Two Republican co-sponsors of a bill to shield reporters from having to disclose news sources refused Tuesday to give up hope for the legislation despite Justice Department opposition and limited time left for congressional approval.

Sen. Richard Lugar and Rep. Mike Pence, both Indiana Republicans, acknowledged at a National Press Club lunch that their proposed Free Flow of Information Act faces an uphill struggle with only a few months left in the 109th Congress.

Nevertheless, Lugar said,"We are still optimistic."

And Pence disclosed that the first hearings by a House committee would be Sept. 14.