Amazing how Obama's tune changed after he wins the nomination.
Pelosi encourages extended debate on FISA compromise legislation
USA TODAY's Susan Page reports that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters this morning that it would be "healthy and wholesome" for Senate Democrats to force an extended debate over the compromise legislation on domestic surveillance, even if there is little chance that they can prevent its passage.
A provision in the FISA bill that effectively extends retroactive immunity to telecommunication companies that acceded to the Bush administration's requests for warrantless surveillance of American citizens is particularly controversial.
The House passed the legislation last week. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is moving toward a Senate vote tomorrow.
Two Democratic senators -- Russ Feingold of Wisconsin and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut -- have indicated they might try to stall the bill. And last year, Barack Obama's campaign issued a statement saying he would support a filibuster of a bill that included retroactive immunity, though Obama now says he supports the compromise.
"This issue has not been digested thoroughly by the American people," Pelosi said at a breakfast sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor, saying it has been "a cause for great anger."
That means it could be "helpful" if they heard more about it in a Senate debate.
In describing her own position on the bill, she said, "With great -- take out 'great' -- I can comfortably vote for the bill."
