The public outcry against bills to clamp down on Internet piracy continues to sway lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Friday announced a postponement of Tuesday's scheduled vote on the Senate’s version of the bill – the Protect IP Act (PIPA),
The Hill reports.
Reid took the step "in light of recent events," he said in a statement.
“There is no reason that the legitimate issues raised by many about this bill cannot be resolved. Counterfeiting and piracy cost the American economy billions of dollars and thousands of jobs each year, with the movie industry alone supporting over 2.2 million jobs. We must take action to stop these illegal practices."
Reid expressed optimism that the Senate can reach a suitable compromise on PIPA in coming weeks. “I admire the work that [Judiciary Committee] Chairman Patrick Leahy has put into this bill," he said. "I encourage him to continue engaging with all stakeholders to forge a balance between protecting Americans’ intellectual property and maintaining openness and innovation on the internet."
Several Republican senators who had co-sponsored the PIPA bill reversed their positions after the wave of public discontent. That includes Orrin Hatch of Utah, Marco Rubio of Florida, Roy Blunt of Missouri, John Boozman of Arkansas, and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urged Reid Thursday to postpone Tuesday's vote.
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