Senator Chris Dodd, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the resignation of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf:

“The resignation of Pakistan President Musharraf – nine years after the military coup that brought him to power – is welcome news.  Though it may deepen Pakistan’s political challenges in the short term, it is essential to Pakistan’s long-term stability and return to a durable democracy. 

Senator Chris Dodd, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the resignation of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf:

“The resignation of Pakistan President Musharraf – nine years after the military coup that brought him to power – is welcome news.  Though it may deepen Pakistan’s political challenges in the short term, it is essential to Pakistan’s long-term stability and return to a durable democracy. 

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Jack Reed (D-RI) today introduced legislation to help Americans better protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.  The SUN Act would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen labeling and testing standards for sunscreen products.  Currently, FDA standards require that sunscreen protect against UVB rays, known for causing sunburns and increasing the chance of skin cancer. However, they do not require protection against UVA rays, which are a major cause of skin cancer and premature aging.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Children and Families, today hailed final Congressional approval of the Higher Education Opportunity Act.  The bill, which was passed by the House and Senate today, contains several initiatives championed by Dodd. 

Responding to calls from fire prevention and child safety groups across the country, U.S. Senators Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today introduced the “Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act” legislation banning cigarette lighters constructed to look like toys or regular household items.  Commonly referred to as “novelty lighters,” the toy-like devices, which naturally appeal to small children, have been the cause of deadly fires across the country.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Richard Burr (R-NC) in introducing a bipartisan bill which will dramatically improve the way the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protects the safety of the nation’s food supply. The bill, The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, will give FDA new authorities, tools and resources to comprehensively reform the nation’s food safety systems. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN).

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today spoke on the Senate floor on the state of our nation’s infrastructure and the importance of long-term investment in our roads, bridges, mass transit, drinking water, and wastewater removal systems.  Dodd’s speech comes on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the tragic I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Tomorrow also marks one year since Dodd introduced the National Infrastructure Bank Act along with Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE).  Dodd has held two hearings on the legislation, which has 12 co-sponsors.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today spoke on the Senate floor on the state of our nation’s infrastructure and the importance of long-term investment in our roads, bridges, mass transit, drinking water, and wastewater removal systems.  Dodd’s speech comes on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the tragic I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Tomorrow also marks one year since Dodd introduced the National Infrastructure Bank Act along with Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE).  Dodd has held two hearings on the legislation, which has 12 co-sponsors.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today issued the following statement after President Bush signed into law the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, which Dodd authored along with Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL):

“Today marks an important change in the federal government's response to the economic strain being felt by millions of Americans across the country and our financial markets.  This is the most sweeping housing legislation since the Great Depression, representing a turning point in our country's commitment to economic growth and affordable housing, and providing relief to homeowners and communities across the country.  I congratulate the President for signing it, and I am committed to ensuring that this law is implemented effectively and expeditiously, and that it fulfills its promise to prevent foreclosures, restore home values, stabilize our housing markets, and create economic growth.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today issued the following statement after President Bush signed into law the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, which Dodd authored along with Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL):

“Today marks an important change in the federal government's response to the economic strain being felt by millions of Americans across the country and our financial markets.  This is the most sweeping housing legislation since the Great Depression, representing a turning point in our country's commitment to economic growth and affordable housing, and providing relief to homeowners and communities across the country.  I congratulate the President for signing it, and I am committed to ensuring that this law is implemented effectively and expeditiously, and that it fulfills its promise to prevent foreclosures, restore home values, stabilize our housing markets, and create economic growth.”

In an effort to combat the epidemic of obesity sweeping the nation, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) today introduced the Federal Obesity Prevention Act of 2008. This legislation, which is cosponsored by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), would establish a federal interagency taskforce responsible for creating a national strategy for combating obesity across America.  

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), senior member of Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released the following statement on tonight’s House-Senate conference approval of the Higher Education Act.  This legislation includes several priorities that Senator Dodd has been advocating, including:

• Significant increases in Pell grants from $4,310 to $6,000 in 2009 and up to $8,000 by 2014;

• Provisions of Senators Dodd’s and Shelby’s “Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act,” which provides new protections for borrowers of private student loans;

• Provisions to control costs, and make it easier for students to pay their tuition.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today announced that the Senate passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act by a vote of 72-13.  This legislation is expected to help hundreds of thousands of Americans who are struggling to keep their homes, as well as countless homeowners and communities who are already experiencing the devastating effects of foreclosure.  The legislation also contains comprehensive reforms to our nation’s housing sector, including the creation of a strong, new regulator for the government-sponsored enterprises.  In response to recent turmoil in our financial markets, the bill also includes provisions requested by the Treasury Department to restore confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today announced that the Senate passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act by a vote of 72-13.  This legislation is expected to help hundreds of thousands of Americans who are struggling to keep their homes, as well as countless homeowners and communities who are already experiencing the devastating effects of foreclosure.  The legislation also contains comprehensive reforms to our nation’s housing sector, including the creation of a strong, new regulator for the government-sponsored enterprises.  In response to recent turmoil in our financial markets, the bill also includes provisions requested by the Treasury Department to restore confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today formally announced an agreement with the House of Representatives and the Administration on comprehensive legislation to address the current housing crisis and strengthen our economy.  Dodd and Shelby also commended the House of Representatives for passing the legislation, which was sent to the House from the Senate last week and will now return to the Senate for consideration.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today formally announced an agreement with the House of Representatives and the Administration on comprehensive legislation to address the current housing crisis and strengthen our economy.  Dodd and Shelby also commended the House of Representatives for passing the legislation, which was sent to the House from the Senate last week and will now return to the Senate for consideration.

In an effort to combat the epidemic of obesity sweeping the nation, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) today introduced the Federal Obesity Prevention Act of 2008. This legislation, which is cosponsored by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), would establish a federal interagency taskforce responsible for creating a national strategy for combating obesity across America.  

In an effort to combat the epidemic of obesity sweeping the nation, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) today introduced the Federal Obesity Prevention Act of 2008. This legislation, which is cosponsored by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), would establish a federal interagency taskforce responsible for creating a national strategy for combating obesity across America.  

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Children and Families, will convene the second hearing in a two-part series today to examine the dangerous consequences of childhood obesity and possible solutions to address this growing medical emergency.  Dodd will hear from a young man who struggled to lose weight, but was able to successfully lose 137 pounds with the help of a school-based health clinic.  The witness panel will also include government officials and chief executives, who will share their ongoing efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Children and Families, will convene the second hearing in a two-part series today to examine the dangerous consequences of childhood obesity and possible solutions to address this growing medical emergency.  Dodd will hear from a young man who struggled to lose weight, but was able to successfully lose 137 pounds with the help of a school-based health clinic.  The witness panel will also include government officials and chief executives, who will share their ongoing efforts to combat childhood obesity.

U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) are continuing their push to ensure that, before the oil companies seek additional leases, they develop the 68 million acres of federal land they currently lease.  The trio is attempting to offer several amendments to the energy speculation legislation currently being considered by the Senate. Feingold, Dodd and Menendez recently introduced the “Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act” and “Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act.” The first requires oil companies to show they are either producing oil or gas - or making progress exploring or developing – on current leases before they obtain more.  The Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act, which the trio introduced along with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), would charge oil companies a fee for every acre of land they lease but do not use for production.  The Senate could vote on the oil speculation legislation as early as Tuesday, July 22. 

“We have been working diligently for months on legislation to address the housing crisis.  Last week we sent legislation to the House.  Since then, we have been engaged in extensive and largely fruitful discussions with our counterparts in the House of Representatives, as well as Administration officials. We remain optimistic about the prospects for this legislation.”

The National Park Service Advisory Board voted today to approve Coltsville’s bid to become a National Historical Landmark.  Connecticut Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Chris Dodd (D-CT), as well as Congressman John B. Larson (D-CT-01) applaud the Board’s decision and its recognition of the important piece of history that the Colt Factory represents. The decision now heads to Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne’s desk for final approval. This is a major step towards attaining National Park status for the area and all of the benefits that come with that designation.

The National Park Service Advisory Board voted today to approve Coltsville’s bid to become a National Historical Landmark.  Connecticut Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Chris Dodd (D-CT), as well as Congressman John B. Larson (D-CT-01) applaud the Board’s decision and its recognition of the important piece of history that the Colt Factory represents. The decision now heads to Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne’s desk for final approval. This is a major step towards attaining National Park status for the area and all of the benefits that come with that designation.

U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) are continuing their push to ensure that, before the oil companies seek additional leases, they develop the 68 million acres of federal land they currently lease.  The trio is attempting to offer several amendments to the energy speculation legislation currently being considered by the Senate. Feingold, Dodd and Menendez recently introduced the “Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act” and “Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act.” The first requires oil companies to show they are either producing oil or gas - or making progress exploring or developing – on current leases before they obtain more.  The Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act, which the trio introduced along with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), would charge oil companies a fee for every acre of land they lease but do not use for production.  The Senate could vote on the oil speculation legislation as early as Tuesday, July 22. 

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today announced that the Committee passed “The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008” by a vote of 19 to 2.  The Banking Committee exercises jurisdiction over virtually all aspects of U.S financial and economic sanctions policy toward Iran, including the U.S. trade and investment ban administered by the Treasury Department; sanctions against foreign companies that invest substantially in the energy sector; and targeted financial measures, including freezing the assets of individuals involved in proliferation.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today announced that the Committee passed “The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008” by a vote of 19 to 2.  The Banking Committee exercises jurisdiction over virtually all aspects of U.S financial and economic sanctions policy toward Iran, including the U.S. trade and investment ban administered by the Treasury Department; sanctions against foreign companies that invest substantially in the energy sector; and targeted financial measures, including freezing the assets of individuals involved in proliferation.

Senator Chris Dodd, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee released the following statement today after the Senate passed the Global HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization bill 80 to 16.

“Of all the global challenges we face, few are more daunting in scope or immediate in need than the scourge of HIV/AIDS.  In so many parts of the world, the global HIV/AIDS pandemic threatens to undermine all of our other efforts to bring stability and prosperity to the world. With tonight’s vote, we have shown the world our sustained commitment to the treatment, prevention, and care of HIV/AIDS globally.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Children and Families today held the first of two hearings to examine the dangerous consequences of childhood obesity and possible solutions to address this growing problem.  Today, Dodd heard from several experts about the underlying causes of the dramatic rise in American childhood obesity.  After questioning the witnesses, Dodd opened up the hearing to questions and comments from the multitude of young people in the audience who offered their thoughts about how best to combat obesity among their peers.      

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) today praised Senate Appropriations Committee approval of $241.1 million in federal funding for a variety of Connecticut initiatives.  This funding will be used for, among other services, economic development initiatives, education, health care, and family and community support programs – efforts essential to the wellbeing and continued success of Connecticut.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement tonight after the Senate voted to override the President’s veto of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act.

Remarks as Prepared: We meet today in an unusual and extraordinary moment for our country and this Committee.  We are conducting two hearings consecutively.  The first hearing will be to receive the semi-annual monetary policy report from the Federal Reserve, as previously scheduled.  After the conclusion of that hearing, we will convene a second hearing on recent developments in the U.S. financial markets and regulatory responses to them.  This second hearing was noticed yesterday with the consent of Ranking Member Shelby due to the special and exigent circumstances in our nation’s financial markets.

Remarks as Prepared: We meet today in an unusual and extraordinary moment for our country and this Committee.  We are conducting two hearings consecutively.  The first hearing will be to receive the semi-annual monetary policy report from the Federal Reserve, as previously scheduled.  After the conclusion of that hearing, we will convene a second hearing on recent developments in the U.S. financial markets and regulatory responses to them.  This second hearing was noticed yesterday with the consent of Ranking Member Shelby due to the special and exigent circumstances in our nation’s financial markets.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today announced that they have reached a bipartisan agreement on legislation that will expand U.S. sanctions on Iran with respect to weapons proliferation, support for terrorism, and the destabilization of its neighbors in the Middle East.  The Banking Committee will consider the legislation on Thursday.

“Today’s Federal Reserve Board regulations should help to put an end to certain abusive lending practices.  Too many homeowners have been put into loans that are unaffordable, and as a result, we are now seeing the devastating effects of the failure of millions of mortgage loans.  My initial reaction is that, if effectively followed and enforced, the new regulations, though not strong enough in all areas, will help to prevent similar abuses in the future.  Under these regulations, lenders will only be permitted to make subprime mortgage loans that are sustainable.  Lenders will no longer be able to qualify borrowers based on the value of the home they are purchasing or on short-term, teaser rates. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today on the President’s announcement that he lift the presidential ban on drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Dodd is the co-sponsor of two bills that would require the oil companies to explore the 68 million acres of space they already lease. The Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act would charge oil companies a fee for every acre of land they lease but do not use for production.  The second piece of legislation, entitled the Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act, mandates that oil companies either produce on or seek to develop their existing federal leases, or relinquish the leases when they expire. 

“The Administration's failure to prevent bad lending practices has caused unprecedented hardship in the form of record foreclosures and market turmoil.  Now, homeowners across the country and our entire financial system are suffering the consequences.  Regrettably, the Administration has refused to develop or support any meaningful effort to help keep Americans in their homes and preserve efficiency and stability in our markets.

“The Administration's failure to prevent bad lending practices has caused unprecedented hardship in the form of record foreclosures and market turmoil.  Now, homeowners across the country and our entire financial system are suffering the consequences.  Regrettably, the Administration has refused to develop or support any meaningful effort to help keep Americans in their homes and preserve efficiency and stability in our markets.

“IndyMac’s closure is the latest example of the severe consequences associated with risky mortgage lending practices, coupled with regulatory failures which allowed these risky lending practices to occur.  This combination of risky lending and lax regulation is largely responsible for the current problems in our housing markets and overall economy.  I intend to thoroughly examine the implications of this failure.  That said, I am confident in the strength and stability of our banking system, and the mechanisms in place to ensure that depositors have access to their money even when a bank fails.  The FDIC’s announced actions as conservator underscore this strength and stability.”

Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today announced that the Senate passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act.  This landmark bipartisan legislation includes major efforts to address the root of our economic problems – the housing crisis – by providing relief to homeowners in Connecticut and across the country, and by introducing broad improvements to the nation’s housing sector. 

Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today announced that the Senate passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act.  This landmark bipartisan legislation includes major efforts to address the root of our economic problems – the housing crisis – by providing relief to homeowners in Connecticut and across the country, and by introducing broad improvements to the nation’s housing sector. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today praised approval of a provision requiring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to report back to the Senate after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) releases its review of the FAA’s proposed airspace redesign.  The provision, which was introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, would require the FAA Administrator to report the agency’s attempts to address any concerns or recommendations raised in the GAO’s report to the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Transportation. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) made the following statement today after the Senate voted to pass the FISA Amendments Act:

“Today, the United States Senate faced a very fundamental question that has been asked for generations: Does America stand for the rule of law, or the rule of men?  But by passing FISA legislation that grants retroactive immunity to the telecom companies that allegedly participated in President Bush’s warrantless wiretapping program, we gave the wrong answer.   

Today, U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced legislation sending an important message to oil companies about the federal land they lease for oil development – use it or lose it.  The legislation, entitled the Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act, would spur oil companies to develop the 66 million acres of federal land they currently lease but have not developed to produce oil.  The bill, which is similar to legislation introduced in the House by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), mandates that oil companies either produce on or seek to develop their existing federal leases, or relinquish the leases.  The bill ensures that companies take reasonable steps to produce oil and gas on federal lands and waters within a lease's term.   The Senators are also supporting the Responsible Ownership of Public Lands Act, introduced by Dodd and cosponsored by Feingold and Menendez, to place an escalating fee on leases of federal land that lie unused.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today after President Bush signed the FISA Amendments Act into law.

“With one stroke of his pen, the President has ensured that the truth behind his unprecedented domestic spying regime will never see the light of day. But the fight must go on. I will continue to stand up for the rule of law and the civil liberties of all Americans at every opportunity, and will strongly support efforts to challenge the constitutionality of this decision in the courts.  I can only hope that the courts will be able to correct the mistake the Congress and President have made.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today after President Bush signed the FISA Amendments Act into law.

“With one stroke of his pen, the President has ensured that the truth behind his unprecedented domestic spying regime will never see the light of day. But the fight must go on. I will continue to stand up for the rule of law and the civil liberties of all Americans at every opportunity, and will strongly support efforts to challenge the constitutionality of this decision in the courts.  I can only hope that the courts will be able to correct the mistake the Congress and President have made.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) made the following statement today after the Senate voted to pass the FISA Amendments Act:

“Today, the United States Senate faced a very fundamental question that has been asked for generations: Does America stand for the rule of law, or the rule of men?  But by passing FISA legislation that grants retroactive immunity to the telecom companies that allegedly participated in President Bush’s warrantless wiretapping program, we gave the wrong answer.   

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) made the following statement today after the Senate voted to pass the FISA Amendments Act:

“Today, the United States Senate faced a very fundamental question that has been asked for generations: Does America stand for the rule of law, or the rule of men?  But by passing FISA legislation that grants retroactive immunity to the telecom companies that allegedly participated in President Bush’s warrantless wiretapping program, we gave the wrong answer.   

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today responded to the announcement by the Department of Defense that the Air Force will hold a new competition to select the manufacturer of the next generation of air refueling tankers.  This decision comes shortly after the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) decision to uphold a protest by the U.S.-based Boeing Corporation that the Air Force improperly awarded the $35 billion contract to Northrop Grumman and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today issued the following statement in response to reports that Iran test-fired nine missiles, some of which could reach Israel and other nations in the region:

“These reports underscore the danger that Iran’s weapons program poses to its neighbors, while increasing concern about its refusal to cooperate with the international community.  To ensure peace and stability in this region, the Iranian government must stand down its nuclear efforts, its support for international terrorism, and its threats to its neighbors.  Unfortunately, Iran’s leaders have given no reason to believe they will change their disruptive behavior without additional diplomatic and economic pressure. 

As the Senate prepares for a final vote on the FISA Amendments Act today, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) took to the floor again to implore his colleagues to reject the bill, which would grant retroactive immunity to the telecommunication companies that participated in President Bush’s warrantless wiretapping program.  Dodd has fought alongside his colleagues Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to prevent any bill that provides retroactive immunity from passing the Senate.  The Senate today considered Dodd’s amendment to strike the retroactive immunity provision from the FISA bill.

As the Senate prepares for a final vote on the FISA Amendments Act today, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) took to the floor again to implore his colleagues to reject the bill, which would grant retroactive immunity to the telecommunication companies that participated in President Bush’s warrantless wiretapping program.  Dodd has fought alongside his colleagues Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to prevent any bill that provides retroactive immunity from passing the Senate.  The Senate today considered Dodd’s amendment to strike the retroactive immunity provision from the FISA bill.