Mike Collins: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, again, as we come here to talk about this, I join and associate myself with the…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, again, as we come here to talk about this, I join and associate myself with the gentleman from Utah and also the other comments that have been made here. We are looking to protect consumers. I enjoy the opportunity to go forward and look at an issue which we are supportive of: consumer choice. As a member of the Judiciary Committee's IP Subcommittee, I believe if a consumer has met their contractual obligations with a service provider, then they should have the right to unlock and use the device with another carrier. Our Nation's intellectual property law should prioritize three things: innovation, creation, and competition. Frankly, holding consumers hostage to their carrier fails to pass the smell test in this category. We live in an age where consumers want choice, access, and freedom. Although carriers may have to evolve and develop to address the changes that this legislation may have on their business models, I am confident that any changes made will only better serve the consumer and promote competition. It is with that in mind that I understand the gentleman from Colorado, and I understand the thought, because I actually had passed and do support the larger measure that came out of the Judiciary Committee.…”