Steve Harrison on FISA

via his campaign;

This Friday, legislation was passed that will take away constitutionally guaranteed rights. The FISA bill strips Americans of these rights and protects telecommunications companies from being held accountable by the people.

I am standing up against my own party because I believe we can have sound legislation that defends our country and, at the same time, protects our Constitution. If we are to hold our government accountable, retroactive immunity is the wrong path to go down.

It's time to support Democrats with democratic values and principles, Democrats who will work on behalf of the American people and protect their rights. When I'm elected to Congress, I will be that Democrat.

Great statement in my opinion. Something we will visit a little later but even our own city delegation was split on this. Finding a candidate who opposes FISA and warentless wire tapping of American citizens is high on my list of priorities.

If the McMahon campaign has issued a statement on FISA please let me know and I will post it as well

Vito Fossella's recent legislative votes

Overriding the Veto of the Intelligence Authorization Act of 2008 House Roll Call No. 117
Vote Failed (225-188, 17 Not Voting)

The House fell far short of the 276 votes needed to override President Bush’s veto of this intelligence bill that would ban interrogation methods like waterboarding and mock executions.

Rep. Vito Fossella voted NO


Establishing within the House of Representatives an Office of Congressional Ethics HR 895
Vote Passed (229-182, 4 Present, 15 Not Voting)

The House narrowly approved a new ethics rule to create an independent office that would consider ethics complaints against House members.

Rep. Vito Fossella voted YES

note: see my write up about Fossella's attempts to kill this bill and his opposition to it prior to being forced into voting for this.
Vito Fossella opposes House Ethics Panel


Budget Resolution, FY2009 House Roll Call No. 145
Vote Passed (212-207, 12 Not Voting)

The House passed this $3 trillion budget resolution setting spending priorities for the 2009 fiscal year.

Rep. Vito Fossella voted NO

FISA Amendments Act of 2008 House Roll Call No. 145
Vote Passed (213-197, 1 Present, 20 Not Voting)

The House passed this intelligence bill that would revise U.S. surveillance laws.

Rep. Vito Fossella voted NO

note: This bill removed retroactive immunity for telephone companies caught wiretapping domestic phone lines without court ordered warrants at the request of the Federal government.