The Russian government continues to stifle press freedom and media independence. The U.S., said State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, condemn(s) the selective targeting of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, or (RFE/RL), and Voice of America, or (VOA), under Russia's law on ‘foreign agent' media outlets. RFE/RL and VOA remain the only media outlets designated under this law, which exacerbates long-standing restrictions on their distribution in Russia. Moreover, on July 3 the State Duma took another step toward approving legislation that would extend the foreign agent designation from media outlets to individual persons taking part in the creation of materials for media outlets. This bill, warned Ms. Nauert, could provide the Russian government a new tool to target independent journalists and bloggers in retaliation for their work.John Lansing, the CEO and Director of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, expressed grave concern over the attack on RFE/RL and VOA.