Dodd And Feingold Will Filibuster Telecom Immunity

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) released the following statement today in response to the announcement that the Senate this week will consider the compromise legislation that would reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA):

This is a deeply flawed bill, which does nothing more than offer retroactive immunity by another name. We strongly urge our colleagues to reject this so-called 'compromise' legislation and oppose any efforts to consider this bill in its current form. We will oppose efforts to end debate on this bill as long as it provides retroactive immunity for the telecommunications companies that may have participated in the President's warrantless wiretapping program, and as long as it fails to protect the privacy of law-abiding Americans.

"If the Senate does proceed to this legislation, our immediate response will be to offer an amendment that strips the retroactive immunity provision out of the bill. We hope our colleagues will join us in supporting Americans' civil liberties by opposing retroactive immunity and rejecting this so-called 'compromise' legislation.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) says he will support Dodd and Feingold:

"Unfortunately, the FISA compromise bill establishes a process where the likely outcome is immunity to the telecommunications carriers who participated in the President's warrantless wiretapping program. Sen. Reid remains opposed to retroactive immunity, which undermines efforts to hold the Bush Administration accountable for violating the law. Thus, he will cosponsor the amendment offered by Senators Dodd and Feingold to strip out the immunity provision, and support their efforts to strip immunity on the floor. "

Read more about Feingold's efforts to get Democrats to stand up for civil liberties here.

Comments

[TheKnownTruth]

Go Dodd and Feingold !!!!!!!

Love that steel backbone !!!! We need to hold this administration and the telecoms accountabl­e......

[missntexas]

I am thoroughly disgusted with our congress in refusing to get rid of these laws. Bush is destroying our constitution and they sit idly by without a peep. Excuse me, that's why we voted for and campaigned for democrats. We also gave them money. My money is not going to my state senator. It's going to Dodd and Feingold. Reward them!

[Sarahjan]

Thank you Sen. Feingold and sen. Dodd! Please kill this thing!

[jhink465]

Will Obama filibuster? Protecting and defending the Constitution is the prime imperative of any Senator, Representative and especially the President. There is no comprimising on the Constitution. Any politician who votes to support this travesty of a bill is not worthy of the oath they took and should be out of office. That's how important this vote is.

[gladys46]

I'm not sure, but I think a senator must be physically on the floor to assist a filibuster. Finegold & Dobb are to be commended for their intended efforts. I know this is a serious issue, however, for O's supporters to make decisions on one issue could launch Mc in that WH ... that cannot be done!

If Feingold & Dodd attempts fail we should remember that nothing is written in stone! Even the Constitution has been amended! Obama (when president) will be able to reverse and remand this bill with it's immunity codicil ... that can be done the moment O takes office! So please don't be dismayed in any event!!

[VOTER]

Kudos to Senators Dodd and Feingold.

Help them out!

[solarenergy]

Thank you Sen.s Dodd and Feingold. May others (hint hint Mr. Next Prez) join you in this effort.

[VOTER]

Time to get busy with telephone calls and/or emails to our Senators.

They must hear from us. NO COMPROMISE!

[GotRights]

though many don't know it, Americans are very fortunate to have these two men in the senate, defending the Bill of Rights. What about Bernie Sanders? Will he filibuster too?

[BlackLeatherRain]

I was thinking the same. These men are a blessing to our Union.

[drkazmd65]

I just hope that my two (Dem) Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin hear the message and join in with Senators Feingold and Dodd.

I know I have E-mailed both of them, and have called their lines over the last year on this topic,... better try doing it again.

This 'Retroactive Immunity' crap has got to stop. Have the other Senators NOT read the Constitution? In the good old USA, ex post facto laws are prohibited by Article I, section 9.

[VolvoBirkenstock]

Providing retroactive immunity does not violate ex post facto.

Ex post facto is when a prior act is made criminal.