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H.R. 6304 - Telco Immunity - 06/23/2008

The 110th Congress, with the help of Congressman Mitchell who voted Yes on this bill, is continuing to erode our rights by increasing governmental power.  The Fourth Amendment guarantees that the government may not engage in search and seizure without a warrant.  But the passage of this bill would allow them to do just that.

Previously, if the Executive Branch wanted to tap into a phone call, they would need a warrant from a FISA court first.  FISA courts rubber-stamp warrants, so this process has never been a barrier to the administration tapping electronic communications.  If this bill passes the Senate, it will mean that a warrant is no longer needed.  Instead, a letter from the US Attorney General will suffice, which is illegal according to our Constitution.

Traditionally, Democrats have been proud of fighting for our civil liberties.  This is why I am especially disappointed in Congressman Mitchell for his "yes" vote on this bill.

H.R. 6304 was introduced to the House on 6/19, and passed the following day.  This is further evidence that we must propose and pass the Read The Bills Act.  This proposal would require that:

• Congress read each bill in both the House and Senate, including all amendments, in it's entirety.
• Members of both houses sign a sworn affidavit stating that they have read, or had read to them the complete bill to be voted on.
• All new bills coming up for renewal under the sunset clause would require reading under the same rules.
• Every bill must be posted publicly on the Internet for seven days before being voted on, and public notice must be given as to the date of the vote.
• Any bill not following these provisions would be null and void.
• Congress cannot waive these requirements.

I would be hard-pressed to find a member of Congress that could make a good argument opposing the idea that they should read and understand each bill that they vote on.