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House Representatives Form Creative Rights Caucus

February 22, 2013

Representatives Howard Coble (R-NC) and Judy Chu (D-CA) and have launched the new Creative Rights Caucus to help educate members of Congress as well as the public on the importance of protecting the rights of the creative community.

Rep. Coble is chair of the House Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, through which legislation regarding performance rights and copyright must pass. Chu is also on the subcommittee and was one of 11 Congressional representatives who met with artists and managers before the Grammy Awards last week.

Although not aimed specifically at music, the new caucus will add to the awareness the music industry receives in the House. "Along with the Recording Arts and Sciences Caucus and the Songwriters Caucus, it demonstrates Congress is serious about finding ways to protect creators in a bipartisan way," Daryl P. Friedman, chief advocacy & industry relations officer for the Recording Academy tells Billboard. "A number of key Hill leaders are taking an interest in creators' rights and we hope they will help influence new members about the importance of protecting copyright."

The Recording Arts and Sciences Caucus Chaired by Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and a Republican co-chair to be announced soon. The House Songwriters Caucus is co-chaired by Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Ted Deutch (D-FL); both are also members of the Recording Arts and Sciences Caucus.