PixlBit

Votes on both pieces of legislation have been suspended for the time being.

Earlier this week it was announced that SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) had lost tremendous amounts of support in the Senate and Congress. The loss of support was in large part due to the number of blackouts that occurred all over the internet protesting these bills.  In line with these developments house judiciary committee chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) both announced plans to delay any further movement on either piece of legislation.

Smith went on to state; “I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy. It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products.”

Additionally the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) also denounced their support for the bill; the organization went on to state:

“From the beginning, ESA has been committed to the passage of balanced legislation to address the illegal theft of intellectual property found on foreign rogue sites. Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our industry's creative investment remains, concerns have been expressed about unintended consequences stemming from the current legislative proposals. Accordingly, we call upon Congress, the Obama Administration, and stakeholders to refocus their energies on producing a solution that effectively balances both creative and technology interests. As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection and are committed to working with all parties to encourage a balanced solution.”

Sources: Committee on the Judiciary, Giant Bomb