Senate bill would protect US authors abroad

American authors, journalists and publishers would be protected from some foreign libel suits under legislation approved unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The bill would prevent a U.S. federal court from recognizing or enforcing a foreign judgment for defamation that is inconsistent with the free speech guarantee in the U.S. Constitution.

Another provision would allow the defendants to clear their names under U.S. law.

The legislation now goes to the full Senate.