The Political Chase

Dodd Will Put A Hold On Telecom Immunity Bill

(Update I, Update II, Update III below)

Thank goodness there is at least one Member of Congress that has a spine — Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT).

Exclusive: Senator Chris Dodd Will Put A Hold On Telecom Immunity Bill

Senator Chris Dodd plans to put a hold on the Senate FISA renewal bill because it reportedly grants retroactive immunity to telephone companies for any role they played in the Bush administration’s warrantless eavesdropping program, Election Central has learned.

Dodd will send a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid this afternoon informing him of his decision. Dodd also plans to put up a page today at his campaign Web site where opponents of the immunity provision can register their opposition.

Dodd’s responsible action may give him a much needed boost in his bid for the presidency. He has been struggling in the polls. This also raises a pertinent question — where have Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama been and why haven’t they assumed a leadership position?

Update I: From Atrios

If you think it’s important for Dodd to place a hold on any crappy telecom immunity bill that the Senate comes up with, call Dodd campaign headquarters and request they do it. Ask to speak to the policy director, Amos Hochstein.

Dodd campaign headquarters telephone number:

(202)737-3633

Be polite.

The issue is that (bizarrely) placing a hold is the best way to muck things up in the Senate. And it only takes one senator.

Doddmania’s been bubbling up for awhile now. This could be its moment.

Update II: I contacted Sen. Dodd’s office and they confirmed that Dodd officially put a hold on the bill at 3:00 PM ET.

Update III: Barack Obama comes out against immunity for the telecom companies.

Via TPM:

“I have consistently opposed this Administration’s efforts to use debates about our national security to expand its own power, whether that was on the Iraq war, or on its power grab to curb our civil liberties through domestic surveillance programs. It is time to restore oversight and accountability in the FISA program, and this proposal — with an unprecedented grant of retroactive immunity — is not the place to start.”