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Sen. Charles E. Grassley

Republican from Iowa



Update (1/20/2012): SOPA and PIPA have been indefinitely postponed; see statements by Sen. Harry Reid and Rep. Lamar Smith.

G000386

Stance on PIPA
79
Age
31
Years served in Senate
89.36%
% Votes with Party
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/grassley
Official homepage http://grassley.senate.gov
Phone 202-224-3744
Fax 202-224-6020
Office 135 Hart Senate Office Building
Twitter http://twitter.com/ChuckGrassley

Financial Contributions by Industry

This reported campaign contributions information comes from the OpenSecrets/Center for Responsive Politics API (read more about their campaign-contributions-per-industry API). You can also visit the OpenSecrets profile for Sen. Grassley.

Industry Election Cycle Amount
Computers/Internet 2010 $92,976
2008 $4,000
TV/Movies/Music 2010 $111,150
2008 $4,500

Timeline: Sen. Grassley and PIPA

A list of statements and legislative actions made by Sen. Grassley relating to PIPA. Contact us at sopa[at]propublica.org if you have additions or corrections.

Jan 18, 2012 Statement against PIPA in its current form
“It’s critical we protect the intellectual property rights of our businesses and fight online infringement, but at the same time, we can’t do harm to the internet, the Constitution, or the ability of businesses to grow and innovate. Internet piracy is illegal, and we need to find a way that works for all sides. The current Protect IP Act needs more due diligence, analysis, and substantial changes. As it stands right now, I can’t support the bill moving forward next week.”
Jan 17, 2012 Quoted in Radio Iowa: "Senator Grassley says internet sharing bills may need tweaking."
“If everybody takes the position that stealing of copyrights, trademarks are wrong or that theft just generally is wrong and we start from the premise of what can we do to stop the stealing, then I think we can meet a friendly consensus on this issue and get the job done.”
Source: Radio Iowa
Jan 13, 2012 Co-signed letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging a delay in cloture vote.
"Since the mark-up, we have increasingly heard from a large number of constituents and other stakeholders with vocal about possible unintended consequences of the proposed legislation, including breaches in cybersecurity, damaging the integrity of the Internet, costly and burdensome litigation, and dilution of First Amendment rights. Moreover, in light of potential cybersecurity implications, we believe hearing from the Administration and relevant agencies is imperative. As always, our current fiscal crisis demands we carefully consider legislation that would cost taxpayers up to $43 million according to the Congressional Budget Office. These are serious issues that must be considered in an deliberative and responsible manner. This underscores the need to resolve as many outstanding concerns as possible prior to proceeding to floor consideration."
May 26, 2011 Votes to move PIPA out of committee
Part of unanimous vote of approval by Senate Judiciary committee to move PIPA forward.
May 12, 2011 Co-sponsors PIPA
May 12, 2011 Press release
"The online distribution and sale of pirated content and counterfeit goods imposes a huge cost on the American economy in terms of lost jobs, lost sales, lost innovation and lost income. Piracy and counterfeiting can also present serious health and safety problems for consumers"
Feb 16, 2011 Prepared Statement to Senate Committee on the Judiciary, re: Targeting Websites Dedicated to Stealing American Intellectual Property
"Piracy and counterfeiting also can present serious health and safety problems. Counterfeit products such as ineffective pharmaceuticals, defective electrical products, tainted toothpaste, malfunctioning equipment, and sub-par materials, all pose a danger to the American public. Addressing this problem would help protect consumers against harmful counterfeit and pirated products."
Nov 18, 2010 Votes to move COICA out of committee
The Senate Judiciary committee voted unanimously to move COICA forward.
Sep 23, 2010 Cosponsors Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act, S. 3804
COICA contained similar provisions and battle lines as PIPA does. It never reached a full Senate vote and was re-written in 2011 as the PROTECT-IP Act (i.e. PIPA).

See a complete list of actions and statements by members of Congress