By U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa)

The Internet is the epitome of the American free spirit. It enables entrepreneurs to market, innovate and create. It gives others the opportunity to comment, sound off and learn. At the same time, foreign websites are being created to sell or profit off of stolen American intellectual property (IP). This online piracy results in a tremendous loss of jobs and seriously harms our economy.

Nobody wants our own businesses to suffer because of the illegal conduct of foreign profit-makers. But, it’s just as important to ensure that we preserve our constitutionally protected free speech rights and allow the innovation that the Internet provides to billions of users to keep flourishing.

The Senate was supposed to begin debate tomorrow on the Protect IP Act. But, in a change of heart last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pulled the bill from the floor. This was only after an overwhelming number of constituents, stakeholders and other groups expressed legitimate concerns with the bill. I, along with five of my colleagues, wrote to the Democratic leader emphasizing the need to slow down the process and allow for more deliberation and collaboration with both sides on the issue. It became clear that the current Protect IP Act needs more due diligence, analysis, and substantial changes. The bill as currently drafted is not something I can support moving forward.

Stealing other people’s property is plain wrong. It’s critical that we protect the intellectual property rights of our businesses and fight online infringement. However, it’s just as critical that no harm is done to the Internet, the Constitution, or the ability of businesses to grow and innovate. Internet piracy is illegal, and we need to find a balanced approach that works for all sides.

Postponing floor consideration of the bill was the right thing to do. It’s imperative we resolve the concerns that were brought to me by Iowans and other stakeholders and ensure that there aren’t unintended consequences in any future legislation.

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