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This is the best response I have received so far (if a bit on the late side), and is the only one to directly mention net neutrality.
Dear Mr. Plummer:
Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). I appreciate hearing from you.
I have a real concern about the theft of intellectual property (IP) that hurts creative and innovative industries and the United States economy, but this bill has serious flaws. While I believe we need stronger laws protecting IP in this country, it is important that we take a considerate approach that reflects the views of various stakeholders. It is my belief that with respect to the Internet, we should be focusing on clearly defined guidelines and laws that both reflect the creativity and abundance of user generated content, while valuing current copyright laws. The SOPA and PIPA bills as currently written, unfortunately do not strike this balance and place too much of a burden on Internet Providers and host sites. Before we fundamentally change how private corporations and the government handle potential copyright violations, the long-term changes of such a shift must be fully realized and the implications explored. I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as both SOPA and PIPA continue through the legislative process.
I have long been a champion of advocating for Internet freedom. As you may know, "network neutrality" is a technological concept that seeks to prevent discrimination by telecommunications companies based on the technical characteristics of data traffic that users send through the Internet's architecture. Network neutrality does not refer to any regulation of or restriction on the speech content of Internet communications.
For many years, a free and open Internet, maintained by reasonable federal regulations and including network neutrality by default, has provided a foundation for innovation that leads to cutting edge technologies and drives our economy. This absence of data discrimination has allowed start-up companies and small businesses a chance to bring new innovations to market and compete with established industries.
I believe it is crucial to give the power of choice to consumers by requiring broadband providers to keep the gateways of information flowing freely. As such, I have consistently worked to keep the Internet free from interference, both through the legislative process and by appealing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) directly. This includes urging the FCC Chairman to issue robust rules preventing discrimination on all residential Internet connections. In April 2011, I also voted against H.J. Res. 37, a Resolution of Disapproval that would have prevented the FCC from acting to protect Internet users from discrimination. I will continue to fight to protect the diverse range of online services and content that consumers enjoy today.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me about such an important issue. For news on current federal legislative issues, please visit my website at www.house.gov/inslee, where you can also sign up to receive my e-newsletter. My office is here to serve you, so please feel free to contact us in Shoreline at 206-361-0233 or in Washington, D.C. at 202-225-6311 for assistance
Very truly yours,
JAY INSLEE
Member of Congress
Dear Mr. Plummer:
Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). I appreciate hearing from you.
I have a real concern about the theft of intellectual property (IP) that hurts creative and innovative industries and the United States economy, but this bill has serious flaws. While I believe we need stronger laws protecting IP in this country, it is important that we take a considerate approach that reflects the views of various stakeholders. It is my belief that with respect to the Internet, we should be focusing on clearly defined guidelines and laws that both reflect the creativity and abundance of user generated content, while valuing current copyright laws. The SOPA and PIPA bills as currently written, unfortunately do not strike this balance and place too much of a burden on Internet Providers and host sites. Before we fundamentally change how private corporations and the government handle potential copyright violations, the long-term changes of such a shift must be fully realized and the implications explored. I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as both SOPA and PIPA continue through the legislative process.
I have long been a champion of advocating for Internet freedom. As you may know, "network neutrality" is a technological concept that seeks to prevent discrimination by telecommunications companies based on the technical characteristics of data traffic that users send through the Internet's architecture. Network neutrality does not refer to any regulation of or restriction on the speech content of Internet communications.
For many years, a free and open Internet, maintained by reasonable federal regulations and including network neutrality by default, has provided a foundation for innovation that leads to cutting edge technologies and drives our economy. This absence of data discrimination has allowed start-up companies and small businesses a chance to bring new innovations to market and compete with established industries.
I believe it is crucial to give the power of choice to consumers by requiring broadband providers to keep the gateways of information flowing freely. As such, I have consistently worked to keep the Internet free from interference, both through the legislative process and by appealing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) directly. This includes urging the FCC Chairman to issue robust rules preventing discrimination on all residential Internet connections. In April 2011, I also voted against H.J. Res. 37, a Resolution of Disapproval that would have prevented the FCC from acting to protect Internet users from discrimination. I will continue to fight to protect the diverse range of online services and content that consumers enjoy today.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me about such an important issue. For news on current federal legislative issues, please visit my website at www.house.gov/inslee, where you can also sign up to receive my e-newsletter. My office is here to serve you, so please feel free to contact us in Shoreline at 206-361-0233 or in Washington, D.C. at 202-225-6311 for assistance
Very truly yours,
JAY INSLEE
Member of Congress
