List of members of the U.S. Congress who support or oppose SOPA/PIPA

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) are two proposed draft laws that were being considered by the United States Congress. Their stated goals are to increase the ability of U.S. law enforcement to fight online trafficking in copyrighted intellectual property and counterfeit goods, and give the U.S. government and copyright holders additional tools to curb access to "rogue websites dedicated to infringing or counterfeit goods", especially those registered outside the United States.[1]

Supporters of the laws argued that they are needed to protect the intellectual property of owners of content. Opponents of the laws argued that they endanger free speech and free expression by harmfully regulating the internet.

Supporters of SOPA/PIPA

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Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) introduced the SOPA bill.

SOPA is the bill under consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives. PIPA is the related bill under consideration by the U.S. Senate.

SOPA Sponsors

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The Stop Online Piracy Act was introduced by Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX).[2]

Sponsors at introduction

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SOPA was initially co-sponsored by 12 Representatives:

Subsequent sponsors

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After its initial introduction, other Representatives became co-sponsors of SOPA:

Senators who support PIPA

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Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced the PIPA bill to the US Senate

The Protect IP Act (PIPA) was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid planned to bring it to a vote on January 24. Reid rejected a request by six Senators for a postponement, saying "this is an issue that is too important to delay".[9]

As of January 17, 2012, PIPA was co-sponsored by:[10]

Opponents of SOPA/PIPA

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Representatives opposed to SOPA/PIPA

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In December 2011, Representative Ron Paul spoke out against SOPA, deriding it as a bill that would "take over the Internet".[12] Paul thus became the first major presidential candidate to publicly oppose the SOPA.[13]

Former SOPA supporters

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  • Benjamin Quayle (R-AZ) (withdrew Jan 18)
  • Dennis A. Ross (R-FL) (withdrew Jan 18)[5][6]
  • Lee Terry (R-NE) (withdrew Jan 18)

Senators opposed to SOPA/PIPA

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Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) was one of the earliest opponents in the Senate.[36]

Sen. Ron Wyden was one of the opposition leaders against PIPA. On November 28, 2011, Wyden issued a filibuster threat with Sen. Jerry Moran if SOPA/PIPA made it to the floor.[37] A January 20, 2012, editorial in the Daily Kos described Wyden as "The biggest SOPA/PIPA hero".[38] After Senator Wyden, Senator Moran was one of the first Senators to recognize the problems with PIPA and to take a stand against the bill[39] Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown (R) also publicly voiced his opposition to the legislation as well as its sister bill in the House, SOPA.[40]

Opposition

Former PIPA supporters

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Legislative narrative

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Senate Judiciary Committee

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In May 2011, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to report in favor of PIPA.[54]

However, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) placed a "Senate hold" on the bill, postponing it from going to a full floor vote.[55]

U.S. Senate

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On January 13, six Republican co-sponsors of the bill released a letter of concern, reading in part:

"We have increasingly heard from a large number of constituents and other stakeholders with vocal concerns about possible unintended consequences of the proposed legislation, including breaches in cybersecurity, damaging the integrity of the Internet, costly and burdensome litigation, and dilution of First Amendment rights."[56]

On January 17, Senator Ron Wyden announced his intention to filibuster PIPA if necessary.[36][57][58]

January 18 saw the Internet Blackout protests in which websites coordinated to oppose SOPA/PIPA. In the wake of online protests, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the PIPA vote previously scheduled for January 24 would be postponed.[59][60]

SOPA in the House of Representatives

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Representative Lamar S. Smith introduced SOPA. Smith remarked of the bill:

"The Stop Online Piracy Act helps American innovators by protecting U.S. intellectual property from foreign criminals."[61]

Legislative timeline

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  • May 12, 2011 – PIPA introduced to Senate
  • May 26, 2011 – Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously votes to report in favor of PIPA[9]
  • Oct 26, 2011 – SOPA introduced to House
  • Nov 16, 2011 – House Judiciary Committee hearing on SOPA
  • Dec 15, 2011 – House markup on SOPA
  • Jan 13, 2012 – Six PIPA Co-sponsors write letter of concern[62]
  • Jan 14, 2012 – White House issues formal response to SOPA/PIPA petition[63][64][65]
  • Jan 18, 2012Internet Blackout protest; 6 Senators withdraw support: Kelly Ayotte, John Boozman, Roy Blunt, Orrin Hatch, Mark Kirk, Marco Rubio.[66] Two Representatives withdraw support: Benjamin Quayle, Lee Terry
  • Jan 20, 2012 – Senate Majority Leader Reid announces vote on PIPA will be postponed[67]
  • Jan 24, 2012 – Senate vote on PIPA which was scheduled for this date has been postponed[67]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Senate bill amounts to death penalty for Web sites". CNet. May 12, 2011. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  2. ^ "Piracy Act no easy sell in House – Jennifer Martinez". Politico.Com. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  3. ^ "Griffin Withdraws Support, Will Oppose SOPA".
  4. ^ a b c "Bill Summary and Status: H.R. 3261". Library of Congress. January 24, 2012. Archived from the original on December 9, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h The Rachel Maddow Show, Jan 18, 12
  6. ^ a b Ross, Dennis (18 January 2012). "I believe #SOPA is dead. I will not support #SOPA if this headlong rush continues. As a true free marketer, I want IP protected correctly".
  7. ^ Terry, Lee (18 January 2012). "Thank you for your concern about #SOPA. I have asked to have my name removed from the bill. However, the economic..."
  8. ^ a b c d e Smith, Lamar (16 December 2011). "Cosponsors - H.R.3261 - 112th Congress (2011-2012): Stop Online Piracy Act". www.congress.gov.
  9. ^ a b "Senate panel OKs controversial antipiracy bill".
  10. ^ Bill Summary & Status 112th Congress (2011–2012), “S.968 Cosponsors,” Bill Summary & Status Archived 2013-09-04 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ a b Grassley on PIPA Archived 2012-01-23 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ LeakSourceArchive (2 January 2012). "Ron Paul on SOPA: "They Want to Take Over the Internet!"" – via YouTube.
  13. ^ Topolsky, Joshua (31 December 2011). "Ron Paul blasts SOPA on the 2012 presidential campaign trail". The Verge.
  14. ^ Ferenstein, Gregory (19 December 2011). "Beyond SOPA: Rep. Darrell Issa's Big Plans For Digitizing Democracy". Fast Company.
  15. ^ "Ackerman Statement on the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), H.R. 3261". January 19, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  16. ^ "Todd is absolutely opposed to SOPA/PIPA..." Facebook. January 18, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  17. ^ "Amash Joins Web Protest Against SOPA and PIPA". January 18, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  18. ^ "Congressman Andrews Stands for Freedom of Internet, Against SOPA". January 20, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  19. ^ "I oppose SOPA..." Facebook. January 20, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  20. ^ "CONGRESSMAN BACHUS STATEMENT OF OPPOSITION TO SOPA AND PIPA". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  21. ^ "Dr. Benishek: "We Can Fight Piracy Without Endangering Free Speech"". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on January 22, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  22. ^ "Biggert Statement on SOPA". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  23. ^ Cohen, Lon (January 18, 2012). "Bishop Opposes SOPA, Cites Concerns of Stifling Open Internet – Three Village, NY Patch". Threevillage.patch.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  24. ^ "Rep. Earl Blumenauer to Black Out Website In Solidarity Against PIPA/SOPA Censorship". January 18, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  25. ^ "Braley Statement Opposing Stop Online Piracy Act". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  26. ^ "Broun Opposes SOPA on Concerns for Innovation, Free Speech". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  27. ^ Harding, Robert (January 18, 2012). "Rep. Hanna listening to SOPA debate, spokeswoman says". Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  28. ^ "Statement from Congressman Brian Higgins on H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  29. ^ "Statement From Congresswoman Hochul On SOPA And PIPA". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on February 2, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  30. ^ a b c Lee, Timothy B. (17 November 2011). "Strange bedfellows: Nancy Pelosi, Ron Paul join SOPA opposition". Ars Technica.
  31. ^ "Platts on SOPA: In current form, no". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  32. ^ "ROKITA OPPOSES SOPA". January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  33. ^ Paul Ryan Statement
    1. http://mashable.com/2012/01/09/paul-ryan-sopa/ Paul Ryan, Target of Reddit Campaign, Won’t Support SOPA]
  34. ^ "UPDATE: #StopSOPA (and PIPA)". January 18, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  35. ^ "CONGRESSMAN TONKO STATEMENT ON STOP ONLINE PIRACY ACT (SOPA) LEGISLATION". January 18, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  36. ^ a b Oregonian Editorial Board "Ron Wyden is right to filibuster an anti-piracy bill that would damage the Internet"
  37. ^ DavidSegal (November 28, 2011). "Wyden Will Filibuster The Destruction Of The Internet – And Read Your Name From Senate Floor". Daily Kos. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  38. ^ kos (January 20, 2012). "The biggest SOPA/PIPA hero: Sen. Ron Wyden". Daily Kos. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  39. ^ Mike Masnick (March 7, 2012). "Senator Moran Chats With Techdirt About SOPA, Innovation And The Importance Of An Open Internet". TechDirt. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  40. ^ "Senator Brown Says He'll Vote 'No' on Anti-Piracy Bills". Retrieved January 17, 2012.
  41. ^ "Sen. Bernard Sanders".
  42. ^ "Rand Paul promises to fight against internet censorship [Opinion: The Arena". Louisville.com. January 14, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  43. ^ Warner, Mark (18 January 2012). "SOPA & #PIPA go too far. Online piracy is a real and serious problem (1/2)".
  44. ^ "Let's Address the Concerns Over the PROTECT IP Act". Facebook. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  45. ^ "The theft of..." Facebook. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  46. ^ DeMint, Jim (18 January 2012). "I support intellectual property rights, but I oppose SOPA & PIPA. They're misguided bills that will cause more harm than good".
  47. ^ Merkley, Senator Jeff (18 January 2012). "Protecting IP is important, but we need to carefully tailor the solution. #PIPA and #SOPA don't cut it".
  48. ^ a b "A Better Way to..." Facebook. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  49. ^ Huang, Josie (18 January 2012). "Sen. Snowe would not vote for #PIPA in current form, says spokesman. Entire ME delegation opposes proposed Internet regs".
  50. ^ Sen. Jerry Moran statement on SOPA/PIPA "Protect IP and SOPA both raise serious constitutional and security concerns and include provisions that effectively chill investment in innovation."
  51. ^ Blunt, Senator Roy (18 January 2012). "We can find a solution that will protect lawful content. But this bill is flawed & that's why I'm withdrawing my support. #SOPA #PIPA".
  52. ^ "SOPA / PIPA: Orrin Hatch Withdraws Support After Blackout". 19 January 2012.
  53. ^ Sen. Hatch official statement on withdrawing support from PIPA.
  54. ^ "Protect IP Act: Senate Judiciary Committee approves anti-piracy bill – Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. May 27, 2011. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  55. ^ Wyden, Ron. "Overreaching Legislation Still Poses a Significant Threat to Internet Commerce, Innovation and Free Speech". Sovereign. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  56. ^ "Registrant WHOIS contact information verification - Namecheap.com". www.opencongress.org.
  57. ^ Drawing a line on piracy
  58. ^ Ron Wyden (19 December 2011). "Wyden on PIPA: This Presents a Clear & Present Danger to Innovation" – via YouTube.
  59. ^ Weisman, Jonathan (January 20, 2012). "Senate Postpones Vote on Internet Anti-Piracy Bill". NY Times. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  60. ^ Stephanie Condon (January 20, 2012), "PIPA, SOPA put on hold in wake of protests" CBS News
  61. ^ Smith, Rep Lamar (29 December 2011). "Letter: Rep. Smith defends SOPA". POLITICO.
  62. ^ [1] Tom Coburn, John Cornyn, Charles Grassley, Mike Lee, Orrin Hatch, Jeff Sessions.
  63. ^ Espinel, Victoria; Chopra, Aneesh; Schmidt, Howard (January 14, 2012). Combating Online Piracy While Protecting an Open and Innovative Internet (Report). White House. Archived from the original on September 23, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  64. ^ Phillips, Mark (January 14, 2012). "Obama Administration Responds to We the People Petitions on SOPA and Online Piracy". whitehouse.gov. Retrieved January 14, 2012 – via National Archives.
  65. ^ Wyatt, Edward (January 14, 2012). "White House Says It Opposes Parts of Two Antipiracy Bills". NY Times. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  66. ^ Greenberg, Andy (January 18, 2012). "Amidst SOPA Blackout, Senate Copyright Bill Loses Key Supporters". Forbes. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
  67. ^ a b Jared Newman http://www.pcworld.com/article/248468/congress_puts_sopa_pipa_on_hold.html Retrieved January 20, 2012