Good on Dodd

Stopping the FISA bill granting retroactive immunity to telcos:

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.

“Later today Senator Dodd will be sending a letter to Majority Leader Reid informing him that he plans to put a ‘hold’ on a bill that would provide for retroactive amnesty for telecom giants that were complicit in the Bush Administration’s assault on the United States Constitution," Dodd spokesman Hari Sevugan told Election Central. "Senator Dodd said that he would do what he could do to stop this bill, and with this announcement he has again shown that he delivers results.”

Senator Dodd's action comes after reports that Senate Intelligence Committee chair, John Rockefeller of West Virginia made a "deal" with the Bush administration on the immunity provision.

By doing this Dodd opens himself up to retribution, but in the end, this is the right thing to do. Particularly in light of the Qwest litigation, in which the CEO has alleged that the Bush administration was beginning illegal wiretaps in February of 2001, a full eight months before 9/11.

The Dodd campaign, has set up a webpage in which you can add your name in support of his action.

As Atrios is wont to say, we need to reward good behavior.