Thank you for taking the time to contact me with regards to the PROTECT IP Act of 2011 (S.968).
I share your converns about the protection of digital information and the importance of
free speech, as it relates to digital access. As technology evolves, more Americans
utilize the Internet to explore new ideas and access information. We must ensure the
Internet continues to be a dynamic environment that produces the innovations and
advancements that we have all come to enjoy.
As you may know, S. 968, introduced by Senator Leahy, is aimed at overseas websites
involved in online piracy and infringement. If passed, S. 968 would expand the authority
of the Attorney General by allowing that office to investigate, with the use of a search
warrant, foreign websites that have been accused of intellectual property theft and take
action against those sites that are engaged in these illegal activities. The Senate
Judiciary Commitee passed S. 968 on May 26, 2011, and the bill currently awaits action
on the Senate floor. If S.968 comes up for a vote in the Senate, I will carefully
evaluate all sides of this issue and work to strike a balance between the exchange
of information and the protection of intellectual identity.
I will continue to keep your thoughts in mind as I make decisions that are important to
you. I appreciate your opinions and I will continue to work to address the issues that
are important to the people of Florida.
Marco Rubio
U.S. Senator
.
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