(The following statement was entered into the Congressional Record by Rep. Mary Bono [R-Calif.] in honor of Recording Arts Day on Capitol Hill.)

Hon. Mary Bono Of California In The House Of Representatives

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay special recognition to the first-ever Recording Arts Day on Capitol Hill.

The Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus, working with The Recording Academy, has sought to include the voice of artists and other professionals in policymaking decisions. Over the course of the year, Members of Congress have reached out to members of the recording arts community in hopes of working together on many critical issues facing this industry. Today, musicians, songwriters, singers, producers and other key members of The Recording Academy will visit Members of Congress on the Hill to share their experiences and raise awareness on matters of importance to them.

Those participating in Recording Arts Day will focus on a variety of issues, including protecting intellectual property rights, bolstering music education and emphasizing the importance of music preservation. It is through the private and public sectors working together on these causes that we can nurture future artists and support music, one of this county's greatest and largest exports.

Under the leadership of Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, The Recording Academy has greatly increased its presence on Capitol Hill. Mr. Portnow realizes how critical it is for artists to engage in policymaking and sees it as the responsibility of artists and others to educate and influence actions affecting them.

I would also like to commend The Recording Academy's Daryl Friedman, Vice President of Advocacy & Government Affairs, for helping to organize Recording Arts Day. Thanks to his efforts, this promises to be a very successful and informative day.

Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to recognize Recording Arts Day and hope this inaugural event becomes an annual tradition.