WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate panel took a step forward on legislation to protect reporters and the news media from revealing their sources. But lawmakers put off until September a broader debate over whether Congress defines who is a journalist.

The Judiciary Committee agreed Thursday to legislation sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., a key supporter of a federal media shield law. The measure would codify many of the regulations proposed earlier this month by Attorney General Eric Holder. The panel approved it on a voice vote.