Congress has amended copyright law several times so that copyright holders now have protection for many decades. Was Congress right in extending these copyright time periods

Yes, the Congress was right in extending these copyright time period.

Explanation:

The Copyrights Extension Act otherwise known as Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act or Sonny Bono Act, was enacted by 105th United State congress, and became effective in October 27, 1998.

This 1998 Act, extended the 1976 Copyright Act to life of Author plus 70years (as aginst 50 years in 1976 Act) and to 120 years (as against 75 years in 1976 Act) for work of corporate authorship after it has been created or 95years after publication.

Some of the reasons that was considered that it was right to extend the Copyrights Acts are:

1. The copyright acts extension gives USA most significant trade surpluses.

2. Since EU (European Union) has also extended their Copyright Act for additional 20years, it is ideal to do the similar thing in US, so as to protect the US works as well.

3. Protected works attract investors more, who can help to make or earn more profits for the works' authors or owners.

4. It helps to protect intellectual property like movies, music etc.

5. It promotes progress and innovations in art, as it makes the future artist to be original in their works.

uhh idk for sure but i think it makes it difficult to pump the oil through the oil rigs