Senator Chat
Below is a reply I received today from (my) VT Senator Leahy in response to an email I sent him raving on about DOPA.
It’s clearly a blanket statement, but there are a few tidbits of hope in there, among them, a stated understanding that the wording of the act is vague. Plus, a mention of the Constitution is always a good thing.
Any readers in Maine and New Hampshire might want to drop a line to their Senators Snowe and Sununu on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and make sure they know not to sit next to Ted Stevens.
Begin forwarded message:
Thank you for contacting me about the Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA) of 2006, H.R. 5319. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
On May 9, 2006, Representative Fitzpatrick introduced H.R. 5319. The bill would require public schools and libraries that rely on Universal Service funding to provide Internet access to prevent access to certain websites. On July 26, the House approved the bill and it is currently before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, of which I am not a member.
As a father and grandfather, I am very concerned about the need to protect our children from inappropriate materials that can be found on the Internet and elsewhere. We must work hard to meet this important goal; however, we must do so within the scope of the Constitution.
In an effort to bridge the “digital divide,” Congress authorized certain educational institutions and libraries to receive discount rates for Internet services under the Universal Service program. The discount assists these educational institutions in making Internet access available to more Americans. I understand the concern that language in H.R. 5319 is overly broad and may unintentionally limit access to an array of websites.
Thanks again for your comments on this issue. I will keep your views in mind should this or related legislation comes before the full Senate.
Patrick Leahy
UNITED STATES SENATORPlease visit my website at:
http://leahy.senate.gov/