Editor's note: Congressman Mike Thompson, who is running to represent Rohnert Park and Cotati in the newly-drawn District 5, released a message this week on new legislation that aims to combat Internet piracy while protecting online freedom and preventing censorship. Check out his message to the community below:

Dear Friend,

The Internet is an amazing tool for communication, innovation and economic development. We use it every day at work and home. We pay our bills, send out mail, and talk to our friends, families and loved ones online. With the explosion of the Internet during the 1990s, many Internet startups have become successful businesses that employ thousands of people and generate billions in revenues.  

However, with the growth of the Internet, we have also seen growth of “rogue websites” that steal intellectual property such as music, movies and art. Protecting intellectual property against piracy is essential, but we must also strike the right balance between protecting copyright holders and not infringing on new and innovative technology. Legislation designed to stop this, such as the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Senate version of SOPA, the Protect IP Act (PIPA) go too far and are too broad.

I have opposed SOPA and PIPA since they were first introduced. These bills would stifle innovation, resulting in fewer new businesses, fewer new investments and fewer new jobs.

From 2004 to 2009, 15 percent of our country's GDP growth came from the Internet industry. Under the rules SOPA would impose, our innovation driven economy would take an enormous blow. The Department of Justice could shutdown websites based on allegations alone, and without investigation. Startups wouldn't be able to handle the costs that come with defending their sites against a barrage of alleged violations. Domestic companies could be held liable for unknowingly linking to rogue website content. Investors would shy away from backing Internet startups for fear their money would be tied up in litigation, not innovation. The next Facebook or Google could be stifled under the weight of regulations and may never be able to get off the ground.
 
While online piracy is something we must continually fight, SOPA and PIPA are not the answer. That is why I am working with global leaders like Google and Twitter and a bipartisan group of elected officials, to instead enact the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN) (H.R. 3782). This legislation would combat piracy, but do so in a way that doesn't let broad government oversight stifle the innovation and creativity that has been a driving force behind the internet industry's economic success. The OPEN Act would use existing law to launch investigations into whether foreign websites infringe on U.S. copyrights and trademarks. This is the best and most transparent venue for fighting online piracy. You can learn more about the OPEN Act at keepthewebopen.com.
 
I am, and will remain committed to fighting piracy, and efforts that would stifle innovation prevent creative Internet startups from creating new jobs.

Sincerely,

Mike Thompson, member of Congress.