John Conyers

We have appreciated you coming before us and explaining your circumstances.

Unfortunately, piracy is devastating to our economy and harms our creators and innovators.

An intellectual property system that protects copyrights, incentivizes their owners to continue to innovate--that, of course, creates jobs and strengthens the Nation's economy.

As I have stated many times, copyright is critical to job development and the overall health of our Nation's economy.

Well, here is the Huffington Post. 'Obama's DEA Chief refuses to support drug sentencing reforms.'

And that includes the reduction of mandatory minimums, which is part of the Smarter Sentencing Act?

What I am suggesting is the leaders and kingpins do not comprise anywhere near the bulk of the convictions.

It is fair to say based on Sentencing Commission data that the majority of drug convictions are of couriers, mules, drivers, low level dealers?

I would like to find out if you are familiar with data from over 17 states that demonstrates eliminating or reducing mandatory minimums has not statistically affected rates of cooperation or pleas.

I think that Chapter 12 maintains the necessary balance between strong copyright protection measures and a consumer driven marketplace for legitimate uses of copyrighted works.

So I suggest that we should oppose efforts to weaken Chapter 12, because Chapter 12 encourages the use of technology protection measures to protect copyright by making it unlawful to circumvent these measures or to assist others in doing…

We need to provide more resources to protect copyright domestically and abroad.

Unfortunately, piracy and counterfeiting of American intellectual property are directly responsible for the loss of billions of dollars and millions of jobs.

An intellectual property system that protects copyrights incentivizes their owners to continue to innovate and that in turn, of course, creates jobs and strengthens our Nation's economy.

We need to ensure that Chapter 12 remains strong to prevent piracy and to keep the United States competitive globally.

Congress meant what it said in section 6(a) of the act. Inspectors General must be given complete, timely, and unfiltered access to agency records.

I find this analysis wholly unpersuasive.

The inspector general is to have complete and direct access--emphasized--to all of the information he or she deems necessary to conduct thorough and impartial investigations.

A strong and independent Office of Inspector General is key to protecting civil liberties, reining in executive overreach, safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and preserving the public trust.

We have an obligation to preserve the continued independence and effectiveness of the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I am pleased to yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, to close.

I am now pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutieerrez).

I repeat: Congress cannot compel him to do so.

Without that evidence, calls for a special counsel are simply unwarranted.