The video above discusses the Senate version of the PROTECT IP Act, but the House bill that was introduced TODAY is much much worse.

It'll give the government new powers to block Americans' access websites that corporations don't like. The bill would criminalize posting all sorts of standard web content -- music playing in the background of videos, footage of people dancing, kids playing video games, and posting video of people playing cover songs.

This legislation will stifle free speech and innovation, and even threaten popular web services like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

The bill was just introduced: We need to act now to let our lawmakers know just how terrible it is. Will you fill out the form above to ask your lawmakers to oppose the legislation?

Dear Scott,



Thank you for contacting me to share your opposition to S. 968, the Protect IP Act. I share your concerns and appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.



I agree that protecting intellectual property rights is critical to preserving jobs and ensuring the continued success of the U.S. entertainment industry, but we should not enact policies that hinder personal freedoms in the process. Though I agree that we need to protect valuable copyright laws, the private market has proven that it will innovate and provide attractive, legal solutions as technology continues to advance. As we move forward, our laws should promote creativity and provide artists, authors, and entertainers with protections for their hard work and ideas.



Copyrighted materials, including music, movies, television shows, software, books and more can be easily—and illegally—obtained through file sharing networks. The entertainment industry in particular is a major contributor to our economy, and all efforts should be made to maintain its strength and vitality. Fortunately, online intellectual property piracy has declined significantly in recent years, thanks both to the closure of major illegal file sharing networks and rogue sites and to the rise of legitimate online music services. Additionally, many of these services also offer digital copies of movies, television shows, books, and software.



As you may know, S. 968, the Protect IP Act, was introduced in the Senate on May 12, 2011 by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), but has not yet been introduced in the House of Representatives. Please be assured that I will remember your opposition to the Protect IP Act should this legislation be considered by the House of Representatives.



For additional information, please visit my website, http://www.heck.house.gov. From this site you can access statements about current events or pending legislation, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for Nevadans.



Again, I appreciate your thoughts and it is an honor to serve you in Congress. Your suggestions are always welcome, and if ever I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.







Sincerely,

DR. JOE HECK
Member of Congress

I got a reply from my house rep this afternoon.
I think I like this guy.

The optimist in me wants to believe that's enough to get this shot down.

I was confused by your comment, then I went back and re-read what I wrote. I can see how that might have been unclear. The "hurf, durf" thing was supposed to a congress critter, not a Tea Partier. I wasn't calling them out; rather, I was trying to point out that there are basically two "hot" political groups right now, and this legislation is in direct opposition to what either of them want.

The optimist in me wants to believe that's enough to get this shot down.

Most likely it is. This is yet another "scary" bill that is just in its beginning stages, and most likely will never go anywhere, much like many other "scary" bills that disappear into the legislative ether.