Panel Blocks Dems' Attempts To Rein in Bush Wiretapping Program

[kpete]

Panel blocks Dems' attempts to rein in Bush wiretapping program


WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans blocked Democratic attempts to rein in President Bush's domestic wiretapping program Wednesday, endorsing a White House-supported bill that would give the controversial surveillance legal status.

Under pressure from the Bush administration for quick action, the full Senate could take up the measure next week.

Progress on a companion bill in the House was not as tidy, in part because GOP leaders and Bush are intensely negotiating restrictions it proposes on the surveillance program. Even as the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Chairman Arlen Specter's bill to the Senate floor on a party line vote, the same panel in the House abruptly canceled its scheduled markup.

The developments come amid a sustained White House campaign to persuade Congress to give the administration broad authority to monitor, interrogate and prosecute terrorism suspects. The administration is up against an election season in which Republicans are struggling to keep its majority with approval from a war-weary electorate.

more at:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-09-13-terrorism-hearings_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA

[AndyA]

1. Well, I'm sure one of our DEMS will place a SECRET HOLD on this

wiretapping bill to prevent legalizing Bush's illegal activities, and to prevent a further expansion of his spying, and the continued erosion of our rights and liberties as American citizens.

We know all about the SECRET HOLD available to you, Democrats. One of you needs to use it to STOP THIS ANTI-AMERICAN UNCONSTITUTIONAL BILL!

[rodeodance]

2. an appearance by Bush himself before House Republicans--------

A parade of White House officials seeking support for legal tools against terrorists was to culminate Thursday with an appearance by Bush himself before House Republicans anxious to maintain their majority in the November elections.

[Independent_Liberal]

3. The Dems need to filibuster this bill!

Stop this assault on our civil liberties!