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Thu, Jan 19 2012 17:08:38

Lawmakers Abandon SOPA Ship

A funny thing happened this week when Americans embraced the grassroots power of social media en masse and voiced their outrage about an obscure policy issue: Congress listened.

  1. Feeling the heat from back home, a handful of lawmakers reversed course and announced that they no longer support the anti-piracy bills best known by their acronyms, SOPA and PIPA. They answered their constituents directly via Twitter, the same medium that so many people had used to register their complaints to Congress.
  2. OrrinHatch
    After listening to the concerns on both sides of the debate over the PROTECT IP Act, it is simply not ready for prime time. #utpol #tcot
    Orrin Hatch
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 14:56:22
    0 likes
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  3. OrrinHatch
    That’s why I will not only vote against moving the bill forward next week but also remove my cosponsorship of the bill. #utpol #tcot #PIPA
    Orrin Hatch
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 14:57:06
    0 likes
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  4. RoyBlunt
    We can find a solution that will protect lawful content. But this bill is flawed & that's why I'm withdrawing my support. #SOPA #PIPA
    Senator Roy Blunt
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 13:09:42
    0 likes
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  5. Censoring the internet by SOPA & PIPA bills Google, wikipedia blackout
    RishuRajFilms Wedding Photography and Films
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 19:00:00
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  6. SenatorAyotte
    Thx 2 NHers contacting me abt #SOPA #PIPA. I'm pulling my support bc your concerns deserve consideration before Congress moves fwd.
    Kelly Ayotte
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 22:05:03
    0 likes
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  7. marcorubio
    After hearing from people with legit concerns, have withdraw support for #PIPA. Let's take time to do it right. http://t.co/9fFMRgOU #SOPA
    Marco Rubio
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 11:35:08
    0 likes
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  8. JudgeCarter
    Have decided to withdraw support for SOPA based on the input of so many of you. Thanks for staying in touch on this and more!
    JudgeCarter
    Thu, Jan 19 2012 12:04:16
    0 likes
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  9. JohnBoozman
    I am withdrawing my support for the Protect IP Act. Read more here: http://t.co/nvZwl27K
    Senator John Boozman
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 14:23:25
    0 likes
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  10. ChuckGrassley
    PIPA needs more due diligence, analysis & big change. This Sen can't support current bill moving forward nxt wk
    ChuckGrassley
    Thu, Jan 19 2012 10:16:33
    0 likes
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  11. I will update this story as I see more tweets where lawmakers reverse their positions on the legislation. Please share links with danny@tweetwatch.com if you spot any.
  12. Meanwhile, here's a collection of other congressional tweets in reaction to the popular content blackout that several leading websites orchestrated Wednesday to protest the anti-piracy bills.
  13. SenRandPaul
    I will not sit idly by while #PIPA & #SOPA eliminate constitutionally protected rights to due process and free speech. http://t.co/8Fta9eKb
    Senator Rand Paul
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 17:49:44
    0 likes
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  14. RepJimMcDermott
    Its time to wash our hands clean of #SOPA. We need to do something about online piracy, but SOPA isn't the right approach.
    Jim McDermott
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 18:21:45
    0 likes
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  15. USRepAlexander
    In its current form, SOPA has potential to expand the government’s overarching reach on another facet of daily life, limit Internet access.
    Rep Rodney Alexander
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 15:36:34
    0 likes
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  16. SenPatRoberts
    Put me down for NO. The current #SOPA and #PIPA bills could destroy online entrepreneurship and innovation.
    Pat Roberts
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 17:38:41
    0 likes
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  17. Wikipedia
    eMan8888
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 19:00:00
    0 likes
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  18. RepSpeier
    I'm opposing #SOPA since it'd be absurd to hold YouTube accountable for every megabyte of user generated content! http://t.co/9ZBfcPDT
    Jackie Speier
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 19:07:04
    0 likes
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  19. RepKristiNoem
    On SOPA, we need to create new tools to fight piracy without creating a chilling effect on internet entrepreneurs and web developers.
    Rep. Kristi Noem
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 14:48:01
    0 likes
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  20. JudyBiggert
    We need to preserve the full innovative potential of the internet. That’s why I do not support SOPA. Read more: http://t.co/L7tRiobw
    Judy Biggert
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 15:08:38
    0 likes
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  21. SenMikeLee
    Here are my thoughts on #SOPA #PIPA: █ ██ █ ███ ████: http://t.co/3psc0kLR Please RT to ███████ ██████ ██████████ ██ ███ internet.
    Mike Lee
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 17:21:19
    0 likes
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  22. DorisMatsui
    My own website has gone a little dark in support of the #SOPAblackout - check out the slideshow http://t.co/D5F0LFcP
    Rep. Doris Matsui
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 14:45:14
    0 likes
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  23. JerryMoran
    I am pleased to see @google has blacked out its logo to help fight against #PIPA and #SOPA. In the Senate I support keeping the web #OPEN
    Jerry Moran
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 16:49:27
    0 likes
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  24. RepWalterJones
    It's time for Congress to do the right thing and defeat SOPA & PIPA. We must protect the internet from big brother. #StopSOPA
    Rep. Walter Jones
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 15:13:41
    0 likes
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  25. YvetteClarke
    In February, the House of Representatives will resume work on #SOPA. I will vote against it and encourage my colleagues to do the same.
    Yvette D. Clarke
    Wed, Jan 18 2012 17:33:55
    0 likes
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