A bipartisan Congressional Songwriters Caucus has been reformed, with a focus on policies that support independent songwriters and intellectual property protections.
Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) relaunched the caucus and will serve as co-chairs. To celebrate the event, both Congressmen welcomed songwriters and representatives from songwriter advocacy groups to Capitol Hill. There they heard songs performed by the songwriters and listened to their concerns.
“My district in Southern California is home to many talented songwriters whose work contributes so much to our culture and society,” adds Representative Lieu. “I’m thrilled to join Congressman Ben Cline in co-chairing the new bipartisan Congressional Songwriter’s Caucus, which will work to support America’s brilliant songwriters by ensuring they can protect their work and make a living doing what they love.”
“Music contributes so much to our way of life, and we must ensure those creating it are compensated fairly. I’m grateful to the numerous songwriter advocacy organizations who’ve partnered with us on the creation of this caucus and look forward to working together to support our artists.”
“Making art, specifically music, is a powerful way to leave a mark on the world,” continues Representative Cline. “It’s a part of our everyday lives, from what we listen to on our commutes in the morning, to the music we select for our most important life events, such as birthdays, weddings, and funerals.”
“But today’s modern music landscape can make it more difficult for certain artists, especially independent songwriters, to make a living. That is why I’m proud to co-chair the Congressional Songwriters Caucus, which will play an important role in promoting the songwriting community by working to ensure the creative rights of songwriters are protected.”
“We applaud Representatives Cline and Lieu for leading the Congressional Songwriters Caucus and we are excited about the launch,” adds National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) President & CEO David Israelite. “NMPA is the leading advocate for music publishers and their songwriter parters and we greatly look forward to working with the Caucus to advance policy interests that will protect creators and ensure that songwriters thrive.”