"Like their Republican counterparts, one thing incoming Democratic leadership shares has been their support for music's best interests" — Conversations In Advocacy #45

Democrats elected to the incoming Congress elected party leadership on Nov. 28–29, with some established leaders chosen to remain in leadership roles. With the House Of Representatives majority switching to the Democrats folowing the Midterm Elections, current House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) — an outspoken advocate for music creators and speaker at GRAMMYs on the Hill 2018 — has been selected by her peers as  the nominee for Speaker of the House. Her final confirmation awaits a vote in early January that requires support by a majority of the House chamber.

Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has been serving as House Democratic Whip and will move on to be incoming House Majority Leader. Thanking fellow Dems for the honor, he said, "Our caucus is energized by a dynamic freshman class, and we will benefit from their experiences and the perspective they bring to the table."

Also serving as co-chair of the Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus, Hoyer will be uniquely able to share his own awareness of music's most important issues with lawmakers just starting their careers in Congress. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) was also selected for House majority whip and Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) for assistant Democratic leader.

Another music champion, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), was chosen as Democratic Caucus Chair. Jeffries was the lead Democrat sponsor for the original Music Modernization Act and for those who watched the music hearings before the House Judiciary Committee that led to unanimous passage of the historic bill memories of Jeffries' impassioned and informed remarks on music's behalf remain fresh. Other music champions elected to leadership positions this week include Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I), and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.).

Congratulations to the new team of Democratic lawmakers selected for leadership in the Congress ahead. During District Advocate day 2018 on Oct. 24, more than 1,500 Recording Academy members discussed music's policy goals with lawmakers and candidates, including advocating for the CASE Act which was introduced by Rep. Jeffries. Our goals are clear and we look forward to continuing what Pelosi referred to as our "tireless advocacy" on behalf of music's creators.

Music Advocates Among Republican Leadership Team For The Incoming Congress

"Conversations in Advocacy" is your weekend digital tip sheet on music advocacy and the policies that affect music makers and their craft. New installments post every Friday.