Dear Smit,

Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to S.968, the "Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property (PROTECT IP) Act." It is good to hear from you.

As you know, S.968 was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) on May 12, 2011. This legislation seeks to change the way the Department of Justice handles perceived violations of intellectual property laws by foreign based websites dedicated to copyright infringement. Over the past few weeks, the concerns with the PROTECT IP Act in its current form have increased, and I certainly understand and share your concerns with the unintended consequences of this legislation. While the epidemic of online piracy needs to be addressed, I do not believe we should rush to pass this bill, rather we should be working to find another solution to this problem that ensures that innovation and free speech are protected. I have confidence that we can do this, but not with the PROTECT IP Act in its current form. 

Please be assured that I have removed my name as a cosponsor of S.968 and should it be brought to the floor of the U.S. Senate for a vote in its current form, I will oppose it.  

I appreciate your involvement in the legislative process and want to thank you for raising your concerns with this bill. As long as I am your U.S. Senator, I will continue to work to ensure that American jobs, ingenuity and ideas are protected.

Again, thank you for contacting me on this very important issue. Please be sure to visit our website at www.boozman.senate.gov. I look forward to your continued correspondence.

Sincerely,