Welcome to the Bill of Rights Defense Committee
Are you concerned that the government's warrantless surveillance, detainee policies, and other post-9/11 laws and policies undermine our basic civil rights and liberties and make our country less safe? Join the Bill of Rights Defense Committee's national network of people who are taking meaningful action to restore protections guaranteed under the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution.
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Recent Legislation
BORDC resources
In the News
The "War on Terror" and the Constitution
The "War on Terror" and The Constitution is a new booklet, published by BORDC, that details how "war on terror" policies have allowed the government to violate the Constitution and explains how those violations affect each of us as individuals. Printed and bound copies with full color covers will be available for purchase ($3 each plus shipping; bulk discounts available) on our secure online storefront.
FISA Amendments Act Becomes Law
The Senate passed the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 on July 9 (also known as H.R. 6403) by a margin of 41 votes, with 69 Senators voting for the bill and 28 Senators voting against. This bill, which is now law, effectively legalized the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program and granted immunity to the telecommunications companies that broke the law. Read more.
"Thought Crime" Bill Dead in Senate
The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act (H.R. 1955) passed by an overwhelming 404-6 in the House last October. However, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee does not plan to consider the bill this year. Grassroots activists' calls seem to have moved the bill to a very slow track for the time being.
NSL Video
Watch BORDC's video, FBI Unbound: How National Security Letters Violate Our Privacy, which features two former members of the Justice Department, Lisa Graves and Bruce Fein, and George Christian, a recipient of a National Security Letter who refused to comply.
2008 Elections and Key Congressional Votes
This table prepared by Amherst, MA, activist Judith Solsken, compares presidential candidates' stances on treatment of detainees and domestic surveillance, and it lists key advisors.
Click here for key Congressional civil liberties votes through October 2006. Click here for key votes after October 2006.
10/6, Harry Lewis, Christian Science Monitor, Who Else Reads Your E-Mail?
10/5, Del Quentin Wilber, Washington Post, Uighur Detainees May Be Released to U.S.
10/5, Julian Sanchez, Ars Technica, New surveillance program will turn military satellites on US
10/4, Nina Bernstein, New York Times, Death of Detained Immigrant Inspires Online Game With Goal of Educating Players
10/4, William Glaberson, New York Times, Despite Ruling, Detainee Cases Facing Delays
10/4, New York Times, Cases to Watch at the Supreme Court
Grassroots News:
9/30, Dean Robinson, Frost Illustrated (Fort Wayne, IN), Mayor Henry, protect our civil liberties: The truth about the Patriot Act
8/26, Pamela Powers, Eau Claire (WI) Leader-Telegram, Marchers spread word on free speech, Constitution
8/17, Eisha Mason, California Progress Report, California Becomes First State to Condemn Use of Torture in 'War on Terror'
7/7, Seth Koenig, Times Record (ME), REAL ID Repeal Drive Takes to the Skies
7/4, John Nichols, The Nation, This Day, Like the Future, Belongs to Patriots
7/4, Jose Antonio Vargas, The Trail, Obama Responds to Online FISA Critics
