SOPA vote delayed as lobbyists apply pressure
16 December 2011
Patrick Ross, Washington DC
Following a markup attended by top industry lobbyists yesterday, a small but dedicated group of House Judiciary Committee members today forced the sponsor of controversial anti-piracy legislation to put off a final committee vote on the bill, possibly until 2012
Committee chairman Lamar Smith of Texas, sponsor of HR-3261, the Stop Online Piracy (SOPA) Act, faced significant delaying tactics from a bipartisan minority of his committee during a two-day markup of the bill. More than 60 amendments were introduced, ensuring lengthy consideration of Smith's manager's amendment.
Smith kept the committee in session until after 9:00 pm Thursday night, but early Friday afternoon he suspended the markup, acknowledging that the House was about to adjourn for the week. The markup may not resume until after the holidays, on January 17 2012. It remains unclear if the House will reconvene before Christmas.
"I believe the manager's amendment addresses the legitimate concerns that have been expressed, including protection of the First Amendment, due process, and the integrity and security of the internet," Smith said. A bipartisan majority of committee members appeared to agree with him, as opposing amendments failed on votes such...
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