For those that think someone can reach across the aisle and get people to change their political veiw………Well here is a reality check for you. I was watching the live coverage of this event and it was just a big act to force a non quorum in the senate to prevent a vote on another issue. The issue of enforcing the constitution and not allowing the President or anyone else to avoid a hearing and being above the law. This was the last move made and they had done other tactics to stall the issue. The fact is if they would have done business, they may have been able to schedule the FISA issue or at least set a firm date and gave a stay of the present extention until it could have time for talk. With all the amendments that come in at a last minute, I can understand the need for time (more than 24 hours to look at something) before vote. This has been the tactics used in Washington for decades by parties and I think the people should be told the whole story and not just the juicy side that the news media wants to cover. These are die hard party people that care nothing about their voters, but point fingers at the other party as to blame. Voters need to be reminded of this when elections come up so the can be held accountable for their actions.
Lets face it CNN is no better than FOX or MSNBC at giving part of the story to mislead the viewers to their bias opinions. To bad the news has slipped that low. Step up and give the whole story and let the people decide, we are not as stupid as you tend to make us out to be.
ONE LAST TIME FOR YOU CNN AND VIEWERS ….OBAMA AND EDWARDS WAS NOT ON THE MICHIGAN BALLOT AS THEY DECIDED TO HAVE THEIR NAMES REMOVED………EVERYONE ELSE RUNNING HAD THEIR NAMES ON THE BALLOT………So what is so hard about telling the people the truth as well as it was not the voters that moved the primary up it was our governor and house that did. We had choices and voted, so let it stand as done………They pulled their name like they did not want our vote and to me THEY QUIT ON US ….sooooooo…Live with it, you lost here………………..

I certainly hope this gets expedited Supreme Court review. Shame on the Republicans. Shame on the President. What doublespeak — he violates the separation of powers and then calls the Congress the violator. Whether or not politics is a motivation, the constitutional limits of presidential power have to be maintained.

Republicans — how can you vote for your representatives that walked out?

The republicans are protecting those breaking laws. They spend taxpayers time to stage a protest. GREAT! Business as usual. Good thing a lot of them won't be there come January.

Divide and conquer - Republicans vs Democrat's
Keep being divided and the professional Politicians will lead you down the road to oppression.

just like in the corporate world: you walk out you get fired……well? fire all of them in the picture.

the repugs are sickening

War, privacy, budget , soldiers– all big decisions from a GOP that is SUPPOSE to be SMALL AND CONSERVATIVE IN OUR LIVES —- with mics set up, complaining because they don't want to be asked questions on if they broke the law with the proposal to listen in and watch americans - is THE MOST PITIFUL EPISODE FOR REPUBLICANS WHO AFTER 8 YEARS, CANNOT ANSWER what was heard, watched, where money was spent, and who is in charge. ASK it, and they will RUN. That's the GOP. That's irresponsibility, arrogance, egotistical pride - from these men and women who are OUR SERVANTS for a clear, balanced picture of government. I want straight answers, not a hippie-esq rally in suits GOP!! "oh we were going to africa to help the poor, but no one wants to agree with us on phone tapping, and we are freedom fighters for you americans….oooo…set up the mic, we all have something to say…oooo…" LAME.

Let the Republicans walk and the Democrats finally get the backbone to impeach!

Uphold your oath of office and the Constitution of the United States of America, John Conyers!

I hope they stay out there

Republicans take great pride over the fact that they've "protected" America from further terrorist attacks after 9/11. Bunk. Our college kids have to deal with the possibility of terrorist attacks every day. Virginia Tech and today, Northern Illinois, are examples of terrorism that no one, Republicans or Democrats, have taken up as a campaign issue . . . safety in schools.

Some telecomms refused BUSH, stating YOU NEED A WARRANT. Without a WARRANT, it would be ILLEGAL for us to allow you access to our customers. Isn't that amazing???? Some corporations employ attorneys, that actually BELIEVE our LAWS MEAN SOMETHING!
All our government has to do is GO TO THE FISA COURT, get a WARRANT, and they are good to go spy!
All Telecomms must comply with a WARRANT.
Someone needs to tell the resident fear mongor…what the American people understand. Warrant…or it's illegal!
But give the poor telecomm's immunity?? If they did nothing wrong, they have NOTHING to worry about…huh?

Whiners!

So the witches are opposed to a witch hunt, eh? What a surprise.

Republicans - the party of accountability. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Remember the 'rule of law' garbage every republican spouted during their time in power? WAAWAAHHHHH!!!

Get back to work Bohner and hold the criminals in contempt then remove immunity for the corporations.

Yeah. If democrats are smart, they'll lock the door behind them.

this is just another example of how the gop thinks they can trample all over the constitution. the congressmen that kept walking need to keep walking back home and stay there….

John in Virginia / Jack in California /Phil/AJ-you are exactly right. It is amazing how many people just don't get it.
Let the reptilians walk out, and they can keep walking
1-22-09 the end of an error

David Gilbert, that's not true.

It's not the fact that Bush replaced the US Attorneys that's a problem, it's the fact that they were allegedly ousted because the White House wanted them to prosecute Democrats and ignore Republicans. That is highly, highly illegal, if true.

If that still doesn't bother you, imagine Hillary Clinton in office telling all her U.S. Attorneys not to prosecute Democrats and only target Republicans. This isn't a small thing, it's putting actual people in jail just for being on the wrong side of the aisle.

Whatever power you're willing to give one person, remember that his successor will have the same power.

And what does Barack Obama plan to do about this nonsense. I guess he forgot to mention the president doesnt have a lot of say in this sort of balony.

Isnt he going to come down in his big wizard of oz outfit and demand they all behave?

Yes we can !!!! - con them all ! Yes we can !!!!

A walk out!…Just who do these people think they are?…This Bush regime just think they can do anything they want - and why not, given what they have gotten away with for the past 7 years…They need to be held accountable for at least some of it…It surely can't all still go their way…Time for big change America!…Let's get this country back on track and say goodbye to these morons.

Congress is not a courthouse and congressman are not serving as prosecutors or as judges. The whole idea of subpoenas and hearings being held by congress is proposterous. If someone actually has done something illegal there is a federal court to address the issue in. It is time that Congress let the judicial branch do their job instead of thinking that they have some inherent right to do whatever the hell they please.

King George is back. I wonder what Jefferson and Madison would think of a country spying on its citizens. Our Declaration of Independence states that citizens should decide about their goveernment but I don't think anyone in Washington remembers or cares. Carole in Texas

hmmm… why couldn't clinton bother showing up to vote? was this bill not important enough?

It's disgusting to me that everyone on here isn't horrified that any member of congress would vote against this bill. It does not infringe on your rights in anyway. Your phone calls aren't being monitored. Only suspicious calls from overseas to suspected terrorists here are being monitored. EVERYONE with any common sense should be for this bill. Don't let your partisan hatred blind you.

Maybe we can find out how much each of the Republican Congressman makes in a year pro-rate it for the day and deduct it from their salaries? Just like any private citizen who walks off the job……"You don't get paid!"

More disgusting diversions from the Republicans.

President Bush says that the surveillance law is essential to protect the nation…….but that he will veto it unless it contains the immunity provision for the nations telecom businesses. So in other words, giving legal immunity to Verizon is more important than protecting the American people?

Nice.

And E of KY, don't compare this issue to the political witchhunt over Bill CLinton's private life. Politicization of the justice department is something we should all be concerned about. The President's private life is not. Period. Why do you people have so much trouble understanding that?

I honestly think that the Govt would overuse their power with this bill.. for the simple fact…they probably dont even know who these people are..therefore subjecting EVERYONE to being spied on..Its turning into that Big Brother Society! And BK, that is not something the people of America would agree with..

Brandon, Mo

The democrats have little to no power and it showed today. As for the wire tapping YES keep it up everyday and every night. If you are not doing anything wrong or illegal than you have little to worry about. Remember they have specific calls they are monitoring mostly overseas calls, and if you are engaged in illegal activities then you might want to clean up your act. Freedom isn’t cheap or easy.

The idea that actually following the law and ggoing through a Warrant somehow puts Americans in danger is a complete and utter joke. Its yet another example of trying to scare the living daylights out of the Amerian people in order to get more power. The 1978 FISA bill as written allows for spying of up to 72 hours without a warrant and allows a very easy process of obtaining a warrant. The Bush administartion and the Rpublicans are lying about what this debate is about they are trying to make it about being able to spy on potential terrorists and not being able to. Thats not what this debate is about. All sides agree that we should be able to spy on potential terrorists. the issue is should that President be the end all be all in deciding who can be spied upon or should their be someone else (the courts) making the decision in order to protect against the possibility of abuse (which is why it was set up the way it was in the 1st place). the Bush administartion decided they didn't want to follow the law.

Some can not see over 9.3 feet in front of them. So now they want to talk trash, an get by with it. If they don't want there messages heard. Keep there mouths shut,

One of these day's they will be saying. Why did they stop intercepting those ailien messages. If you have nothing to fear. Just shut up .

Waite till they open the dirty laundry bag of Obama's.

Agnostic Democrat, now THAT is funny. you can twist any story into an opportunity to bash Clinton, can't you??

PLEASE see this for what it is. the Bush administration wants protection for the Telecoms from civil suits not because he is worried about their future cooperation, but because a lot of information will come out at trial that will prove his administration was involved in criminal activities.

The Rep. walk out to a podium with a microphone claiming the Dems are grandstanding. Talk about irony. Interesting that they chose to walk out when the dems were discussing what to do about refuslas to testify about details of the fired attorneys. I think the American public should suggest that those who walked out, stay out.

Yep, that's about right. What else could you expect from a bunch of grown babies! Maybe they should go stand in the corner!

what's the fuss
hasn't the republican has done it all along
ever since the republican was elected to power
they've turn their back and walked on the american people

It's about time that Bush and his minons were held responsible for lying to the American public, subverting the constitution, breaking our laws, dismantling the Justice department, violating the Geneva Convention, illegal revealing the name of a covert CIA op[erative, using ilegal totrure, wire taping, lengthy, imprisonment without charges, or a speedy trail, incomptence leading to 9-11, poor follow up on Katrina in New Orleans, cronyism where billions of dollars go unaccounted for in Iraq, sending our troops into harm's way wihtout proper support or equipment, and showing contempt for our laws and the American Dream.
To paraphrase an old book title (None dare to call it Treason) None dare to call it reason.

The Dems could care less about my Civil Liberties. They trash the First Amendment like its a contest. See the Fairness Doctrine if you need a clue. They are enemies of the Second Amendment. Hillary's favorite word is "mandate". And now they want to ignore Separation of Powers and go for even lower Congressional ratings. Wake Up America !

Congress has done so much for us that now they have time to pursue a matter that is closed. They have more important things to do, such as pursuing atheletes for using performance enhancing drugs. Where are their priorities? Meanwhile I am losing my house to the bank that financed my home with no money down and no closing costs. Did they really think I would pay them. But there is hope the banks are now willing to help me again. What a Country?
I am voting for Hillary maybe she will give me the home for free.

The Republicans know all about political withhunts! Remember Ken (I love tobacco money) Starr? Remember the partisan lead impeachment proceedings led by a slim Republican majority? That was doing the peoples work? The Bush administration and their cronies spent 6 years unchecked by a Republican majority in congress and a sympathetic Judiciary. Witchunt? I call it a case of the chickens coming home to roost with finally some checks of the Presidents unfettered power!

Oh, they'll be kicking and screaming to the last minute before they will all be locked up.

So let me get this straight…. Republicans can only do one task per week? They can't protect the constitution, AND vote against telecomm immunity IN THE SAME DAY????

So, they are saying it's OK to NOT show up for a Congressional subpoena???? is that the message they really want to convey???

Please…. I need some clarification here…..

they need to march back in and make sure the telecom's do not receive immunity. that is just insane. big business and the elites deserve nothing extra.

Well said Jeff from Arlington VA.

I find it difficult to maintain my identity as a Republican in the face of this type of hypocracy. This is "politics," but it is being played out by the GOP.

I hold the entire Bush Administration in contempt.

If we could now only figure out a way to get the Republicans to decide to STAY out of Congress, things might start straightening out.

Seriously — many of these so-called "protesting" Republicans are the same people who went after Clinton with a vengeance for eight years. They have absolutely nothing to complain about.

Rep Putnam says,

"Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Florida, said Democrats are "more interested in a political witch hunt" than protecting the country."

And when the Republicans are in power, the same thing happens.
HELLO….POT MEET KETTLE.
i'm tired of the silliness and child like actions from both parties. Please take care of our country and stop the stupidity!

We are not afraid. We will not fear. We will not accept the republican lies anymore. Go Hillary.

This type of recalcitrant action just leads me to believe further that ALL of congress should face and up or down vote collectively as to whether they should be able to remain in Washington. The citizens of the United States get to vote to keep all of them or send all of them to their furture lobbyists jobs. I vote to get rid of ALL of them.

Republicans = Hypocrasy

First of all, how is it that we even have to debate the issue that the President is not above the law and thus CANT give immunity to people or companies who decide to go along with his lawlessness?

I will tell all of you this- America has but a few chances left to get our internal house in order. After that……well, there's a new movie out thats nominated for some awards, and the title of tells it all. Hope the light bulb goes on for at least some of you out there.

First off,Dont call this a walk out.Walkouts are surprise events designed to protest some real wrong in this country.It doesnt close the front steps of the capital or require a microphone at the bottom of the stairs.What happenned is a glorified photo op.Then the
grand standers went back and voted because they wanted to be on the record as being aganist what they "walked-out" on…morons!!!

HEY, Oberfuhrer Boehner!!! now that you and the rest of of your Neofascist crew are out, STAY OUT!!!

Oh please before you start attacking Hillary and her voting record. Look at Obamas. He is only now showing up to vote.
A little late if you ask me.
Obama is not the change I want.

Did they stamp their feet and cry to mommy for ice cream?

Republicans will sell their soul and your freedoms for money.

No really (top post), you've got to be crazy. You know those wonderful Republicans that are sitting around, always complaining about Democrats are wasting peoples' time? Go figure they're the ones walking out.

It's funny how the witch hunts are ok when the REPUBLICANS are conducting them and firing Democratic government officials behind closed doors.

Ya'll liberals need to quit all the cryin' already… IF a Democrat wins the presidency ya'll might as well kill yourselves because all of you LIVE to complain about Bush, Republicans, God, or whatever angers you at the moment.

When I was a kid, the losers always took their ball and went home. I guess they grew up to be Republicans. Who could've known?

Congratulations to the Democrats for standing up to the incessant whining of the Republicans and doing the right thing - truly a rare event in Washington these days.

The Democrats want to pick and choose the laws that they want to enforce. Our illegal immigration problem is just that - illegal. But, if any law enforcment agency tries to enforce that law - watch out - the Democrats scream louder than anyone. And let's all try and count the number of times that Democrats have thrown a fit and walked out as a group over the years - it far out numbers the Republicans.

Get the names of every repuke on those steps and vote them out next time they are up for election.

The first comment that I saw on this article is so rediculous I actually laughed out loud all by myself. Let me educate you friend. It is the president who stated that he would "veto" any attempt to extend the FISA act if it contained any legislation that DIDN'T give immunity to the telecoms. By saying that, he is in effect saying, if you don't let the phone companies off the hook for spying illegaly then I will not sign the FISA act that supposedly protects america…………………..President Bush, A REPUBLICAN, IS PUTTING THE IMMUNITY OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANIES AHEAD OF YOURS, AND MY SAFETY!!!. Are you completely ignorant to the world, or do you just get your news from CNN and Fox??????????
You have got to be kidding me! Furthermore, don't even try to bring up the argument that "they shouldn't be prosecuted because they were only doing what the governent asked them" routine! They weren't. They were told by the white house it was ok, NOT congress. This was done IN SECRET. The spying was NOT done with a warrant. The spying did NOT target individuals. It targeted EVERYONE.
All you need to do is listen to the whistleblowers coming out of Verizon and AT&T who are jumping ship because they know they are going to be prosecuted. This sickening attempt by president Bush attempting to SCARE UP SUPPORT for the FISA bill is not only DISGUSTING but it makes us look like FOOLS IN FRONT OF THE WORLD!
We claim to be such a fair and free country, but the rest of the world see's what a lie and a bad joke that really is. They are watching the PEOPLE of the sole super power on the planet being lied to right in front of everyone….and they can't believe we are falling for it.
Just look up the international news from other countries and see the opinions they holds us under. We are a joke to the world. And a scary joke. Our country is a spoiled toddler and the world looks on daily with less amusement and more fear. John McCain sang in his stump speech "bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran"!!
Is that the kind of leadership, or even someone in the candidacy for president of the U.S to even joke about? What if Russian honcho Putin was laughing and singing about Bombing America?
What if the Chineese communist governent openly laughed and joked about taking over our country…………what would our reaction be????????????????????????????

How could they walk out when Bill Belichek may have videotaped games six years ago, and Roger Clemens' wife took HGH? Who will protect us if not the GOP?

This should be on the front page of the CNN website.

Brian…

Return to earth!

Obama could only be elected in a 3rd world country.

Once a "real" debate occurs' his hyperbole, rhetoric, and baloney–which have not bearing in the mathematical "real world" will be debunked…by men who really know how the world works–he will be seen for what he is: " a skilled communicator (like Barnum/Bailey) but an unworthy candidate for the nations highest office.

Why don’t all the republicans just all keep walking and go home that just might help with all the problems the country is having

Finally a little oversight. The GOP can't stand to shed the light of day on the White House. No oversight for the first 6 years, look where it's got us.
As for the Surveilance bill. the only thing holding it up is the dems refusal to grant retro-active immunity to the Telecoms. If they were coerced by the White House they should be able to prove that in a court of law.
The White House doesn't want anyone to know what they did, it went on for almost 5 years before someone blew the whistle on them.
That made them come to congress and ask for some changes, duh, why not do that in the first place. The iron was hot at the time and they could have gotten virtually any change they requested.

This is Unconstitutional bill - Bush is using fear as a tactic to allow him to listen to every conversation any person, or business has - everything! This is REAL, not some 1984 joke or some wacko theory -using war to change the constitution and laws that exhist to protect the people is the scariest thing Ive ever seen happen RIGHT IN FRONT OF US! i dont care if its REP or DEM, we need to stop this!

It's about time the Democrats have gotten the courage to actually represent the wishes of the people. The contempt of Congress citing is over due and we DO NOT WANT RETROACTIVE IMMUNITY given to the Telecoms.

The Republicans it seems are not only crooks but childish and ridiculous and George Bus is having a temper tantrum. Let him!!!

Come November their day is over - over - over. We the people will have the government back with a Democratic President in the White House, and a majority in the house and Senate.

Next step - take back the Supreme Court from the extreme right and we can start putting the lobbyists, oil companies and other corporations back in their proper place - OUT OF GOVERMENT

This is exactly why we need a change in leadership. Here is lesson 101 in how our Senate will be with Hillary in charge. Endless battles and nothing getting done. It is time for a uniter before it is too late.
Obama 08

Jack from California said:

I say protect our Democracy and the separation of powers before it's too late and we end up with a Dictator.

Well said. However, I think that it's already too late. King George is a Dictator in every sence of the word. I look forward to having a real President again next January.

NO RETRoACTIVE IMMUNITY for Telecoms!!!

Keep making your case Dems — we voted you in to clean up this corruption — who cares if the President, the Attorney General and the Republicans veto!

You owe it to the American people and to our constitution. The executive office is not above the law!

Auw….they look like a pack of sniveling infants. God forbid we actually hold people accountable for not showing up when subpoenaed! I will be sure to contact my Republican senators and house members to inquire which subpoenas I am allowed to dodge with impunity. It always amuses me when those firm law-and-order Republican principles run and hide when the wrong kind of people get caught breaking the law.

Oh and of course, protecting the lawbreaking telecom industry who sold out your private information in exchange for lucrative government contracts is more important than saving us from the terrorists! Bush would rather let the Protect America Act expire rather than extend it for another 3 weeks while the house tries to reconcile with the senate bill!

Shorter Bush and republican congress: Protecting law breaking telecoms is more important than protecting american citizens. We are allowing this bill to expire and giving the terrorists an opportunity to attack our country because we feel it is more important to shield corporations from the consequences of breaking the law than it is to protect american lives.

Thanks for making it clear to us all! =)

Too bad there wasn't a huge trap door on the house steps where all those fat-cats were standing. That would be a huge step in our return towards decency!

How very dramatic of them.

Why don't we just allow the Republicans to get away with everything! We are not sheep (and we means Democrats) as Bush would like to believe. When someone does something wrong (criminal especially) it is Congress' job to take action. How about the debacle with Clinton and impeaching him for lying? C'mon people! Let's be honest…the Democrats are actually trying to hold people accountable–wow, what a concept.

both parties are having a my daddy can bear yours, contest at our expense. maybe we need a new political system.

"The dems are more interested in protecting your right to sue
while the reps are more interested in protecting your right to life."

Tell that to our servicemen and women. Also, does this vote have anything to do with our right to life? I think not.
And to expand on that, how is the death penalty upholding the right to life?

Anyway, your tired partisan attacks fail on a fundamental level.

I just want to place.. OBAMA president of the United States in the mix. And this would not happen.

I like how the Republicans are now jumping on the idea that the democrats are failing to fix anything, when they have a president vowing to veto just about anything they put together. I was just curious how much the republicans fixed or accomplished during the time they had both chambers and the presidency? That's right, they fixed health care to make it affordable for everyone, they solved the Iraq problem, curbed spending to get rid of the deficit, aided the poor, got rid of our dependence on foreign oil, raised the value of the dollar, fixed social security… I suppose they needed more than 6 years of control over all the branches?

So I guess the republicans are in favor of people breaking the law! I guess the constitution means nothing to them, after they were sworn to uphold it.

This goes to show why we need to get ALL REPUBLICANS out of office.

I can't wait to make my EBay bet on this round of Harrys phony partisian citians.

I wonder if Harriet and Josh will donate their profits to the military troops too. After all, it is the only think Harry and Nancy can claim that they have done to benefit our troops in the last 2 years..

and they can stay out…

no really. Nice timing on the walkout, but its open to spin. Don't ignore supenas - not good form. This is why we need all these clowns (dems included) to be replaced by some other form of representation. Congress serves itself and its patrons (lobbyists and megacorps) not us. I am open to suggestions… our government is, and has been, dysfunctional

the republicans are so unbelievably partison! Josh Bolten and Harriet Miers dared to ignore a subpoena, defining the congress of the united state!. Outrageous! They should have been occupying the inside of a jail cell by days end, yet it has taken months for this contempt vote.

Josh Bolten and Harriet Miers must be punished for their contempt!, every republican who walked out must be removed from office!

I don't care what reason they walked out over, all I care about is that this bill doesn't go anywhere. More individual liberty being taken away from us, and a direct violation of the Constitution they sware to uphold and defend. Let the spying bill die.

This administration is lying again regarding the surveillance bill to cover up how they illegal used it prior. They need to tell Americans the truth regarding this bill in reference to why those attorneys were fired. So don't be so quick to scrutinize the democrats, know the facts and reasoning behind this.

What shameful hypocrisy. These are the same Republicans who decry that we are a country of laws when it comes to denying amnesty to illegal aliensbrought to this country as children, but who are walking out of their jobs because the Democrats won't grant amnesty to administration officials ignoring lawful sub poenas or grant amnesty to telecommunication companies violating our privacy laws.

They're Bush Administration -BUMS!!! All of those right winged Republican!! How dare they walk out when they are being paid by tax payors money…..All of them! Fire their butts…they are just afraid that all of their scheming, lying and stealing is about to brought to light….which will ultimately open up pandora's box and show just how the Bush/Cheyneys strategically got us into a pathethic war!!! Sue all of their butts!!!! Out with those controling cowards!!! Run BUSH, Run!!!!! Jump Cheyney, Jump!!!! That's why they have that retarded John McCain as a nominee….that's all they could come up with because the rest of them are COWARDS!!!!

The Republicans have comromised and collaborated in good faith. Now when it is time to belly up and vote…a couple of DSP members jump up and want to impeach "aides".

I don't blame them. It is hard to take the Democratic representatives seriously when rogue wierdo's can "hold up" absolutely necessary legislation which has already been cleared in committees.

The people are watching…and we'll dare see some changes in representation due to the sad and insignificant service of this congress.

Aren't walk-outs supposed to be symbolic jestures done by people without power to change things? Last I checked, if the Republicans don't like the language of the bill, they can vote against it.

As an aside, I'm really tired of hearing about this bill. And I'm even more tired of hearing the president say he's going to veto it and then it will be the fault of the Democrats when we all die. If this bill is really so important, I would think he'd want to sign it into law no matter the wording. It's just more of the same "It's wrong for you to do something, but we can do it all we want." Besides, last I checked, not having congressional approval wasn't a much of a road block to this administration doing anything. The wiretaps will continue, bill or no bill.

The "Fear" fed to the American People by Bush/Cheney has made many turn a blind eye to the Constitution. Americans have lost their backbone and the Democratic Congress is fighting back! I value my personal freedoms and am glad the Democrats do too!
If you don't believe we have turned into a nation of fearmongers, check out a book on the black list from your local library and wait for the FBI to show up.

Republicans are among the most arrogant, idealogy people imaginable. It's just like them to walk out when they don't agree with something.

What a bunch of cry babies!

If they had nothing to hide, why not testify.

I'm sick of Republicans trying to divert attention from what really matters.

- I want a pre-Bush constitution.
- I want Osama Bin Laden captured not dead.
- I want Bin Laden put on trial with hard evidence, no waterboarding, no paid informants, no confessions.
- I want Bin Laden to sit in prison and have to read out the names of everyone who died in the 9/11 attacks everyday for the rest of his life.
- I want whoever conned us into this "war on in iraq" to be held responsible and I want them put in prison and have them read the names of every soldier that gave their lives in this horrid excuse for a war.
- I want an America that has laws beyond reproach, that stands for true Freedom and Justice
- We the people are the Supreme Court only we know what America stands for not nine judges who can't see the forrest for the trees of there personal politics and predujes
- I want a one person, one vote democracy and I want EVERY vote counted because for every vote to count you HAVE TO count every vote

- I want my old America back: strong, sure and great.

Remember the FISA bill extends the telecoms' limited liability borh retroactively and 8 years into the future. Do we really want warrentless spying for eight more years? Let it expire. Bush will do it anyway.

hey agnostic- at least when she shows up, she doesn't just vote PRESENT. what a cop out.

I thought one of the foundations of our judicial systems was that "No one was above the law".

Should we amend that to say "No one, except those current crooked President wants to excuse, is above the law?"

And give me a break about "fighting terrorism" requiring all the bending and outright breaking of constitutional rights to privacy.

"Terrorism" is a tired old excuse the current administration uses any time it wants to get its own way.

People should open their eyes and see the parallels in the rest of the world. In almost every case that a dictator has done something we consider to be an outrageous violation of human rights, it's almost always because the government says it was required in order to achieve some greater and more expedient good. Examples:

Chavez - Nationalizes TV, radio, Oil companies, Banks, Supposed greater good = provide fair economy for all of Venezuela.

Cuba - Deny people basic right to speak , travel abroad, etc. Jail people who criticize government. Supposed greater good = provide all citizens with a "better" life

Taliban Leaders - condone public beatings and be-headings of women who don't dress or act exactly like they are supposed to, Supposed greater good: honor Allah

Bush: Spy on own citizens without warrants, jail and torture people without fair trials, etc, etc, Supposed greater good = Fight war on terror.

When will people wake up?

CNN - Proofread the caption for the picture before you post it - I guess that is "No Child Left Behind (because we just make sure none of them are going anywhere)" at its finest.

California Independent -

For an Independent, you sure do sound like Rush Limbaugh

IM4ULORD - won't god protect you? And speaking of an "i got ya", which party wasted millions of dollars and priceless time trying to figure out just exactly which marital infidelities President Clinton committed?

David February 14th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Good. Maybe they will stay out and the Democrats in the House can get something accomplished. Even though they don't act like it, the Democrats are the majority party

The Dems are in control of both houses. What have they accomplished in the last year? Whether or not you agreed with what was accomplished, when the Repubs had that control they did get things done (except when the Dems filibustered blocking thier own constituntional duties).

These are the type of antics that make me hate politics. I'm going back to baseball where everything is… oh wait.

Protecting the US does not depend on the RETROACTIVE immunity of Telecom Companies.

I am grateful to the patriots that defend our liberties. We ARE a nation of laws.

Provide no immunity. We have courts to decide such things.

It's great to see that the Republicans unite and throw a tantrum to defend their party, and mask it as an attempt to defend the people. Yeah, we have experienced your defense of us. You're fired, go ahead be the losing administrations defense team, you're all he's got.

Yet another reason why this Democrat led Congress has such low approval ratings. The actions today stem from nothing more than a political witch hunt by the Dems. Yesterday, it was the probe into steroid use in MLB that would be better handled in our court system.

First we get hearings on Baseball.

Now Dems in Congress wants to go after Presidential aides.

Yeah - who cares about pursuing terrorists, the economy, judges, or MOVING FORWARD. Dems want to keep looking backwards at what happened in the past…

And Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid wonder why congressional approval rating is sub 20%?????

The 110th Congress is a frickn JOKE!!

Congradulations again dems..

I don't see how the entire Bush Administration has managed
to stay out of jail . IT is disgusting that the B.S. Express(oops I mean ) "STRAIGHT TALK EXPRESS" can steal one liners from Obama makes headway EVERYWHERE it goes .

Stupid Sheeple …

The dems are doing whats right. The Bush admin is a bunch of criminals that need to be brought to justice.

Simply stated, Republican's in Congress -and some Dem's- are quite content with the U.S. having a 'king'; they have forsaken their oath of office and ,apparently,AND despite their protestations, really do believe, like Bush, et al, that the Constitution is but a 'piece of paper'.

Bush and the Republican's and some Dem's in Congress have made a lie of the words 'land of the free and home of the brave', choosing to give terrorists victories every time civil rights and liberties are diminished.

Finally, the bush administration is being held accountable for something!!! I hope the dems stick to this and don't buckle to pressure like they have with everything else.

Hmm..refresh my memory…was it the air traffic controllers that got fired after they walked out of their jobs? And who was it that fired them? Ronnie something?

Members of Congress need to do the hard work involved in their jobs like understanding and applying the Constitutio, instead of grand standing for attention!

If Bolten and Miers will not testify to congress, then they are in contempt just like any other citizen would be. For the republicans to use these immature tactics to prevent the testimony of Miers and Bolten to congress is pathetic. Why don't they just vote against the resolution if they don't like it, what does walking out accomplish? This is another case of the republican politicians not wanting to play by the rules so they have to stomp their feet and walk out on their jobs.

February 14th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

"Would this be the same surveillance bill that Hillary's couldn't show up to vote against because she was too busy trying to save her butt on the campaign trail?

Hmm … I think her competitor flew to Washington just to vote on that and ended up being late for one of his campaiagn stops because his priorities were in place!

And Hillary supporters … Just so you know … She has been absent from voting 18 out of 21 times this cycle and Mr. Obama, 4 out of 21. "

Well, he had a lot of votes to make up! Last time I checked, he'd missed a third of the votes as senator…prior to running for president.

Of course he'd made a point of making it to these high profile one while on the trail–so people can see how good and wholesome and responsible he is…not like the calculating politician he is.

Walking out?
Wow, that's diplomacy. That's compromise. That's going to really help solve the problem.

This bill does NOT expire on Sat. It expires a year from now…it's another lie told by Bush to make sure his legacy of illegal wiretapping continues forever-just like the failed tax cuts. I am finally proud of the Democrats-they at last are saying NO to Bush over FISA and Bush's need to protect the telecoms who were conspirators in the law breaking. If they were truly doing something above reproach, they wouldn't need protected. Bush and co. are next…time to face the facts and tell the truth.
As far as the subpoenas, they are LONG overdue, and I am glad Pelosi has put impeachment back on the table. The sh.t is about to hit the fan, and we won't be hearing about the nitpicking over the campaigns for a while-GO DEMS, and any honest Republicans out there….I'm waiting! I know my Congressman, Dave Camp, has walked, because he has rarely voted against his party in his many terms.

As a Democrat I wish that the Democrats showed the same solidarity and backbone as the Republicans.

President Obama will prosecute these Republican criminals.
Including Bush ans Chaney for WAR CRIMES.
No wonder Bush suddenly found he disliked the noose!

The photo is a joke. Do these people think we are that stupid? Get back to work fools, earn what you are paid to do and quit grand standing. The American people are tired of your scams.

Republicans protecting the Constituion? PUH-lease!!!!!!!!!!!!!I

Bush is going to do it with or without Congress approval.

Congress should just take another vacation and turn another blind eye to Bush's abuse of power.

anyone else a little erk'd at the fact they put all of this on hold, but still had the time to pose for a picture on the steps?

4 more years of inner circles, closed door meetings and liars that hide documents in the White House!!!

Hillary '08

Republican - either walk out or we'll vote you out.

Obama, the most liberal Senator of the entire body of 100, voted against giving immunity to BiG Companies who cooperated with the Bush administration to violate the law and wiretap without ever trying to get fisa court approval. No Oversight is like a no-bid contract to Halliburton, you wind up with an expensive, poorly built, overcharged mess, that is a violation of law, principal, and ethics.
Republicans have lost thier way.

The dems are more interested in protecting your rights
while the reps are more interested in protecting their incoming telecom donations.

What infuriates me is the report that a GOP representative stepped out of the memorial service for the late Rep. Lantos to demand a procedural vote on this issue. That representative ought to be censured for his or her disrespect, and the voters back home ought to vote the scumbag out of office–for not having any manners, if nothing else.

WOW!!! All those Republicans should be voted out of office this November! Hmm, I wonder why the Bush cronies didn't respond to the subpeonas?!?!?!!

California independent your posts are disgustingly biased go ahead and call yourself a republican already. Any independent will tell you the Dems and Repubs in congress are equally idiotic. Neither side stands for freedom or justice, just corruption and favors going on here. Give your head a shake!

Same old Bush/rebuplican tack - fear fear fear. All of a sudden we are threatened to be attacked and they need to listen in on our calls to protect us. That is going to protect us????? What happened on 9/11 where was all this so-called intelligence or is it same intelligence that said we need to go to war with Iraq????????????
Give me a break and the republicans walking out of session just because they don't want to cast doubt and do what is right to Bush people - stop acting like children. I am one of "the people" you republicans claim wanting protection and I do not agree with this giving Bush or any president so much power that it cannot be questioned no matter what. And do not tell me about national security when a man can get on a plane and check a bag and a cat is inside suitcase - and no one noticed, no equipment signal??????
And don't forget, this is an election period so republicans flexing their musles - please
No matter what congress does, no matter what "expires", Bush is still listening in whether it is approved by anybody - you forget he is God and he can do what he wants - after all you republicans have allowed him to get away with murder for over 7 years.
GET BACK TO WORK

And Democrats - STICK TO YOUR GUNS most Americans are with you

Republicans walking out on the business at hand is nothing short of childish and scared. They should face the issues. This is not a political witch hunt, it's getting to the bottom of issues that effect everyday people. These attorney firings in 2006 do effect everyday Americans… They should have someone on Capitol Hill trying to find them some answers, we have a right to know. I am tired of power and greed being the driving force behind the Republican Party.

Both parties are equally disgusting examples of political Darwinism, it just so happens that the Dems are right in this instance. We need multiple parties in order to water down the power of these two parties who are so far removed from the needs of the American people. That, or ban all parties.

It's a political witchhunt when it's against the Bush administration … but politics as usual aganist William Jefferson Clinton? Interesting.

Although I have to admit, Republicans Walking Out of Congress sure sounds like a really good idea … was there enough time to change the locks before they got back?

To those who believe that people who have done nothing wrong should not worry about the government listening in on their private conversations - by that same logic, companies who have done nothing wrong should have no need for retroactive immunity. So why the fuss?

Simple slap these two jerks with contempt of congress charges.

A perfect example of GOP priorities. Ignore criminal politicization of Justice and destruction or withholding of evidence about it, but bend over backwards to reward complicit telecoms for permitting illegal surveillance. Keep walking, Repellicans, until you get to the gates of Hell, where your welcoming party awaits.

I like how people think the Democrats are doing this because someone broke the law. Just like how they whined and complained about how the Republicans tried to uphold the law and impeach Clinton when he commited perjury in a court of law.

TIME FOR CHANGE

01-22-09 President Obama will arrive.

Mark my word.

republicans are so corrupt. they set a record 60 filibusters last year, and now they walk out? they don't care about oversight or ethics.

no really posted: "The dems are more interested in protecting your right to sue while the reps are more interested in protecting your right to life."

This an ignorant post. The dems care about protecting our civil liberties as set out in the constitution. With freedom comes risk. But you are like every other cowardly republican who is waiting for the boogy man under every bush, and dont care what is done by republicans in the name of security. I wonder what your reaction to the spying issue would be if Bill Clinton or any other democrat had instituted such policies. My bet is that the republicans would be screaming mad, spending millions of dollars over many years investigating and impeaching the president.

An Agnostic Democrat posted: "Would this be the same surveillance bill that Hillary's couldn't show up to vote against because she was too busy trying to save her butt on the campaign trail? "

This is hysterical. Obama didnt bother to show up for the Iran vote and then used that vote as a campaign issue. You people went insane when it was pointed out ho hypocritical this was. And if your numbers are correct (which I doubt) hooray!! It's about time Obama showed up somewhere to vote. Let me ask you, did he do anything but vote "present?"

When they leave, lock the doors behind them. The treasonus dogs should be hanging from a yardarm.

The Repugnants are more interested is protecting their own, (telecom companies than protecting the citizens of the country! Bush is the same crap!

Good maybe they'll stay out for good this time!

Its a "Witch Hunt" Alright, Many have managed their brooms and left, Karl Rove, Donald Rumsfeld,Lewis Libby, Gonzales, Elliott Abrams, Paul Wolfowitz, etc. adding Josh Bolten and Harriet Miers included all members of the P.N.A.C. a complete Witches Brew.

The only reason Obama showed up was to rub elbows with his new buddies. Where was he when Iran was up for vote? He has missed 1/3 of all Senate votes…HUMMMMMMMMM

The Republicans need to get back to work and they need to protect our constitution by supporting the subpoenas on a stonewalling administration. This is not a Dictatorship, we need a separation of powers and the Republicans need to do their duty. These are the same Republicans that spent over $80 million dollars trying to get a Democratic President for trying to hide minor personal affair, but when the current Republican president wants to politicize the Attorneys General office to attempt to influence the 2008 election, the Republican congress falls in lock step. I say protect our Democracy and the separation of powers before it's too late and we end up with a Dictator.

Typical Dem fashion. More interested in trying to get an "I got ya" rather than the protection of the citizens of our country. Looks like it is time to clean house (and senate) agian.

This is not about grandstanding or witch hunting. The Republicans have gone so far away from what they have always stood for it's mind-blowing. INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS are the paramount objective. I don't want the government listening to my phone calls. I have nothing to hide, but I have no interest in one of Bush's cronies knowing what I have to say about him, about the weather where I live, or about how much I just had to spend on groceries. The bottom line here is about violating the constitution, which Republicans have done with the politics of fear for the last seven years. I've had enough of it, and I hope that the democrats can stand their ground on this one. No immunity for those who broke the law, plain and simple. They have nothing to bargain with for immunity, unless they offer testimony to have Bush impeached . . .

This congress is the worst we've had in decades. The democrats have repeatedly proven that they are much more interested in political plays than in doing anything responsible for the betterment of the nation. History will look back on Pelosi and Reid and say that this was the beginning of the downfall of America.

What are they so afraid of? Hmmm….

The text of the 4th Amendment reads: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." If the Bush administration thinks someone is a national security threat, they need to go get a warrant. There are plenty of judges who will be happy to sign one. There is no point in screaming about how you're protecting freedom, and then setting aside the U.S. Constitution when it is convenient for you. If you have to violate the very freedoms you seek to protect, then what is the point? These Republicans that are walking out need to be walking the walk, or either walk out of the Capitol building never to return.

House Republicans are protecting there own that's what they do. Crying crying crying. They need to get a back bone and White House Chief Of Staff Josh Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers should comply with subpoenas anyone else would unless they havw something to hide.

The members of this administration need to be held accountable. With that being said, that part needs to be put on hold until the FISA bill can be finalized. The hearing with regards to Bolton and Miers should continue.

What exactly has Congress actually accomplished so far during all of these investigations? The House leadership is an outright joke at this point.

Putting this into perspective, every president replaces the U.S. attorneys with ones of their own choosing. Bill Clinton replaces every U.S. attorney except for one when he came into office. No Congressional hearings. No investigations. The only difference here is that Bush has replaced his own appointed attorneys. That's the ONLY difference.

I'll guarrantee that if Hillary gets into office, heaven forbid, she will replace every U.S. attorney appointed by the Bush administration and there won't be a single word spoken about it in Congress.

The amount of money spent by Congress investigating this issue is shameful.

The government already has the tools it needs to track down terrorists without violating the Constitution. Get rid of the immunity clause or let the bill die.

Good. Maybe they will stay out and the Democrats in the House can get something accomplished. Even though they don't act like it, the Democrats are the majority party.

That's mature… so instead of dealing with the Democrats' refused subpoenas and getting it over with to move on to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act later they've decided to halt all progress.

Obviously Republicans don't want the Dems going on a witch hunt… they're the witches that are being hunted!!

Another reason why I'm disillusioned with the Democratic Party.
Attacking staffers and aides–rather than Bush…is a cop out. If they wanted to impeach him–there is already plenty of evidence he intentionally lied to Congress and the American people.

The "really" left wing of the party is exerting entirely too much influence!! They are looking more as the Democratic Socialist Party (see web site) than the Democratic Party!!

Thank God I've remainded independant!!

We need this bill to remain in effect–some of us still feel the security of our nation is important!!

Democrat's…please do the jobs you were elected to do and cease the petty bickering and posturing to establish some type of moral high ground!!! You can be replaced!!

Let them walk out all they want. It will be a sad day, and the same old stuff, if the dems give in on the subpoena issue or the immunity issue. Immunity to corporations is not vital to the security of this country and every republican and democrat on the hill knows it.

Publicans have no interest in cleaning up their own messes. That's for us to do, with runaway grandjury goodness and mercy all the days of their lives, amen. A jail cell for every 'publican, with waterboarding every day, and Larry Craig in the corner cell tapping his foot. Hang Miers and Bolten until they stink.

Cowards!

Republicans went buck nuts over Bill Clinton and a White House intern and did everything short of selling their souls to the devil to indict him, now they walk out because they're afraid that the powers that be in the Bush administration are on the verge of being exposed as the lying, disingenuous crooks that they are. Give me a freakin' break. Republicans act as though they're pillars of morals and values, yet they're primarily responsible for most of the problems that this country faces today.

I hold the entire Bush Administration in contempt.

And this is why nothing gets done in congress. I don't walk out on my job when I'm unhappy. I don't think elected officials should have the right to walk out on their job without first consulting the people they represent. It's as easy as an online poll. Give me a break. Figures that it's the republicans, though.

Would this be the same surveillance bill that Hillary's couldn't show up to vote against because she was too busy trying to save her butt on the campaign trail?

Hmm … I think her competitor flew to Washington just to vote on that and ended up being late for one of his campaiagn stops because his priorities were in place!

And Hillary supporters … Just so you know … She has been absent from voting 18 out of 21 times this cycle and Mr. Obama, 4 out of 21. Hillary also has the distinction of being in the top 10 for earmarks and pork spending for her state of New York.

Oh ya! She all about fiscal responsibility, controlling spending and hard work alright! Her health care plan is exponentially cost prohibitive, too. Robert Reich, who just happened to work for her husband, reviewed her plan and has vocally and publicly opposed it.
Just for the record, he cites Mr Obama's as much more realistic and practical.

Democrats are "more interested in a political witch hunt" closer to the truth is Republicans are more interested in grand standing than supporting the Constitution! The surveillance bill is illegal in that it is a violation of the illegal search and seizure portion of the Constitution, spin it all you want retroactive immunity to Constitutional violations is wrong. Furthermore to say that to vote on a Comtempt of Congress charge is somehow a witch hunt is in itself a total political game. These two were subpoenaed by congress and for them to ignore that subpoena is a violation and Congress has no choice but to hold them in contempt. me I now hold the republicans in the House in more contempt than before.

Just saw this on c–span, the Republican Congressperson said we need to "clean the deck and move forward with the bill from the Senate." I hope they speak more to what "clean the deck" means.

It's time that those who obstrust justice be brought to it. This is not a waste of time or a witch hunt. We should not only charge contempt in this matter but we should impeach Bush for his long list of crimes. What is Nancy thinking? She stands behind him like a trained dog.

I hope this expires over the weekend. It does not mean I do not want to protect Americans. It just means I do not want the government listening to my phone calls.

This bill should really be removed. We no longer need it. I fail to see any result that this has bought about. If the government can give us proof that this warrantless wiretapping has actually provided some result then I might be able see a reason for it. Otherwise this is an infringement on peoples rights that should not be allowed.

Would this be the same surveillance bill that Hillary's couldn't show up to vote against because she was too busy trying to save her butt on the campaign trail?

Hmm … I think her competitor flew to Washington just to vote on that and ended up being late for one of his campaiagn stops because his priorities were in place!

And Hillary supporters …