Secret Session, House Debate, and the House votes on and passes the Democratic version of the FISA bill, sends bill back to the Senate.
Leading Up to the Vote:
Allegations from Republicans state that there is bipartisan support, but the Democrats are stalling the vote. Let’s just say that once more, the House managed to stall the vote on the bill yesterday. Blount suggested that for the next two weeks we are in peril because the vote has not moved forward. That was yesterday.
Claims were made that we are at the intersection of politics and national security. Allegations from Republicans insinuate that lawyers waiting to file suit against telecoms have made contributions to 24 of the 29 most vocal Democrats opposing the FISA bill. The GOP briefing indicated that 66 trial lawyers through lobbyists bought off the Democratic vote and stalled the FISA bill.
The Republicans tossed some fear onto the scene, stating that in the Secret Session, names of “streams” of new groups wanting to attack us were made available. And, as a last ditch effort to sway the American people through fear, one representative said that by not having the Senate bill passed, an abducted child could die because law enforcement did not have the authority to have the telecoms listen in on a phone number without a warrant. That’s a reach, don’t you think?
No one wants to see a child or anyone else get hurt or killed, but we cannot turn over our few remaining freedoms to a government that has proved time and time again that abuse of the system is the norm rather than the exception.
On the “immunity” issue, it would be very clarifying to know “immunity” from what? What does immunity cover?
Many of us, from pre-1978 FISA, remember the days when those who spoke out against an unpopular war found ourselves being watched and listened to. We remember when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his family were targeted through illegal wiretapping. We remember what happens when no one protects the American citizens.
If there is evidence that a warrant is needed, it will be granted. FISA has proved that it has worked overall for years, protecting innocent persons from collateral damage that comes from having their names on watch lists. I suppose for most of us it goes back to the notion that when the dog bites you the first time, it’s the dog’s fault. If you let it happen again, well… you should know better. There are many of us who have learned and who know better.
Representative Steny Hoyer gave an impassioned closing talk, speaking of the freedoms we enjoy. He spoke of the responsibilty of the House to serve the American people. Following Rep. Hoyer’s closing arguments, the House voted.
FISA passed the House by a vote of 213-197 to Agree to the Senate Amendment with an Amendment. Eleven Democrats strayed across the isle and one voted “present”.
The Republicans are appalled that we want to protect our freedoms. And, we are appalled at their head up the ass attitude! What is so damned difficult about getting a warrant from the FISA court? Just get a warrant!
