Audrey Hudson has filed a breaking news report on the latest developments in Rep. Stevan Pearce's bill to protect John Does reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities:

House Republicans today surprised Democrats with a procedural vote to protect public-transportation passengers from being sued if they report suspicious activity -- the first step by lawmakers to protect "John Doe" airline travelers already targeted in a lawsuit by Muslim imams that charges profiling.

The introduction of a motion to recommit the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 back to committee with instructions to add the protective language was introduced by Rep. Peter T. King, New York Republican and ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. King says all Americans, airline passengers included, must be protected from lawsuits if they report suspicious behavior that may foreshadow a terrorist attack.

A vote on the measure is expected tonight.

UPDATE: The bill passed the House tonight 304-121. Keith Ellison and 120 other House Democrats opposed the bill. Michelle Malkin has more here and Rusty Shackleford has more here.

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Posted by Scott at 06:02 PM  |    |