Dear Friend:
Thank you for contacting me regarding S. 968, the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act) and the House's H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). I appreciate your taking the time to write.
S. 968 was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy on May 11, 2011. I believe that we must do what we can to address intellectual property theft to protect American jobs and businesses. It is estimated that upwards of $50 billion each year is lost due to online piracy from rogue websites. Especially troublesome is the impact this lost revenue has on our economy and jobs. This legislation will give the Department of Justice the tools it needs to combat foreign websites devoted to providing access to unauthorized downloads, streaming or sale of copyrighted content and counterfeit goods.
Many of the provisions, such as those that go after the revenue streams of these illegal websites, have broad support. However, I understand there are very legitimate concerns regarding several provisions in the legislation, particularly with respect to security. I have contacted Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, Patrick Leahy, to discuss the various concerns that have been brought to my attention. Furthermore, my staff has attended multiple briefings with stakeholders in support and in opposition to this legislation. In recognition of the fact that additional work is needed to improve the bill, Senate Majority Leader Reid has postponed the debate so that these issues can be resolved. It is my hope that the Senate will soon develop consensus legislation that tackles intellectually property theft without impacting cybersecurity and the openness of the Internet.
I am also aware of concerns with regard to SOPA, which was introduced in the House of Representatives and takes a different approach than the Senate bill. Should this legislation come before the Senate I will keep your views in mind.
Again, thank you for writing. I hope you will continue to keep me informed of issues of importance to you and your community.
Sincerely,
JEFF BINGAMAN
United States Senator
Phone: (202) 224-5521
Toll-free in NM: 1-800-443-8658
Website: http://bingaman.senate.gov/
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