"Telecom Immunity Issue Derails Spy Law"
"Amid deep and growing divisions among Senate Democrats, Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) last night abruptly withdrew legislation that would have changed surveillance law and granted the nation's telecommunications companies retroactive immunity from lawsuits charging they had violated privacy rights.
Dodd vowed he will continue to try to scuttle the bill:
"This is one of those critical moments. If this was the very first instance, you might say this administration has tried to follow the rule of law. But this is after a series, one after another, of this administration stepping all over the Constitution, assaulting it in many ways."
Earlier in the day:
Bush Nears a Victory Over Spying Powers
"The Senate appears poised to hand the White House another victory with a measure that would make permanent an expansion of government spy powers and shield phone companies from liability for assisting government eavesdropping.
If the White House prevails this week, it will be the latest example of President Bush's ability to outmaneuver his opponents in Congress, especially on controversial matters of national security, despite his weakened public support.
At Verizon Communications Inc., which is also defending against lawsuits, a spokesman declined to comment on the immunity proposal, and said his company responds "only to lawful requests" from the government."
If everything was legal, why do you need the immunity?
Not like Harry Reid is any real help!
He bends over for Bush every time!
"Harry Reid is using every power he has to ensure ...
"Related
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Monday December 17, 2007 09:31 EST
Harry Reid -- compare and contrast
(updated below - Update II)
Russ Feingold, today, on the effects of Harry Reid's pro-administration dirty work:
This morning, the Senate starts debating legislation to expand the government's surveillance powers.Unfortunately, the bill we are going to be considering is the one reported out by the Senate Intelligence Committee in October, S. 2248. It did not have to be this way. Thirteen Senators joined me last week in asking the Majority Leader to instead bring up a bill that includes the changes approved by the Judiciary Committee last month. . . .
By choosing the Intelligence Committee bill over the Judiciary product, Senator Reid has made things much tougher for those of us who think the courts -- not Congress -- should decide whether the companies deserve immunity. He's also made it an uphill struggle of those of us who want more court oversight of the broad new surveillance powers included in the bill. . . .
We have a big fight on our hands, and unfortunately, the deck is now stacked against us.
--MORE--"Chris Dodd Begins Filibuster Of Telecom Immunity
"If you believe in the Constitution, if you believe our government shouldn't spy on its citizens, then now is the time to act. Pick up the phone.
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Chris Dodd’s Filibuster for the Constitution
Posted by Jason Rosenbaum :: Filed Under Media Issues :: December 17th, 2007
Today, Chris Dodd starts his filibuster to protect the U.S. Constitution. He will take a stand against retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies who collaborated with President Bush to trample on the 4th amendment and spy on American citizens without a court warrant.
The last true filibuster occurred 15 years ago in 1992. As many are well aware, these days a threat of a filibuster is all that is needed to scuttle a bill. Republicans have used this phenomenon to great effect when Democrats lack the 60 votes needed to cut off debate, successfully blocking Iraq war withdrawal legislation and energy reform, among others.
Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, has decided to ignore this tradition and force Chris Dodd to actually filibuster on the Senate floor. Reid used every procedural maneuver possible to get around Dodd’s hold. He is a traitor to the Democratic party and to progressive values. But in a way, the outcome is fortunate.
When Chris Dodd begins his never-ending speech, he will fight the good fight. He will take a strong stand, a stand that defines him as a fighter for the Constitution and the American people. All Democrats should practice this kind of leadership if they hope to govern effectively. I’m glad Harry Reid is giving Dodd the chance to show the nation how a real progressive fights for what he believes in.
I stand in full support of Dodd’s filibuster. As I said in my endorsement of Dodd’s candidacy:
I want a candidate who fights harder when push comes to shove. I want a candidate who plays politics like Republicans, just for my side. That’s leadership. That’s why I’m voting for Chris Dodd in the primary.
Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Russ Feingold have all said they will support Dodd’s filibuster. Hundreds of citizens have registered their support on Crooks and Liars and Firedoglake as well, and those comments will be read by Dodd on the Senate floor. As the Dodd campaign rightly points out:
It’s time to see the Senate stand up for the rule of law.
You don’t demonstrate leadership in the footnotes of a press release, or parroting responses from focus groups.
Leadership is demonstrated through action.
There are many ways you can support Chris Dodd’s filibuster, all outlined at www.thankyoudodd.com. The most important one is to call your Senator. If you believe in the Constitution, if you believe in the values Dodd is fighting for, if you believe our government should not spy on its citizens, then now is the time to put your money where your mouth is. Pick up the phone.
The Dodd campaign has a whip count up counting votes for or against any FISA bill that includes telecom immunity.
Give your Senators a call right now and ask them how they will vote. Urge them to stand with Dodd, support his filibuster, and vote against any bill with retroactive immunity.
For the good of the Constitution and the country, I hope 41 Senators have the backbone to stand with Chris Dodd today.
Update: Firedoglake has a list of Senators who have said they would stand with Dodd. Give them a call and make sure they keep their word!
| Name | Fax | Phone |
| Feingold | (202) 224-2725 | (202) 224-5323 |
| Dodd | (202) 224-1083 | (202) 224-2823 |
| Obama | (202) 228-4260 | (202) 224-2854 |
| Sanders | (202) 228-0776 | (202) 224-5141 |
| Menendez | (202) 228-2197 | (202) 224-4744 |
| Biden | (202) 224-0139 | (202) 224-5042 |
| Brown | (202) 228-6321 | (202) 224-2315 |
| Harkin | (202) 224-9369 | (202) 224-3254 |
| Cardin | (202) 224-1651 | (202) 224-4524 |
| Clinton | (202) 228-0282 | (202) 224-4451 |
| Akaka | (202) 224-2126 | (202) 224-6361 |
| Webb | (202) 228-6363 | (202) 224-4024 |
| Kennedy | (202) 224-2417 | (202) 224-4543 |
| Boxer | (415) 956-6701 | (202) 224-355 |
I called each office, said I supported them and told them to stick behind Dodd!
