The FISA debate continues in the Senate, and you can follow along through the live-blogging diaries up for the blow-by-blow. [Go to the mothership diary to find the current diary.]
In the meantime, it is critical that EVERYONE here contact your Senators and let them know that you expect them to support the amendment by Senators Dodd and Feingold.
As much of a supporter of one candidate that I am, this isn't about the primaries. This is about the rule of law and the Constitution.
Senator Reid today:
"As I have said before, if there are Senators who don't like these amendments and think they should be subjected to 60-vote thresholds, these Senators are going to have to engage in an old-fashioned filibuster. These amendments are by and large germane, and I believe they should be adopted if a majority of the Senate supports them."
In other words, there will be NO super-majority (silent filibuster) votes. If the Republicans want to block the Dodd/Feingold amendment (which Reid supports), they will have to stand and filibuster.
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Call your Senators NOW!!!
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Statements by Presidential Candidates in opposition to telecom immunity under FISA
former Senator John Edwards:
"In Washington today, telecom lobbyists have launched a full-court press to win retroactive immunity for their illegal eavesdropping on American citizens. Granting retroactive immunity will let corporate law-breakers off the hook and hamstring efforts to learn the truth about Bush's illegal spying program.
"It's time for Senate Democrats to show a little backbone and stand up to George W. Bush and the corporate lobbyists. They should do everything in their power -- including joining Senator Dodd's efforts to filibuster this legislation -- to stop retroactive immunity. The Constitution should not be for sale at any price." --John Edwards (1/23/08)
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Call your Senators NOW!!!
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Senator Barack Obama:
"I strongly oppose retroactive immunity in the FISA bill. No one should get a free pass to violate the basic civil liberties of the American people — not the president of the United States, and not the telecommunications companies that fell in line with his warrantless surveillance program [... T]hat is why I am proud to stand with Sen. Dodd and a grassroots movement of Americans who are standing up for our civil liberties and the rule of law." --(1/23/08 per M. Moulitsas in The Hill)
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Call your Senators NOW!!!
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Senator Hillary Clinton:
Likewise, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (N.Y.) campaign reaffirmed to me the senator’s opposition to telco amnesty, and her support for a filibuster, if necessary. --(1/23/08 per M. Moulitsas in The Hill)
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Call your Senators NOW!!!
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Here is the email I received today urging me to contact my Senators from John Edwards:
SUBJECT: Urgent: Stand Up for the Constitution
Dear [ ],
When it comes to protecting the rule of law, words are not enough. We need action.
It's wrong for your government to spy on you. That's why I'm asking you to join me today in calling on Senate Democrats to filibuster revisions to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that would give "retroactive immunity" to the giant telecom companies for their role in aiding George W. Bush's illegal eavesdropping on American citizens.
The Senate is debating this issue right now -- which is why we must act right now. You can call your Senators here:
John Warner, (R): (202) 224-2023
Jim Webb, (D): (202) 224-4024
Granting retroactive immunity is wrong. It will let corporate law-breakers off the hook. It will hamstring efforts to learn the truth about Bush's illegal spying program. And it will flip on its head a core principle that has guided our nation since our founding: the belief that no one, no matter how well connected or what office they hold, is above the law.
But in Washington today, the telecom lobbyists have launched a full-court press for retroactive immunity. George Bush and Dick Cheney are doing everything in their power to ensure it passes. And too many Senate Democrats are ready to give the lobbyists and the Bush administration exactly what they want.
Please join me in calling on every Senate Democrat to do everything in their power -- including joining Senator Dodd's efforts to filibuster this legislation -- to stop retroactive immunity and stand up for the rule of law. The Constitution should not be for sale at any price.
Thank you for taking action.
John Edwards
January 24, 2008
[if you have received a similar email from the other candidates, please post in the comments and I'll update the diary.]
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Please, if you have not contacted your Senators yet, it is critical that all Senators--regardless of their position--know that the American people strongly oppose the immunity provisions.
Don't let the telecoms and Bush/Cheney win without a fight!
Call your Senators NOW!!!
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STATUS AS OF 3:30 PM
Earlier this afternoon, the Senate voted 60-34 to table the bill that came out of the Senate Judiciary Committee as an amendment to the base bill (out of the Senate Intelligence Committee that does not contain the immunity provision. The debate now begins on the individual Title amendments, beginning with Title I. The amendment against immunity will be submitted by Senators Dodd and Feingold, and is in Title II. At any point during the debate, Senator McConnell may file cloture to end debate on the entire bill.
