The Seattle Times makes the case for passing the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (Nov. 9):

Democrats positioned themselves as defenders of democracy in Tuesday’s election.

They must follow through on this pledge in the final weeks of the current Congress, regardless of the midterm’s final tally.

Start by passing the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA).

The JCPA is needed to help sustain the local, free and independent press system that’s essential to an informed electorate and functional, lasting democracy.

Yes, that sounds highfalutin. But as shown by the midterm’s toxic politics, America and its democracy are threatened as the country loses local newspapers and the civic knowledge, engagement