Senate’s Stimulus Measure Blocked Backers Are Short By 1 Vote Against GOP Filibuster -
The defeat by the narrowest of margins nearly ensures passage of a less expensive stimulus plan fashioned by President Bush and House leaders, though the Senate may make some changes. But it keeps the government on track to begin sending hundreds of dollars in payments to most Americans this spring.
“Given a chance to act as recession looms, more than 40 Republicans today said no to helping 20 million seniors and no to 250,000 disabled veterans. They said no to those who have lost their jobs and no to small business,” Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) said after the vote.
GOP blocks beefed-up tax rebate bill
GOP senators banded together Wednesday to thwart the $205-billion plan, leaving Democrats to either accept the House bill or risk being blamed for delaying a measure designed as a swift shot in the arm for the lagging economy.
Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois, who are battling for the Democratic presidential nomination, interrupted their campaigns and returned to Washington to cast votes in favour of the measure.
Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, his party’s front-runner for the presidential nomination, did not vote or return to the Senate for the showdown.
Â(*)Â(*) Who’s Listening to Your Phone Call?

Feingold views the legislative battle over the Protect America Act as “a long-term battle to protect the rights of the American people.” … explains the case against the Protect America Act.
‘Third Way’ Think Tank Pushes Telecom Agenda on FISA Bill

Third Way, a non-profit “progressive” think tank that is funded and controlled by hedge fund managers, corporate lawyers and business executives has advised Sen. Jay Rockefeller on a domestic surveillance bill that includes immunity for telecommunications companies with which Third Way board members have close ties.
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
Congress has extended the deadline for renewing the “Protect America Act” until February 15. We are asking legislators to stand up to President Bush’s fear-mongering and use this time to make real changes to the bill: reject telecom immunity and “bucket warrants” and bring government surveillance in line with the Constitution.
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