John Doe Provision In!

We were disturbed when we learned the Democrats were stripping the new Homeland Security bill of the provision protecting people against lawsuits if they inform authorities of suspicious behavior. Allah reports that a deal has been reached, and the John Doe provision has been agreed upon. From the WaPo:

Congressional negotiators reached tentative agreement Tuesday on steps to strengthen air and sea defenses against terrorists in legislation aimed at fulfilling recommendations made three years ago by the 9/11 Commission.

The bill outlines plans to inspect all cargo on passenger planes within three years and screen, within five years, all U.S.-bound cargo ships for nuclear weapons before they leave foreign ports.

It also realigns the formulas for distributing federal security funds so that states and cities most at risk of terrorist attack receive a larger share. ...

The last obstacle was cleared when negotiators crafted language to satisfy a Republican demand giving immunity from lawsuits to people who report suspicious behavior. The issue grew out of an incident last fall where six Muslim scholars were removed from a flight in Minneapolis after other passengers said they were acting suspiciously. The imams have since filed a lawsuit, saying their civil rights were violated.

Both John Boehner and Peter King made the announcement. this was noted by Allah, and he further states that if this were a loss -- the compromise itself -- for the GOP, they would not be celebrating this victory. The Democrats did not want this included int he bill, but given the fact that citizens have been asked to keep their eyes open, it makes sense to give those people ample protection from lawsuits. Such lawsuits could deter people from being as vigilant as the government has asked us to be.

Allah has the link to the language of the bill here.

Michelle Malkin has more, including the roll call vote.

Marcie