I applaud the efforts of the Democratic leadership to pass the Restore Act (HR 3773). I strongly agree that our national security needs can be met by this bill, which does not grant retroactive immunity to the telecom companies for their "collaboration" with the government. I think the courts should decide whether the telecoms deserve immunity for their release of records to the Bush administration, without court orders and in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

Unfortunately, Mark Kirk voted against this bill, as did many of his Republican colleagues. I disagree with Congressman Kirk on many issues, but his support for the erosion of my civil rights is especially troubling. (He voted for the Military Commissions Act of 2006, Bill S3930, which stripped habeas corpus rights from detainees). He already knows this, but I will be voting for Dan Seals in November.

Lynn Barnett

Vernon Hills