One question on today's vote.

[Yukari Yakumo]

Here's my question: Congress can giveth, but can they taketh away?

The FISA gives Telecom companies immunity from prosecution from activities in the past. But is it possible for that immunity to be repealed at a later date (say when Obama takes office)?

If that's possible, then aren't many of us ballyhooing about nothing?

[orleans]

1. i heard someone say they could stick it in committee in the senate

and let it languish

i would say it is highly unlikely to repeal it once it is passed--these people don't tend to go back--always want to go forward. and thereby they don't hold the criminals to account. unfortunately.

[Solon]

2. No they can't, that would be ex post facto law, and forbidden by the Constitution...

It would be like legalizing theft tomorrow, then the next day making it illegal again, and making it retroactive as well. The immunity would be permanent.

[crickets]

3. But, could that immunity be unconstitutional?