House of Representatives To Discuss Wiretapping In Closed Session

Nimey brings word that for the first time in 25 years, the US House of Representatives will use a closed-door session to discuss proposed wiretapping legislation. The old legislation expired last month when government officials could not agree on retroactive immunity for the telecommunications providers who assisted with the wiretaps. The most recent version of the bill, proposed by House democrats, does not include telecom immunity. Because of that, President Bush has stated his willingness to veto the bill. The Yahoo article notes, "The closed-door debate was scheduled for late Thursday night, after the House chamber could be cleared and swept by security personnel to make sure there are no listening devices."

Comments

But it is a matter of principle

[wasted]

Whether or not I agree with the wiretaps, the idea of NOT granting immunity to those who cooperated with the government sets a bad precedent, undermining the credibility of the U.S. government. It doesn't favor any political party or the country in the long run.

Wrong.

[RealProgrammer]

They want immunity from civil litigation. That's different from criminal prosecution. They don't want to get sued for doing what they think is the right thing.

The other options are for the telecoms never to divulge any information, or only when they think it's justified, or when they think its not an undue burden. Would you like to be in the terrorist protection business? They aren't equipped to judge whether it's justified or not -- that's what the cop/intel/court system is for.