Liberal Dems seek secret FISA session

[Breeze54]

Liberal Dems seek secret FISA session

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/liberal-dems-seek-secret-fisa-session-2008-02-26.html

By Mike Soraghan
Posted: 02/26/08 08:09 PM

Liberal House Democrats are pushing for a closed session to discuss the legal underpinnings of President Bush’s intelligence surveillance program.

They believe that the more members know about it, the less likely they will be to support Bush’s wish to make it permanent.

“I haven’t heard anything in closed session that makes me think we need the Protect America Act,” said Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.), an Intelligence Committee member, referring to a White House-backed interim wiretapping bill that lapsed this month. “Or that FISA , with modest modifications, isn’t the way to go into the future.”

The request for the closed session came in a letter coauthored by Holt and Reps. John Tierney (D-Mass.) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Holt refused to confirm the letter, but other Democrats say it was brought up at Tuesday’s Democratic Caucus meeting.

The three want all members allowed to see documents that outline the administration’s legal opinions on the program. So far, only Intelligence and Judiciary Committee members have been allowed to see them.

The three believe it is impractical to have all members go to the secure offices of the Intelligence Committee to review the documents. Instead, they want a presentation before the whole House, but in a closed session because the information is classified.

“It’s hard to make a decision on something like immunity when you don’t even know what it’s for,” said Schakowsky. “I think everyone should learn the highlights.”

Schakowsky presented the idea Tuesday to Pelosi during a discussion on FISA at the caucus meeting. Pelosi said she would review the details, but did not give a decision.

The request comes as Democrats are feeling more confident in their defiance of Bush on his signature issue of national security.

“The pendulum is swinging back on the issue of civil liberties,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) “We may be finding an atmosphere that’s much calmer.”

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Sounds like a good idea to me!

[Breeze54]

1. Glad this got six butt kicks!

:P

[lonestarnot]

2. Oh you mean someone is thinking about something other than fucking steriods for worthless overpaid

assholes?

[Breeze54]

6. The times, they are a changing! But be fair, not all are involved in that.

I don't think these proponents were even on the steroid committee.

I mean, they are the liberal Democrats. :P

[lonestarnot]

9. The fact that any congressional time is being spent/wasted on this bullshit just

burns me.

[Breeze54]

10. Voting against FISA is bullshit?

What the hell are you talking about? I'm astounded that you're angry that
they want to educate the rest of congress so that they vote AGAINST bush's FISA!

Why do you have a problem with that? :shrug:

[VP505]

3. Wonder why this

sounds like fishing for an excuse to capitulate to Bu$h AGAIN? Maybe I am just getting too cynical.

[Breeze54]

4. You are.

:spank:

:P

[VP505]

7. Maybe, but its

not like I don't have reason to be.

[Breeze54]

8. I have no qualms against the LIBERAL DEMS....

All the rest are scrutinized by me.

Maybe you don't see a difference?

I do... there's a huge difference.

[blondeatlast]

5. The Radical Right Republicans, personified by Newt, made this bed--

I hope they squirm with the bedbugs they left there!

Hell, yes, I want REVENGE--and my civil liberties back.