NMPA Praises House Passage of the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: April 26, 2017
Media Contact: Charlotte Sellmyer
Washington, D.C. – NMPA President and CEO David Israelite today praised the passage of H.R. 1695, “The Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act.” The bill makes the Register of Copyrights a presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed position with a 10-year term limit.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite commented on the legislation, “At a time when creators constantly must defend their rights, it is critical that the Register of Copyrights is chosen carefully and vetted properly. Making this a presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed position not only adds the oversight needed to ensure this critical role is filled by someone up to the challenge, it also elevates the position to where it always should have been – amongst the ranks of the top officials within the administration. Additionally, the 10-year term will assist in maintaining continuity in the role across administrations.
Israelite added, “Copyright touches every industry and every person, and this bill is a good step towards ensuring the person advising Congress and helping determine policy for songwriters, artists and all creators is the best person for the job.”
H.R. 1695 overwhelmingly passed by a vote of 378-48 this afternoon.
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