[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                AN APPRECIATION TO AMERICAN SONGWRITERS

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                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2014

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that American songwriters are 
my sweethearts. Their ability to conjure emotion and experience into a 
tune that can be enjoyed by all rivals any talent in the world.
  Recently, I sponsored H.R. 4079, the Songwriter Equity Act of 2014, 
because of the obvious inequity that exists in the rate structure for 
songwriters and performers. It is my hope that this disparity will be 
corrected but not solely at the expense, however, of our nation's and 
my home state's radio and television broadcast stations.
  The art of songwriting depends on a vibrant workplace, which 
unfortunately is becoming more and more difficult to find. If we want 
to continue to lead the world in music, from a cultural and economic 
perspective, future changes to our copyright laws should be aimed at 
supporting and helping the American songwriter.

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