FISA Debate to begin tonight

by: Tim Tagaris

Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 10:41


Looks like the debate is going to start tonight, carrying over to tomorrow when Republicans and many Democrats hope a bill will pass quickly that contains retroactive immunity.

First order of business will be the Judiciary Bill as a substitute to the horrific Intelligence version.  That will probably get tabled by Republicans (per Harry Reid's helpful suggestion) and go away with an overwhelming vote.

Then we'll go to amendments, including Dodd/Feingold that would strip Title II (RI) from the bill.  There are other amendments, including ones that will substitute liability from the telecoms to the Administration.  Dodd is opposed to this, to the best of my knowledge.

There is also a Feinstein amendment that is the big wild card.  That would let the FISA court determine whether lawsuits can go forward.  That could conceivably pass.

And when we know what a final bill looks like, we'll know if a filibuster is going to have to happen.

I wouldn't bet on Dodd backing down if a bill contains retroactive immunity.
Tim Tagaris :: FISA Debate to begin tonight

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FISA Debate to begin tonight | 6 comments
Question for Tim (0.00 / 0)
Have you been in contact with either Obama or Clinton, and are you expecting any meaningful support from either of them?

John McCain won't insure children
Not expecting much (4.00 / 2)
A press release, probably.  Would love to see something different, but hardly holding my breath.

Here's to hope though, right?

Tim

[ Parent ]
Could we all collectively mail a copy of the Constitution (0.00 / 0)
to Our friendly neighborhood Democratic senators?

This is just enraging.  There's no reason the Congress has to do anything.  Let the existing bad law lapse, and let the previous less bad law go back into effect.  What is so hard to understand about that?

So If The Votes Are Scheduled Tomorrow, (0.00 / 0)
theoretically Clinton and Obama could fly back to D.C. and participate.

Would be surprised if they did. Leadership now seems to equal who talks the best game vs who actually take positive action.

I will actively support whichsoever of the two front-runners shows up (4.00 / 3)
to reinforce Dodd's filibuster...

And if  neither does, that should tell you all you need to know...

Edwards May Call Clinton and Obama on This.... (0.00 / 0)
His campaign headquarters, (919) 636-3131, told me about 90 minutes ago that a statement was going to be released tomorrow by Edwards and that Edwards supports Dodd and believes Clinton and Obama should show up in the Senate and support Dodd too.  It seems to me that if Edwards calls them on this issue he gets some earned media and if they show up, he gets more and can claim credit.  If they do not show up, he gets more earned media on his signature issue: special interests calling the shots for Clinton and Obama and that is evidence that nothing will change if either is elected.  This is a win-win issue for Edwards and, if neither Clinton nor Obama get out in front of Edwards, it may be a lose-lose issue for them.
FISA Debate to begin tonight | 6 comments
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