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

[OliverTwist]

It's good to see there are real patriots in the Democratic party.

Too bad Obama seems not to be one of them.

[macbabe]

They are going to do a test vote tomorrow to see if they have 60 votes to end debate (end a filibuster). If they do they will vote and the bill goes through.

[CitizenFace]

Does anyone know who else is on board to support a filibuster? I've heard it's a slim chance, but really? 41 Dems won't support this?

Also, has anyone seen any public opinion polls regarding this FISA bill? I'd be interested in seeing it.

[sak]

Thank you again Senator Feingold and Senator Dodd. Now, is Senator Obama going to join them? We know Hillary will walk the line as will Diane Feinstein, but please, Senator Obama, please show us that you really mean what you say.
Immunity for these companies should be off the table forever. If they get this, all corporations have a free pass to do the same in the future. Just claim ignorance, patriotism, all that stuff, and ignore the Constitution as this president has.

[FightForJustice]

Pelosi and Hoyer make me question to the core of my being why I am a Democrat.

[kennedy]

Where is Obama?

Why has he not joined?

[macbabe]

Obama is FOCUSED on GETTING ELeCTeD!

[Amerigucci]

What a crying shame that a Dem thinks that to get elected, instead explaining to the American people why this bill is unconstitutional and abridges their rights, he goes along with the crowd of big monied interests.

[macbabe]

umm, trying to Get Elected!... allies taking the heat off him.

[LiberalBuzz]

ALL RIGHT!!!!

TWO Americans with REAL COJONES!!!!

I feel like sending them both flowers or something.

BUT I am going to email both of them and thank them and I hope EVERYONE DOES!!!!!

Bless those two for standing up. I would have LOVED it even more if Obama had had the courage to do as such.

[ojorae]

what i find amazing is that an individual can commit treason against the united states and not be brought before a firing squad in front of the washington monument at dawn

[heal57]

We have to get rid of all incumbents who consistently voted for Bush policies [that includes most democrats].


Independent for Obama '08

[macbabe]

We May Have Just Gotten The FISA Debate Extended
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/6/24/223033/176/554/541517

[ojorae]

thank goodness for persons with balls like chris and russ.

[obamanation31]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEDgtIdemZo

[christianhypocrites]

Reid is the biggest two-face s**t EVER. If Reid did not want this bill on the floor, he could take it off the floor. He is the Senate Majority Leader.

Reid: "I am going to stab you in the back. But don't worry, I will pull the knife out later."

[macbabe]

Fillibuster NOW on the Senate floor, go to C-Span
Chris Dodd and Feingold.
http://rawstory.com/news08/2008/06/24/feingold-dodd-planning-filibuster-of-wiretap-bill/

[jlbaraban]

Senators Dodd and Feingold, and Congressman Wexler are all focused on the most important issue...getting to the truth. We have had more lies in the last 7 1/2 years than I care to count and I
want my country back! Go Gentlemen, Go!

[Indubio]

I'd add Dennis Kucinich to your short list. There are others involved with this issue as well but the list of leaders is rather short.

[MadelineL]

It happening right now! Check cspan!

[PJay1]

Yup, it sure is happening now. I was just about to post that too.
Good! I hope others will join them, but they are true heroes tonight!