Sen. Grassley pulls support for piracy bill

Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said he no longer supports the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in its current form, dealing perhaps the largest blow to supporters of the controversial online piracy legislation to date.

“It’s critical we protect the intellectual property rights of our businesses and fight online infringement, but at the same time, we can’t do harm to the internet, the Constitution, or the ability of businesses to grow and innovate," Grassley said in a statement late Wednesday.

"Internet piracy is illegal, and we need to find a way that works for all sides. The current Protect IP Act needs more due diligence, analysis, and substantial changes. As it stands right now, I can’t support the bill moving forward next week.”

Grassley is just the latest in a string of Republican Senators to reverse their previous support for PIPA on Wednesday including Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). Their reversals came in the wake of massive online protests against the legislation.

Grassley's statement indicates he is open to changes to address concerns the bill would lead to censorship and stifle innovation online. His office clarified that he is not withdrawing his formal sponsorship of the bill, which is heavily supported by the entertainment industry, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and organized labor.

Brendan Sasso contributed reporting to this article.