Relevant disclaim: I am Chris Dodd's Internet Director
Well, we scored a nice little victory today, didn't we?
Make no mistake about it, if it wasn't for our efforts, together, retroactive immunity would be well on its way to sailing through the Senate ... largely unnoticed. But this is only one victory in a larger battle, in an even larger fight. In a sense, our work has just begun anew.
Because information is just coming out fast and furious, it's important to note two things as the debate moves to the full Senate.
1.) Chris Dodd's hold / pledge to hold any bill that contains retroactive immunity remains operative as long as today's bill that passed Judiciary is only "most likely" going to be reported to the full Senate.
2.) Unlike Mukasey, those who would erode the Constitution will need SIXTY votes to pass any amendment that includes retroactive immunity, or any substitute that is immunity by another name.
Senator Dodd's statement below the fold.
"I'm heartened to see that the Senate Judiciary Committee has affirmed, as I and thousands of other people around the country have, that those telecommunications companies that participated with the Bush Administration in trampling millions of Americans' civil liberties should not receive retroactive immunity for their participation. This is a victory for the rule of law and everyone who cares about preserving our Constitution.
"Getting results begins with standing for principles that you believe in, stating your position clearly, and working toward that end.
"As the debate over retroactive immunity moves to the Senate floor, I'll take this opportunity to reiterate my pledge to filibuster any legislation that grants immunity in any form to these telecom companies."
So, the next fight happens on two fronts:
1.) Making sure the bill that got voted of Judiciary is the one that gets reported to the Senate.
2.) Finding the 41 votes necessary to to stop retroactive immunity as a stand-alone amendment.
We'll be in touch with details on both fronts as we learn more.
Tim