DECEMBER 17TH, 2007 | ryan.alexander
Tom Harkin released the following statement today regarding his decision to vote no today on cloture on the motion to proceed on the FISA bill, which would have given immunity for phone companies who participated in the illegal wiretapping of American citizens:
The government’s first duty is to protect the American people. That is why I fully support giving our intelligence community the surveillance tools they need to fully monitor and track terrorists.
I was deeply troubled by the act passed in August. It permitted the government unchecked surveillance of American citizens without meaningful court oversight and approval. It permitted the government to monitor calls between businesspeople, tourists, our troops overseas to their families, or to family and friends abroad. I cannot support legislation that does not protect the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens who have done nothing wrong.
The Protect Act stripped the FISA court of its authority to act as a check to ensure the constitutional rights of American citizens.
The bills that passed both the Intelligence Committee and the Judiciary Committee are significant improvements. While protecting our national security, both include important safeguards for the privacy rights of American citizens and ensure meaningful checks on the Administration.
I am troubled, however, that the Intelligence bill grants immunity to telecommunications companies who knowingly aided in the illegal wiretapping of American citizens. Tellingly, Quest, which provides services throughout Iowa, chose not to comply with the Administration’s request for assistance because they believed it was clear on its face that the program was illegal and unconstitutional. I do not believe companies that participated in clear illegalities should get a free pass. That is why I voted against cloture today to bring up the Intelligence bill and why I have co-sponsored an amendment that will strike the immunity provision.
On December 18th, 2007 at 05:08 PM, James Demastes wrote:
Senator harkin:
Thank you for standing up for us (the people) and true freedom with your vote on the FISA bill! Again, thank you.
On February 13th, 2008 at 11:25 AM, kenneth dale wrote:
THIS IS FEB.13TH,I WATCHED THE SENIT,YESTERDAY AS THEY PASSED THE FISA BILL WITH THE AMNESTY FOR THE TELECOM. IND INCLUDED AND I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW DISAPOINTING IT WAS.
On February 13th, 2008 at 12:02 PM, kenneth dale wrote:
THIS IS FEB.13TH,I WATCHED THE SENIT,YESTERDAY AS THEY PASSED THE FISA BILL WITH THE AMNESTY FOR THE TELECOM. IND INCLUDED AND I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW DISAPOINTING IT WAS.TO WATCH CRISS DOOD FIGHT THIS PORTIAN OF THE BILL AND HOPE THAT FINALLY MY PARTY WAS STAND UP AGAINST THE CROOKED ANTICS OF THIS ADMINERSTRATION AND MAKE THEM ANSWER.EVEN AFTER WATCHING AMENDMENT AFTER AMENDMENT FALL TO DEFEET,THAIR WAS STILL ONE CHANCE.IF 40 SENITORS WOULD HAVE STOOD UP WITH SEN. DOOD WITH A NO VOTE,MAYBE JUST MAYBE THIS BILL WOULD HAVE TURNED OUT THE RIGHT WAY.I WOULD LIKE TO COMEND THE 28 SENITORS THAT DID.IT IS AWFULLY DISHEARTNING TO WATCH THE DEM.CONTROLED CONGRESS BUCKEL BY BUSHES VITO THREAT OR THE MINORITE BULLYING.THE MAJORITY CONGRESS HAS THE MORJORITY OF THE NATION BEHIND THEM.I BELIEVE ITS WELL PAST TIME FOR US TO STAND UP AND DARE THIS PRES. TO VITO A BILL HE SAYS HE HAS TO HAVE. P.S. I CANT SAY I REMBER HIS NAME OR POS. BUSH WANTS HIM TO HAVE,BUT HE’S TRYING TO HOLD 85 OTHER CONFERMATIONS UP TO GET THIS ONE TO COVER HIS A#%.PLEASE DON’T LET HIM GET BY WITH IT
On February 14th, 2008 at 02:33 PM, Jerrry Taylor wrote:
Yesterday was a sad day in United States history. The Senate passed the FISA bill with the provision that granted immunity to the telecom companies for illegally helping the bush administration spy on American citizens. Senator Dodd gave a hell of a fight, but too many democrats knuckled under to bush in the end. I am proud that Senator Harkin voted both to try to remove the immunity clause and voted against the final FISA bill that included the immunity clause. I will also note that Senator Grassley was on the wrong side of the fence on both votes. In my book when a public servant puts the interests of corporations ahead of the constitution rights of American citizens, then it is time for him to retire to his farm and drive his little lawn mower around. It is also interesting that neither Senator Clinton nor Senator Obama bothered to vote on the FISA bill. Between them not bothering to vote and Senator McCain voting for the FISA bill, the future of our constitutional rights looks dim indeed.