WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement today after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) agreed to his request that the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) be set aside because of certain provisions in the legislation that threaten American innovation, internet security, and freedom of speech:

"Due to the strong opposition by so many Americans, Majority Leader Reid has withdrawn his plan to consider the Protect IP Act next Tuesday. This is the outcome so many of us have been working to achieve,” Sen. Moran said. “I am grateful that citizens across this country have had their voices heard. In November, I joined forces with Senator Wyden as the first Republican Senator to oppose PIPA. We worked together to see that PIPA did not become law, and we were prepared to filibuster this legislation next week to keep it from coming to a vote."

PIPA had support from many influential Senators and powerful interest groups, but the Majority Leader’s decision to withdraw it from the Senate calendar demonstrates the power of engaged citizens using the Internet,” Sen. Moran continued. “I will continue to work to protect the creative rights of those who innovate, but any solution to this real problem must also protect Americans’ freedom of speech and thought, safeguard internet security, and allow the internet to remain a driving force in American innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. I expect this threat to resurface. I will remain vigilant in making certain any bill that is brought up protects a free and open internet."

Sen. Moran shares the goal of protecting American innovators from intellectual property theft, but has serious concerns that PIPA and its House companion bill, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), will threaten innovation, internet security and Constitutional rights. Sen. Moran was the first Republican sponsor of the alternative proposal to PIPA and SOPA called the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN), which creates uniform and targeted online infringement policies that will help protect intellectual property rights and improve the safety of U.S. citizens – without threatening the thriving internet marketplace. Visit www.KeepTheWebOpen.com to learn more about Sen. Moran’s alternative plan, the OPEN Act.

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