It looks like Rep. Lamar Smith and Howard Berman, whose pockets are likely lined with wads of RIAA cash, are planning on using the FBI to act as the enforcer for the RIAA. CNet notes that the lawmakers hope to give the RIAA the full power to use the FBI to enforce their civil copyrights. Thomas C. Greene of The Register takes it a cynical step forward.

There's great economic wisdom in this: by criminalizing such minor misbehavior, the RIAA taps public funds to bankroll its petty squabbles. We should all be so lucky.

Lucky indeed. So, how much does it cost to buy the FBI? Records show that Howard Berman received $186,891 from entertainment companies during the last election cycle.