Congressman Tonko Statement on Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) Legislation

Statement

Congressman Paul Tonko released the following statement today regarding the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA):

"I have received an overwhelming number of comments from my constituents on this legislation and they have said one thing loud and clear: stop SOPA because it threatens free speech and online liberty.

I couldn't agree with them more. While I understand and remain concerned about the significant challenges posed by online piracy, I believe the provisions contained in bills currently under consideration in the House and Senate would stifle innovation and job growth. This is particularly troubling in the 21st Congressional District of New York, an area where small businesses, startups and even large companies have made our region home to the country's third fastest growing tech jobs hub in the country.

As written, SOPA represents a step toward an internet where the U.S. government has the power to determine what is seen or not seen on search engines or URL's. These unintended consequences would limit the free exchange of ideas online and stifle progress and innovation.

America's strength has always been her ability to out-build, out-innovate and out-compete other nations in a free and open exchange of ideas. We should not put that freedom at jeopardy."

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