After Wednesday's massive online protest, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced on Twitter that Tuesday's vote on the Protect IP Act (PIPA) will be delayed. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith followed him by announcing that the committee wouldn't consider the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) until "wider agreement" was reached.
This follows many of the co-sponsors of those pieces of legislation withdrawing their support during and shortly after the protests.
Smith welcomed further input, writing in a press release:
“I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy. It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products.
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“The Committee will continue work with both copyright owners and Internet companies to develop proposals that combat online piracy and protect America’s intellectual property. We welcome input from all organizations and individuals who have an honest difference of opinion about how best to address this widespread problem. The Committee remains committed to finding a solution to the problem of online piracy that protects American intellectual property and innovation.”
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