1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose H.R. 7661. I have serious concerns about its potential consequences, particularly for authors, our fundamental right to freedom of speech, and the public’s access to diverse voices and perspectives in literature. As written, H.R. 7661 risks undermining the ability of authors to protect and sustain their work. Many writers depend on clear, enforceable rights to ensure they are fairly compensated and credited. Provisions within this bill could weaken those protections, making it easier for creative works to be used, reproduced, or repurposed without appropriate permission or compensation. This would disproportionately impact independent and emerging authors who rely on these safeguards for their livelihoods. Equally concerning is the attack on free expression. When laws create uncertainty around how written work can be used, shared, or transformed, authors may self-censor rather than risk legal or financial consequences. Freedom of speech is not only about the right to speak, but also the ability to create, publish, and share ideas without undue restriction. Legislation that blurs these boundaries threatens that foundation. I respectfully ask that you vote against H.R. 7661 and instead work toward policies that protect authors’ rights while upholding the core principles of free expression.