In the Senate: On Wednesday, September 19, Senators Arlen Specter and Patrick Leahy attempted to attach an amendment (SA 2022), which replicates the Military Commissions Habeas Corpus Restoration Act of 2007, to the Defense Budget bill.  Unfortunately, only 56 senators voted to bring the measure to a floor vote, 4 shy of the 60 votes needed.

What you can do: Both Senators DeMint and Graham opposed the amendment to restore Habeas Corpus. Call Senator Jim DeMint at (202) 224-6121 and Senator Lindsey Graham at (202) 224-5972 and express your dissappointment. Sample questions are found at the "read more" link.

In the House: The week of September 24, two House committees--Armed Services and Judiciary--will consider Rep. Ike Skelton's bill to restore habeas corpus, H.R. 2826.  Assuming the bill gains the support of both committees, it is expected to reach the House floor for a vote in the remaining two weeks before Columbus Day (October 8).

What you can do:  Call your representative, even if you have already done so, to urge his or her support for a bill to restore habeas corpus. (For current bills that do this, see BORDC's Legislation Page.)  Look up your representative's direct telephone number or dial the Capitol switchboard, 202-224-3121, and ask the operator to connect you (24 hours a day).