On Tuesday February 12th, the United States Senate approved a bill that provides immunity to telecommunications companies that helped the government with its controversial warrantless wiretapping program. From the Chicago Tribune:

The Senate legislation would allow government agents in certain circumstances to monitor communications without first obtaining a warrant.

Most controversially, the Senate version contains a provision that grants such large telecommunications companies as AT&T and Verizon retroactive civil immunity for allegedly cooperating with the NSA after Sept. 11. About 40 lawsuits have been filed against the companies alleging violations of wiretapping and privacy laws.

Here is a link to the official voting record. YEAs=31, NAYs=67, Not Voting=2. Voting “Nay” is in support of providing immunity.

For you Campaign 2008 watchers, here’s how the candidate senators voted:
Clinton (D-NY): Not Voting
McCain (R-AZ): Nay
Obama (D-IL): Yea

The bill, comprised of amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, now goes to the House for a potential showdown with the White House. The House version offers no protection for the telecom industry and more restrictions on the government’s power. The president has threatened to veto the bill unless it is close to the Senate version.

[Chicago Tribune - Senate OKs eavesdropping bill with immunity for telecoms]

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