“There will be a lot of changes in Congress next year, but I’m glad one thing hasn’t changed: House Republicans will still be led by strong champions for music creators.” -Conversations In Advocacy #44
On Nov. 14, Republicans who have been elected to the incoming Congress selected their leadership teams for the Senate and House of Representatives. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will be returning as Senate Majority Leader. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) — co-chair of the Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus— was chosen House Minority Leader.
<iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sf-FEpMTGSk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
McCarthy was a unity pick as House Republicans adjust to being in the minority. Other Republican leaders in the House include Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) as incoming minority whip and Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who will chair the House Republican Conference. Reps. McCarthy and Scalise were both co-sponsors of the Music Modernization Act and helped ensure its unanimous passage on the House floor earlier this year.
Other Republican leaders in the Senate include Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) as majority whip and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) as Senate Republican Conference chair. The Senate Republican Conference also has its first woman in leadership since 2010 as Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) rises to the vice chairwoman post.
There's more to come for the GOP, as the week after Thanksgiving the Republican Steering Committee is announcing committee assignments. Representative Doug Collins (R-Ga.) is running for Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. Collins, who washonored at the 2018 GRAMMYs on the Hill earlier this year and was one of the lead architects of the Music Modernization Act, and stands to continue the fight for creators' rights in the new role.
Congratulations to the new team tasked with leadership of their fellow Republicans in D.C. as the work ahead continues to take shape. House Democrats are expected to select their leadership team for the new House majority the week of November 26.
Welcoming Music Champions Returning To Congress In 2019
"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.
