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Dodd to Block Telecom Immunity

Vows to keep bill shielding carriers from coming to a vote

By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2007 6:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – Dem presidential hopeful Chris Dodd said yesterday he will place a “hold” on a bill that would grant retroactive immunity to telecom companies who handed over phone records to the feds without warrants. The White House and the Senate Intelligence Committee had made a deal to clear carriers Wednesday, but Dodd vows to block its coming to a vote, Election Central reports.

Dodd’s campaign spokesman accused the telecoms of being “complicit in the Bush administration’s assault on the United States Constitution.” Obama's campaign also came out against the retroactive immunity bill yesterday. If Dodd blocks the bill, senators will have to go on record in favor of the legislation to override him to bring it to the floor, according to one blog.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut answers questions during an Associated Press Newsmaker interview Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut answers questions during an Associated Press Newsmaker interview Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)   (Associated Press)
Democratic Presidential hopeful, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee member, Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.,  listens as Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker testify on the future course of the war in Iraq, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, before the committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan...
Democratic Presidential hopeful, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee member, Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., listens as Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker testify on the...   (Associated Press)
Alberto Gonzales Testifies On FISA Before House (Select) Intelligence Committee in July.
Alberto Gonzales Testifies On FISA Before House (Select) Intelligence Committee in July.   (Getty Images)
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