But it looks like, from reading this article, that the Senate might try to sneak it in again when they *fully* consider it.

Even as Mr. Leahy sent the bill to the full Senate without dealing with the immunity issue, there were efforts by leading Democrats and Republicans to strike a compromise.

Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the ranking Republican on the panel, is pushing a plan that would substitute the federal government as the defendant in the lawsuits against the telecommunications companies. That would mean that the government, not the companies, would pay damages in successful lawsuits.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat of Rhode Island, said in an interview after the vote Thursday that he would support a compromise along the lines of the Specter proposal.

Oh, so WE as TAXPAYERS would pay the damages????? WHY IS THAT? How come if a corporation BREAKS THE LAW, WE have to pay for it? It reminds me of the Savings and Loan Scandal in Texas some 15-20 years ago-who paid for the CROOKS that stiffed the public? Why, the PUBLIC did.

Would be a good idea to get on the phone and TELL your Senator that you don't want the *government* to pay for these telecoms breaking the law. Let THEM pay for it.