[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H6932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF DIGITAL CHOICE AND FREEDOM ACT OF 2002

  (Ms. LOFGREN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the Digital Choice and 
Freedom Act of 2002. Copyright laws have always sought to strike a fair 
balance between copyright holders and society. Copyright protection 
encourages and rewards authors; but, as the Supreme Court stated in 
Twentieth Century Music Corp. versus Aiken, ``Private motivation must 
ultimately serve the cause of promoting broad public availability. . . 
.''
  To maintain the balance in the digital age, we must find ways to 
prevent digital pirates without treating every consumer as one. Yes, 
digital allows perfect copies to be distributed over the Internet, but 
digital technology also lets copyright holders control how consumers 
enjoy the books, music, and movies they buy.
  Online publishers do not just set the price, they can control where, 
when and for how long buyers use and enjoy what they bought, contrary 
to the intent of Congress and the DMCA.
  My bill restores the balance by letting buyers enjoy what they bought 
in their home, car, or in mobile devices.
  The bill also helps copyright holders by promoting digital 
alternatives that are affordable, reliable, secure, and respectful of 
consumers. Providing room for technological innovation will also spur 
economic growth and lead to more jobs.

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