Political Quotes

“I join today in the introduction of the ``NII Copyright Protection Act.'' This bill reflects the effort of the Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights, chaired by Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks Bruce A. Lehman. The Working Group included key Federal agencies in consultation with the private sector, public interest groups and State and local governments. Its examination of the intellectual property implications of the National Information Infrastructure forms a critical component of the Information Infrastructure Task Force, created in early 1993 by President Clinton and Vice President Gore. This legislative proposal confronts fundamental questions about the role of copyright in the next century. On July 7, 1995, the Working Group released its preliminary draft report. Following additional hearings, public comment and consultation, the Administration released its long-awaited ``White Paper,'' or final report, on copyright protection in the digital, electronic information age on September 5, 1995. This 238-page report, ``Intellectual Property and the National Information Infrastructure,'' culminates in legislative recommendations that are incorporated in this bill. This bill takes important steps toward answering questions about the structure of copyright protection for decades to come. Increasing the accessibility to computer networks is of vital importance to our Nation's continued economic health and growth.”