GSA Technology Council

Senator opposed to blanket immunity for telecom providers

Few things are more detrimental to this country than the erosion of and attack on the civil liberties we enjoy. This isn’t a Democratic issue or a Republican issue; this is an American issue. If after debate, the Senate appears ready to pass legislation granting telecom providers retroactive immunity I will use any and all legislative tools at my disposal, including a filibuster, to prevent this deeply flawed bill from becoming law. More and more, Americans are rejecting the false choice that has come to define this administration: security or liberty, but never, ever both. For all those who have stood with me throughout this fight, I pledge, once more, to stand up for you.

Senator Chris Dodd speaks as the Senate revisits legislation permanently granting government operatives a free hand to unilaterally wiretap American telecom facilities and services and give immunity to those telcos who cooperate with them.