Music Modernization Act House Of Representatives Passes Music Modernization Act April 25, 2018 at 4:00 PM (PT) Be the first to comment! capitol hill (shutterstock) The U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has just passed the MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT, HR 5477, unanimously with 415 votes. The bill, co-sponsored by ROBERT GOODLATTE (R-VA) and JERROLD NADLER (D-NY), calls for improved royalty payments to songwriters, artists and creatives in the digital era. Bipartisan Approval NAB Pres./CEO GORDON SMITH endorsed the bill's passage with the following statement: “NAB applauds the House passage of the MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT, which provides a consensus solution to music licensing issues facing songwriters, music publishers, and on-demand streaming services. We especially thank Chairman GOODLATTE, Ranking Member NADLER, and Representatives COLLINS, JEFFRIES and ISSA for their work to address the concerns of AMERICA’s hometown radio and television stations. We look forward to working with lawmakers in the Senate to advance this important legislation.” Also voicing her support was ASCAP CEO ELIZABETH MATTHEWS: "Today’s passage of the MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT by such a significant margin underscores the widespread consensus that our music licensing system needs immediate updating. After years of advocating for reform, we are thrilled that our country’s leaders are now paving the way for a brighter future for music creators who have struggled under outdated laws for far too long. We thank the HOUSE, especially our many congressional champions like Reps. GOODLATTE, NADLER, COLLINS and JEFFRIES, for their hard work and recognition of music’s massive cultural and economic significance to our country. We urge the SENATE to take up this industry-supported bill without delay." musicFIRST’s Exec. Dir. CHRIS ISRAEL issued the following statement: “This is an historic day for music creators. An overwhelming majority of Republicans and Democrats voted to bring U.S. music licensing into the 21st century and deliver justice for legacy music creators. The musicFIRST Coalition congratulates and thanks House Judiciary Committee Chairman BOB GOODLATTE, Ranking Member JERROLD NADLER, Rep. DOUG COLLINS, Rep. HAKEEM JEFFRIES, Rep. DARRELL ISSA and many others for their unwavering support of this critical legislation and for making today’s historic vote a reality. “Comprehensive music licensing reform enjoyed broad support in the House and throughout the entire music industry. As the effort to update AMERICA’s music laws moves to the Senate, it’s critical for Senators to consider the package of legislation in a holistic rather than individual manner. Enacting the entire MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT package approved overwhelmingly by the House will provide much-needed updates to music licensing and create a framework benefiting music creators, listening platforms and fans well into the future.” RECORDING ACADEMY Pres./CEO NEIL PORTNOW offered his perspective: "Music creators compose the soundtrack to our lives. These creators deserve to be paid a fair wage for their work. The passage of the MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT in the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES is a historic step forward for all music creators, ensuring that they are credited, paid, and shown the respect they deserve for the impact they have on our culture and daily life. We are honored that GRAMMYs on the Hill helped to pave the way for these long overdue updates."