Wrong Version of FISA Bill To Be Brought To Senate Floor

Image credit: National Archives

I received this e-mail today from Senator Chris Dodd's campaign:

Today, that FISA fight we've all been waiting for begins -- and it's time to separate the leaders from the capitulators.

In a few hours, Majority Leader Harry Reid will ask for something called a "motion to proceed" on FISA, effectively disregarding Chris Dodd's "hold" on the bill.

It's unfortunate that he chose to go this route, to introduce a bill including retroactive immunity when another route could have been chosen just as easily.

So ... that means Chris Dodd will start by introducing an amendment to strip retroactive immunity out of the bill.

But if that doesn't work, he will do all he can to stop this bill that threatens our security, and that may include a "filibuster."

Remember when this all started playing out? A lot of people rushed to send out strongly worded press releases about how committed they were to "supporting a filibuster."

They'll have a chance to show they are true to their word.

Call or email the Senators that pledged their opposition to this bill to support the Dodd Amendment and a filibuster if necessary. And ask them to be there with Dodd when it counts.

http://chrisdodd.com/filibuster

You don't demonstrate leadership in the footnotes of a press release, or parroting responses from focus groups.

Leadership is demonstrated through action.

Tim Tagaris

[bold emphasis mine]

I can't really make it any clearer. There are two version of this bill, one from the Intelligence committee, which is the one being brought to the Senate floor over Sen. Dodd's objections, includes both immunity for the telecoms that helped President Bush break the law, and "basket" warrants, which are basically no warrant at all. If all of this is new to you, click on the domestic surveillance keyword and read.

I'll be on the road tomorrow, and so cannot call my Senators about this development. If you value freedom, please contact yours and urge them to support this filibuster.

UPDATE: According to the Senate's website, the FISA amendment will be considered Monday, at 10:00 AM EST. Still time to call, especially if you're on the East Coast.