a variety of restrictions, from mandatory escorts to preventing the reporting of information without Secretary Hegseth’s approval. News organizations including the Associated Press, the Washington Post, Fox News, and Newsmax refused to sign the restrictive agreement. Congressman Subramanyam issued the following statement: “Make no mistake, Secretary Hegseth’s attempts to restrict reporters are an attack on freedom of the press, the First Amendment, and our democracy,” said Congressman Subramanyam. “The American people deserve transparency through accurate and fair reporting. Rather than attacking the messengers of his failed policies, Secretary Hegseth should instead consider doing more to support servicemembers and their families and keep our country safe.” ### Issues : Congress