Congressional Elections and Copyright Reform II

The Democrats have also taken control of the Senate by a 1 member majority. Like in the House, the Democratic ranking members will take over as chairs of the committees (in which most of the work is done in Congress).

Two relevant subcommittees exist for tackling the issue of copyright and the Internet. The first is the committee on Technology, Innovation and Competitiveness. The ranking member is John Kerry who has been fairly forward thinking in regards to net neutrality and copyright law.

During his Presidential bid, Kerry hinted that he might be willing to lessen the restrictions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) which prevents backing up DVDs and most software. Kerry was reportedly "open to considering" revising the law to benefit consumers. ZDNet has an article from the 2004 election detailing his approach.

The other important change will take place in the Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee. There, Senator Leahy of Vermont will become the chair person. Sen. Leahy is known for sponsoring the INDUCE Act which targeted those who intentionally induce copyright.

There was widespread backlash when initially introduced as some technologists feared devices like the iPod might be in danger.

So, the Senate will be more of a mixed bag with Kerry and Leahy in possibly contrary positions.