FISA: Debate thread #2

The debate continues. Pelosi spoke and was strong on the politics and on the facts. Encouragingly, Boswell, one of the 21 Blue Dogs who signed onto the letter to Pelosi urging her to rubberstamp the bad Senate bill, is supporting the majority. That's a good signal for the other 21.

And note that smintheus's post on the Intelligence Oversight Board is intrinsically tied to this fight. It's not just FISA, it's the efforts of this administration to remove all oversight from all of their intelligence activities, and to remove the firewall between domestic and foreign surveillance.

Update: Here's Boswell's statement:

"So yes, I like 20 others, signed a letter of concern. By the way, it was not a Blue Dog letter, a Blue Dog position but individuals, some of whom were Blue Dogs. Over the course of past weeks, a crdit to Chairman Reyes and Chairman Conyers and our super staff, an acceptable solution has been found. It makes FISA — supports FISA and gives protection to those who assist within the provisions of the law. For example, those who feel their civil rights have been violated can seek justice and telecoms who feel they have complied with the law, a judge can review the classified evidence and decide. This means to me that the Constitution and civil rights are protected and telecoms who are asked under pressure to assist in an emergency can know that classified evidence will be seen by a judge... The bill provides telecom companies a way to present their defense in secure proceedings in a district court without the administration using state secrets to block the defense. A company simply doing its duty following the law, this bill ensures they they will not be punished and I urge everyone who signed the letter with me to support this resolution."

Udpate 2: And don't forget the value of a good primary challenge. Thanks for your help in this, Ed Fallon.

Update 3: Another round unexpectedly won, 213-197 w/1 present vote.