[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H5875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PASS SOS ACT TO HELP LIVE MUSIC VENUES SURVIVE PANDEMIC SHUTDOWNS

  (Mr. WILLIAMS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of the Save 
Our Cities and Stages Act, better known as the Save Our Stages Act, as 
a standalone bill so that independent live music venues can survive and 
recover from COVID-19.
  During this pandemic, these venues have been hardest hit, as they 
were the first to close and will be among the last to reopen due to 
safety restrictions and government mandates.
  They generate billions of dollars in our national economy and create 
thousands of jobs every year. They are a cultural staple in central 
Texas and the 25th District, unlike any other place in our Nation.
  Over the last several months, I have had the privilege of working 
with owners and managers of dozens of venues like Hudson's On Mercer 
Street in Dripping Springs, Songbird Live in Cleburne, and The Broken 
Spoke in Austin to highlight the urgency of passing this legislation.
  It is crucial we deliver, not only for their livelihoods, but for the 
artists who start out on their stages and the future generations 
inspired by their work. Every day we waste is detrimental to this 
industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I call on Speaker Pelosi to bring the Save Our Stages 
Act to the House floor for a vote.
  In God we trust.

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