Senators takes victory lap over stalled PIPA bill

“Last week the Congress did what the American people wanted, instead of what Washington insiders wanted,” said Wyden of the Senate Democratic leadership’s surprising decision to pull PIPA from the floor after a coordinated protest from millions of Internet users. 

“That’s what I call change,” said Wyden. “It was a grassroots victory for the history books. … Last week, tens of millions of Americans, empowered by the Internet, affected political change in Washington.”

More than a year ago, Wyden pledged to stand up to his own party’s leadership and pull a filibuster in the style of “Mr. Smith goes to Washington” in order to stop the bill, which is supported by the nation’s media giants, from reaching the floor.

Even a few weeks ago, Wyden and Moran’s opposition seemed a long shot as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) scheduled a vote on the floor that was expected to pass. The protest staged by Wikipedia, Google, and hundreds of other high-profile websites, however, caused several senators to pull their support for the bill resulting in Reid’s decision to cancel the vote.

“I want to recognize the majority leader’s role in reopening debate on anti-counterfeiting/copyright protection legislation,” said Wyden. “In pulling the Protect IP Act (PIPA) from the floor the leader has given the Senate an opportunity to get things right. The Senate has the opportunity to consult all stakeholders, including the millions of Internet users.”

PIPA would grant the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) powers to shut down some websites accused of existing for the purpose of facilitating copyright infringement. Opponents argued that the legislation would create daunting legal regulations and hurdles for online businesses.

Before adjourning at around 7 p.m. the Senate passed a bill (H.R. 3237) to provide technical corrections to the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act and a bill, S. 1134, to authorize the a the building of a bridge over the Saint Croix River. 

The Senate is set to return at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.