WASHINGTON, D.C. - The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee has levied stiff fines against five Senators who violated the Senate uniform policy by displaying pro-Michael Vick signs during a hearing on the rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees last week. Only hours before the hearing began, Vick was sentenced to twenty-three months in prison for conspiring to run an interstate dog-fighting operation.Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) announced the penalties this morning before resumption of testimony. In addition, Leahy announced a one-hearing suspension for Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) for what he described as “blatant, egregious disregard for the decorum of this august body.”
Graham is alleged to have concluded his questioning of a key government witness by pulling his shirt from his trousers and revealing the words “Free Mike Vick” on his chest. The Senator also brought a cardboard cut-out of Vick which he placed next to him during the hearing.
The other Senators punished by Leahy include Senators Barbara Feinstein (D-California), Charles Schumer (D-New York), Russell Feingold (D-Wisconsin) and Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama). All four wrote Vick’s initials and uniform number on black patches under their eyes which they wore for the duration of the hearing.
