Senator Dodd just held a conference call with a number of reporters and bloggers. He was discouraged enough by the results of the previous votes to have decided that what makes the most sense at this point in the Senate debate is to wrap this up, after all opposing Senators have had the opportunity of their say, and to get this to the House and the conference committee as soon as possible.
The House RESTORE Act is a much stronger bill, and opposition to telco amnesty much stronger there. Via Smiley Sam, here's what's happening in the House as they watch the Senate foolishness on FISA and telco amnesty.
House leaders sent a letter to fellow lawmakers Friday saying they strenuously oppose handing amnesty to telecom companies that helped the government's secret, warrantless wiretapping program, even as the Senate is set to approve such a provision early next week.
Perhaps in response to that letter, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) filed a bill Friday that would give the two houses another 15 days to iron out a compromise without passing the expiration date on the extensive wiretapping powers handed to the Administration this summer.
The option for another 15 day extension could prove useful. Dodd reiterated in this phone call his commitment to using "every available means" to hold up telco amnesty. Asked if that meant he would filibuster a conference resolution, he said yes.
Update: FDL has a petition to House members, demanding that they reject the Senate version of the bill and defend their version, the RESTORE Act on the House floor and in conference. Sign the petition and write or call your representative.