Reporters will reportedly no longer be allowed to tape interviews with lawmakers in the halls of the Capitol without prior permission, marking a departure from the usual order of business. Reporters have historically staked out hearings to get comments from senators.
NBC News' Kasie Hunt tweeted Tuesday that reporters are now being instructed to receive permission from the Senate Rules Committee and the senator before taping any interview:
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) was quick to question the Senate's rumored new rule, suggesting this is "maybe not the right moment to lower the secrecy veil on Congress":
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The new limits were introduced amid Democrats' outrage over Senate Republicans' lack of transparency surrounding the GOP-backed health-care bill, the American Health Care Act, which is being negotiated behind closed doors and will not be discussed in an open hearing.