The Political Chase

Telecoms get amnesty in FISA bill

The Senate’s overwhelming decision today to provide retroactive immunity to telecom companies for illegally wiretapping Americans clearly demonstrates the level of influence lobbyists and special interests have in Washington. Lawmakers decided it was more important to protect companies, such as AT&T and Verizon, from criminal prosecution and numerous lawsuits worth billions of dollars than it was to protect American citizens from terrorist threats and uphold their Fourth Amendment rights. (Bush promised to veto FISA bill if it did not include amnesty.)

Quite simply, Congress dismissed the Rule of Law, acquiesced to the authoritarian rule of George Bush, and sanctioned lining their pockets with substantial contributions from the telecom companies.

The lawmakers’ decision today goes to the very core of what former presidential candidate John Edwards fought so hard against in his unsuccessful bid for the White House this year. Following Edwards’ lead, Barack Obama adopted the same platform for his campaign – accept no campaign funds from Washington lobbyists and special interests, and ban them from holding White House positions. Hillary Clinton has chosen to continue accepting campaign contributions from lobbyists and special interests.

The amendment [S.Amdt. 3907 to S.Amdt. 3911 to S. 2248 (FISA Amendments Act of 2007)], sponsored by Sen. Chris Dodd, failed on a 31 to 67 vote. (Official results here.)

Democrats siding with Republicans were: Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Evan Bayh (D-IA), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Herb Kohl (D-WI), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ken Salazar (D-CO), Tom Carper (D-DE), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jim Webb (D-VA), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Kent Conrad (D-ND), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

Presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain were present and voted Yea and Nay, respectively. Hillary Clinton was not present for voting.

Glenn Greenwald has a very good analysis on the amnesty bill today, which I highly recommend. In addition, Glenn notes that he, FDL et al. have a petition, “directed at House members, demanding that they reject this lawless, authoritarian Senate bill and defend their own, previously passed bill (the RESTORE Act). I encourage everyone to sign it. You can do so here.”

Related post: Dodd to continue FISA amnesty fight