FISA Debate Begins

by Brian Beutler, The Media Consortium: Thu., Jan 24, 2008
Filed under: Congressional Oversight

The key senators (Reid, Leahy, Rockefeller, and Republican counterparts) are now taking turns making opening statements before debate over amendments begin. Keeping telecom immunity out of this thing will be difficult, but will ultimately depend on Dodd enjoying the support of many of his allies. If they succeed, then the bill will have to be revised and will meet with all sorts of objections from the GOP. All this will happen with the February 1st Protect America Act expiration looming in the background.

If Dodd et al fail, then some sort of immunity provision will remain in the bill. Either way it promises to be a long day or series of days.