House Democrats defy Bush, approve spy bill

[rodeodance]

Source: reuters



http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1025071120071010

House Democrats defy Bush, approve spy bill
Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:22pm EDT

By Thomas Ferraro and Randall Mikkelsen

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defying President George W. Bush, Democrats voted on Wednesday to bolster civil liberties safeguards in his anti-terrorism spying program and refused to shield phone companies from pending lawsuits.

Just hours after Bush warned Democrats they would be rolling back efforts to protect the United States, the House of Representatives Judiciary and Intelligence committees approved legislation to ensure congressional and court oversight of the surveillance of suspected enemy targets.

The party-line votes by the two panels were 20-14 and 12-7, respectively.

The full House is to consider the bill next week. The Senate Intelligence Committee plans to begin work on its version next Thursday.......

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1025071120071010

[rodeodance]

1. Dems are questioning how Bush might have pressured tele comm. companies:

Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan replied: "The president's remarks today raise further questions about how the administration might have pressured or induced telecommunications companies to participate."

House Democrats say they will not consider retroactive immunity unless the White House hands over records of detailing what the companies did. The House bill would protect the firms from future lawsuits, but not from pending ones. Continued...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Could it be that some of them are starting to grow rudimentary spines?

At least notochords? Maybe a few actual vertebrae? Do we dare hope?

[NoodleyAppendage]

4. No. This was just temporary cover to keep the grassroots from going ape sh*t.

I fully expect the Chimperior to get everything he wants after the traitor Dems are through with it next week. Bank on it. What evidence do we have that they won't capitulate...as usual? NONE.

J

[dickbearton]

5. Noodle, learn how to count...

Do you know what a veto proof Congress is or are you just
unable to count? Corrupt Republicans plus Dinos do not lead to
a veto proof Congress.

[f the letter]

6. This whole 'veto proof' thing really misses the point.

The only reason that is an issue is that congresscritters refuse to vote for what is actually right, or possibly just that they're just as corrupt as any in this administration. Just because something that is right can be vetoed does not mean you should not vote for it. Just because you don't have enough votes to overturn a veto doesn't mean you shouldn't vote for what is right in that circumstance too. If that leads to being vetoed so be it, but they should not just lay down and say "Well, it is inevitable. i may as well just go along with it and save them the trouble of having me perform my constitutional duties"

[NoodleyAppendage]

11. Thank you. That was my point. 'Veto Proof' is cover excuse for COWARDICE.

What ever happened to leaders voting their conscience, not what is politically expedient. Dems are racking up enough "wet noodle" points with their constant defeatist voting approach against a President with crappy poll numbers. If they can't stand up to Chimp (at his lowest point), then they don't deserve to serve in office.

J

[PSPS]

9. Like with funding bush's crime spree, there is no "veto proof" needed

This is just a convenient peg for democrats to hang their traitor hats on.

The FISA expansion sunsets, so it can simply expire without any replacement coming up for a vote. That's "veto proof" in that there's no bill to veto.

Same as with more hundreds of billions for bush and his criminal cronies with their killing and torture spree in Iraq. The funds could be stopped by simply not bringing a bill forward to continue it.

No, this is just more theater. I expect democrats to soon be talking about how they can't pass a "veto proof" bill forbidding bush to cremate the remains of prisoners who "died during interrogation."

[dickbearton]

3. K&R.

[monktonman]

7. Phew ....good thing I'll still be able to sue.

Maybe.
That will come in handy when I'm sitting in Guantonimo.

I guess I'll have to be happy with a little progress.
Yeah Dems!!! (very small yeah)

[deacon]

8. Finally - one very small ray of hope from this congress. n/t

Will they cave tomorrow though?...

[Ian David]

10. "We need this bill or we will die! It's a matter of life or death! Death! ! We NEED this!"

"But, I won't sign it unless it contains a congressional pardon for the telecom companies. Why? Because poor children first."


Bush fucking sucks.