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

[Titonwan]

Chris Dodd took time off from Christmas holidays to filibuster last time. He took time off from campaigning for president for chrissakes! Now tell me that isn't a patriot. Obama has some splainin' to do if these two guys show more courage than he does. Come on Barack! You only live once, you might as well do it with honor.

[Sebillah]

Good!

[JCNnDallas]

Where's Obama?

[letsgetsmart]

So, Mr presidential want to be are you just going to ignore all of us that spoke out asking you to declare yourself against this? Are you going to leave it up to others to be the leader?

[bbbear]

I second that thought!

[ebanks84]

I third that emotion.

[macbabe]

have you ever heard of "team-work"... (behind closed doors strategy)
his main focus is GETTING ELECTED, that's what friends/allies are there for!

[SwingVoter]

Let us hope they keep to their words.

[NewtC]

Oregon's Ron Wyden will Filibuster also.

Call Obama and your senators ASAP and tell them you expect them to protect the Constitution and our rights by blocking FISA's telecom immunity. Tell Obama to show some leadership!

Obama’s senate office 866-675-2008
Other senate offices 800-828-0498, 800-614-2803 or 877-851-6437

[RossalGondamer]

(HEADLINE - In the near future) Warrantless spying and Teleco immunity has passed....... as Republicans could not secure the 60 votes to stop a 'threatened' Democratic filibuster.

[numbnuts]

There is still hope.
Barack needs to join in on this!

[skepticalindenver]

Thank goodness, someone has a backbone.

[EW]

My thoughts exactly!

[RENREVARD]

My Heros!

[CrazyCanuck07]

Harry Reid is a traitor for allowing this when there was a better Bill to be brought to Congress.

Harry Reid and his ilk have broken their oath to defend the Constitution and I hope all of you will join with me in ousting them from Office by electing Real Democrat and Americans to Congress.

[bbbear]

If you'll include Palosi then count me in!

[WhiteDelyte]

I agree, and Barack needs flip flop on this one.

[ebanks84]

Absolutely! GET OUT REID. GET OUT PELOSI. GET OUT EVERY CONGRESS PERSON WHO VOTED FOR THIS ANNILIATION OF OUR HUMAN RIGHTS.

Bush has screwed us enough. We don't need any more. Thank you.

[ObserverinVancouver]

Could Reid have stopped the House from passing their version? I thought that once the House passed something the Senate had to pay attention to it. I'm glad that Dodd and Feingold are filibustering. The telecoms all ought to have said (as one apparently did): Where's the court order? One of the soldiers at Abu Ghraib (sorry, no particulars) was told to participate in some of the bad stuff and he requested written orders. Needless to say, he didn't get his orders and he didn't get in trouble.

On a larger note, the Democrats have really been disappointing since they took over. They don't seem to grasp that the voters were sending a message to Bush and Co. and it wasn't Happy Motoring.

[IndependentMeans]

HELLO !!! What every democrat should have said, and should be saying.

[HumeSkeptic]

Thank you Senators Dodd and Feingold and Reid.

Senator Obama, please do the right thing. Support them in their efforts. And if immunity is still in the bill, vote "no".

Retroactive immunity for corporations who might have violated basic rights of citizens would set a very dangerous precedent.

[LoloZ]

C'mon Barack, take some time out of your schedule and help Dodd and Feingold. They supported you early on in the election. It would go a long way, and probably give you a boost in the polls.

[PAposter]

Didn't Obama say he would filibuster FISA Legislation, that included retroactive immunity for telecommunication companies? But, glad to see he has some support.