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Representative Lamar Smith (R-Tex.) released a statement saying he’d be shelving the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) bill he’d authored in light of recent criticism. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) issued a similar statement, saying that he’d be postponing Tuesday’s vote on the Protect I.P. Act (PIPA).

(MORE: Reid Postpones Vote on Anti-Piracy Bill)

Smith’s statement reads, in part:

“I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy. It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products.”

Reid’s statement reads, in part:

“In light of recent events, I have decided to postpone Tuesday’s vote on the PROTECT I.P. Act… …I admire the work that Chairman Leahy has put into this bill. I encourage him to continue engaging with all stakeholders to forge a balance between protecting Americans’ intellectual property, and maintaining openness and innovation on the internet. We made good progress through the discussions we’ve held in recent days, and I am optimistic that we can reach a compromise in the coming weeks.”

Both statements can be found in full on the next page…