ACLU Thanks Senators Who Stood for the Constitution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: 202-675-2312, media@dcaclu.org

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Washington, DC – After a brutal loss on the FISA Amendments Act today in the Senate, the American Civil Liberties Union expressed gratitude to the senators who cast their vote against the bill.

The following can be attributed to Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office:

“There are a few senators who deserve praise for defending the Constitution today.  We applaud Senators Feingold, Leahy, Dodd, and Cardin for their tireless efforts to improve this dismal legislation.  We especially missed the presence of the recovering Senator Kennedy today; his speech in February was a high point in this legislative battle.

“We’re also encouraged by Senator Reid’s vote against the bill and his vow to address these expanded surveillance powers before the bill sunsets.  Senator Reid’s suggestion of revisiting the FISA Amendments Act during the debate over reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act provisions is a welcome one.

“Freedom took a hit today – when this bill is enacted, Americans on American soil will no longer be alone in their own living rooms – Uncle Sam may be there too, listening in without a warrant.”

For more information visit: www.aclu.org/fisa<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />