‘Journalistic Rape’: Catherine Herridge Accuses CBS News of Crossing a ‘Red Line’ During House Hearing

Catherine Herridge, the veteran CBS News investigative journalist, testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee on Thursday as part of a hearing on press freedoms and the need to make the Press Act law.

Earlier this year, Herridge was both held in contempt of court by a civil judge for refusing to reveal her sources as part of a defamation lawsuit and she was laid off from CBS News during a round of cutbacks. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper imposed a fine of $800 per day until Herridge reveals her sources in the government that tipped her off to an investigation into a Chinese-American scientist, who is now suing for damages.

“As you know, in February, I was held in contempt of court for refusing to disclose my confidential sources on a national security story. I think my current situation can help put the importance of the Press Act into context. One of our children recently asked me if I would go to jail, if we would lose our house, and if we would lose our family savings,” Herridge said in her opening statement.