Thanks to Jeffrey Zeldman, I found out about the Orphan Works Act of 2008 (H.R. 5889). A link from his site took me to the Take Action site so that I could send emails to my representatives.

So far, I've heard back from Congressman John F. Tierney. But I'm not really sure how he's going to vote...his email states that he has noted my opposition and that he "will continue to support policies that ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all artists and their artwork."

He then says, "Should H.R. 5889 come to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote, I would be sure to keep your concerns in mind." Um...thanks, I guess. Does that mean that you're going to vote to preserve my rights as author?

And the Orphan Works act doesn't only apply to art:

"The Orphan Works Act defines an "orphan work" as any copyrighted work whose author any infringer says he is unable to locate with what the infringer himself decides has been a "reasonably diligent search." In a radical departure from existing copyright law and business practice, the U.S. Copyright Office has proposed that Congress grant such infringers freedom to ignore the rights of the author and use the work for any purpose, including commercial usage." See About this Legislation for more information. (Note that this description is focused on artists and photos/artwork.)

I don't know if I should try to figure out how to reply to him (the email sends me back to his site to reply) or just cross my fingers.