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VOA Director Reassigns White House Correspondent

Jessica Jerreat

   In a rebuke from Congress, U.S. Representatives Gregory Meeks of New
   York and Michael McCaul of Texas chastised the heads of USAGM and Voice
   of America on Tuesday for reassigning a VOA White House correspondent.

   Patsy Widakuswara was told late Monday she is being reassigned, hours
   after the veteran reporter attempted to question Secretary of State
   Mike Pompeo following a speech he delivered at VOA headquarters.

   "This is the United States of America -- we do not punish our
   journalists for seeking answers to their questions. A free and fair
   press is at the core of our Constitution and our democracy," Meeks, the
   new chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and lead Republican
   McCaul said in a joint statement. The lawmakers called for VOA to
   explain its actions and to reinstate Widakuswara.

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