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Democrats Withdraw Spy Bill

Delay vote that would give phone companies immunity in spy scandal

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2007 3:20 AM CST
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(Newser) – Legislation that would have granted retroactive immunity for phone companies that cooperated in the National Security Agency's warrantless surveillance program was abruptly withdrawn by Senate majority leader Harry Reid late yesterday. The legislation, favored by the White House, had deeply divided Democrats. Reid said the Senate would deal with the bill in the next session.

"He blinked," Caroline Fredrickson, Washington director of the ACLU said of Reid, according to the Washington Post. "It's clear that this was not going to be easy. He wanted to rush this process and think he could strong-arm everybody to giving up their rights as senators. They threw sand in the gears."

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., is a leading opponent of legislation that would give immunity to phone companies that co-operated in the government's warrantless surveillance program. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., is a leading opponent of legislation that would give immunity to phone companies that co-operated in the government's warrantless surveillance...   (Associated Press)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill. He abruptly withdrew legislation that would have given immunity to phone companies that co-operated in the government's warrantless surveillance program. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill. He abruptly withdrew legislation that would have given immunity to phone companies that co-operated in the government's...   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., is a leading opponent of legislation that would give immunity to phone companies that co-operated in the government's warrantless surveillance program. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., is a leading opponent of legislation that would give immunity to phone companies that co-operated in the government's warrantless surveillance...   (Associated Press)
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Listening In

Delayed vote is setback for White House
New York Times

Dodd delays wiretapping bill
ABC News

 
Harry Reid • American Civil Liberties Union • Chris Dodd • FISA • FISA Court • warrantless wiretapping • immunity • telecommunications companies

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