A little over a week ago we learned that Senator Specter reached a “compromise”
with the administration that would make legal the illegal NSA warrentless wiretapping
program and grant the executive sweeping new powers. As Atrios
writes, this bill represents an extreme threat to our nation and is an obvious
attempt to destroy its foundation. This bill must die. If you need a refresher
on just what is wrong with Specter’s bill, Glenn
Greenwald would be happy to get you up to speed. As I think I noted, this
is exactly the sort of bill that ought to get people contacting their senators
and representatives to voice opposition. Not surprisingly, Christy
from Firedoglake has produced a list of contact information for the senate
judiciary committee and is asking people to contact both of their senators regardless
of Committee assignment. Those of us who live is states represented by a member
of the Judiciary committee should really get to work as the first hearing is
scheduled for Wednesday. Read what Christy writes and then consider taking part.
If you have a blog, consider helping to spread the word. I don’t generally have
too much faith in this sort of effort, but it’s better than doing nothing, so
go ahead and make the call. You can call the Capitol switchboard toll free at
888-355-3588. Most senators have contact information on their webpages. Here’s
a list of Judiciary Committee members with fax numbers.
Arlen Specter, Chairman – Pennsylvania – Fax (202) 228-1229
Orrin G. Hatch – Utah – Fax (202) 224-6331
Patrick J. Leahy – Vermont – Fax (202) 224-3479
Charles E. Grassley – Iowa – Fax (515) 288-5097
Edward M. Kennedy – Massachusetts – Fax (202) 224-2417
Jon Kyl – Arizona – Fax (202) 224-2207
Joseph R. Biden, Jr. – Delaware – Fax (202) 224-0139
Mike DeWine – Ohio – Fax (202) 224-6519
Herbert Kohl – Wisconsin – Fax (202) 224-9787
Jeff Sessions – Alabama – Fax (202) 224-3149
Dianne Feinstein – California – Fax (202) 228-3954
Lindsey Graham – South Carolina – Fax (864) 250-4322
Russell D. Feingold – Wisconsin – Fax (202) 224-2725
John Cornyn – Texas – Fax (972) 239-2110
Charles E. Schumer – New York – Fax (202) 228-3027
Sam Brownback – Kansas – Fax (202) 228-1265
Richard J. Durbin – Illinois – Fax (202) 228-0400
Tom Coburn – Oklahoma – Fax (202) 224-6008