Originally From: Cu Digest <TK0JUT2t_private> From: jthomast_private(Jim Thomas) Subject: File 1--House Comm on Commerce Approves WIPO Copyright (HR 2281) House Committee on Commerce News Release For Immediate Release Contact: David Fish July 17, 1998 (202) 225-5735 House Commerce Committee Overwhelmingly Appproves WIPO Bill by vote of 41- 0 Washington (July 17)--The full House Commerce Committee today overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan measure that would implement the World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty and the Performances and Phonograms Treaty. H.R. 2281, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, was reported out of the committee as amended, by a vote of 41 to 0. Commerce Committee Chairman Tom Bliley (R-VA)made the following opening remarks at this morning's WIPO markup: "Today, the Committee completes its consideration of H.R. 2281, the World Intellectual Property Organization Treaties Implementation Act. "This is perhaps the most important piece of legislation relating to electronic commerce that this Congress will consider. "And let's be clear: while it is true that this legislation implements copyright treaties, it is done in such a way that it defines the way in which consumers will participate in the future of electronic commerce. "When we began our review, I stated that the Committee on Commerce would add value to this important piece of legislation -- and in doing so, ensure that the WIPO treaties are implemented in this Congress. "I'm pleased to say that we have done just that. "On a number of important issues, the Committee has worked closely with the interested parties, and crafted balanced and reasonable solutions that substantially improve this bill. "We have reached a resolution, for example, on the issue of encryption research, thanks in large part to the leadership of Chairman Tauzin. "We also have a compromise on the issue of privacy, and I want to thank Mr. Markey for all his hard work in getting this important issue resolved. This solution protects the interests of consumers without stifling the growth electronic commerce. "Finally, we have reached an agreement on the very important issue of "fair use." I want to thank Mr. Klug for all his hard work. "Above all other issues, it is this issue of "fair use" that concerned me the most. I have faith that the digital revolution holds enormous promise for consumers and the economy. "It is changing, and will continue to change, the way in which we learn . . . work . . . invest . . . and even heal ourselves. And that change, I believe, will be for the greater good. "But I also recognize that, in many ways, the digital environment is the great unknown. It is the newest of new paradigms. "Digital technology has the potential -- and let me emphasize the word 'potential' -- to lock up information and works that are otherwise widely available to consumers today. "The fact that this problem is only 'speculative' or 'hypothetical' does not convince me that we should do nothing. Quite the opposite, it raises the possibility that it will inhibit growth in electronic commerce. "The agreement we have today gives consumers a reliable and regular process that ensures they will have 'fair use' access to information and copyrighted works without stifling growth in electronic commerce. "I appreciate all of the parties participation in these negotiations, and look forward to moving forward on this important piece of legislation." The following amendments were voted on at today's full committee markup: * Amendment offered by Mr. Tauzin (R-LA) - encryption research, agreed to by voice vote; * Amendment offered by Mr. Markey (D-MA) - protection of personally identifying information, agreed to by voice vote; * Amendment offered by Mr. Dingell (D-MI) - reverse engineering, agreed to by voice vote; * Amendment offered by Mr. Klug (R-WI) - fair use, agreed to by voice vote; * Amendment offered by Mr. White (R-WA) - protecting the 1st amendment to the Constitution, agreed to by voice vote; and * Amendment offered by Mr. White (R-WA) - evaluation of impact of copyright law and amendments on electronic commerce and technological development, agreed to by voice vote. - 30 - News Home U.S. House of Representatives Seal The House Committee on Commerce 2125 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2927 Commercet_private -o- Subscribe: mail majordomot_private with "subscribe isn". Today's ISN Sponsor: Repent Security Incorporated [www.repsec.com]
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