The Political Chase

Dodd’s Leadership and Reid’s Reaction

Chris Dodd took a bold leap today by putting a hold on the Senate Intelligence Committee’s version of the RESTORE Act (H.R. 3773). While the Committee’s version is not public yet, we know the Committee reached an agreement with the Bush-Cheney administration that would give the telecom companies and the administration immunity for any surveillance related lawbreaking they may have done in the past.

I believe all those opposing any type of retroactive immunity should thank Senator Dodd for his efforts. Many in Congress love to talk, but few take action, especially controversial action. Following is a statement from his campaign’s web site.

The Military Commissions Act. Warrantless wiretapping. Shredding of Habeas Corpus. Torture. Extraordinary Rendition. Secret Prisons.

No more.

I have decided to place a “hold” on the latest FISA bill that would have included amnesty for telecommunications companies that enabled the President’s assault on the Constitution by illegally providing personal information on their customers without judicial authorization.

I said that I would do everything I could to stop this bill from passing, and I have.

It’s about delivering results — and as I’ve said before, the FIRST thing I will do after being sworn into office is restore the Constitution. But we shouldn’t have to wait until then to prevent the further erosion of our country’s most treasured document. That’s why I am stopping this bill today.

Now for the bad news via Spencer Ackerman and Greg Sargent.

Tim Starks of Congressional Quarterly reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) plans to bring the Senate’s surveillance bill up for floor debate in mid-November. That’s despite the hold that Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) plans to place on the measure — something first reported by Election Central’s Greg Sargent.

Reid’s decision to move forward and ignore Dodd is puzzling at best, and it certainly wouldn’t have anything to do with that $22,000 AT&T gave him. Jane Hamsher contacted someone she knows with “extensive Hill experience” that offered this comment:

“I can’t think of one time when Harry Reid went around his own. It’s just not normal for a leader to do that to his own side. Sometimes you’ll go around Republicans, sometimes they’ll use holds to be “spoilers,” but that happens to the other guy. You just don’t do it to one of your own.”

Maybe Reid is ticked off because Dodd challenged his authority. Back in June, Reid got more than p**** off when Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) used the same procedure to stop legislation, but DeMint is a Republican and an idiot.

Go figure.