“Most Americans agree online piracy is a serious matter and steps must be taken to prevent the illegal distribution of intellectual property. While intellectual property is currently protected on domestic websites by federal law, online piracy has found a safe haven on foreign sites that exploit American artists, innovators and entrepreneurs...However, I am concerned SOPA – as introduced - is not the proper approach to addressing this growing problem. Instead, Congress must work to fight online piracy in a manner that guarantees individual rights are respected and promoted, and innovation is not hindered. While I am not prepared to support SOPA at this time, I believe the greater exposure it has recently received in the public and in Washington will help generate a necessary dialogue about the need to combat the illegal activity of online piracy.”