On April 26 the House of Representatives passed the Register Of Copyrights Selection And Accountability Act Of 2017 (H.R. 1695) with strong bipartisan support. Considered a first step in much-needed modernization of the U.S. Copyright Office, the bill moves the Register of Copyrights to a presidential nominee confirmed by the Senate, providing more transparency for the selection of this crucial position and affording Congress a greater role in the process.

"The nation's foremost copyright expert just moved a step closer from 'government employee' to 'Presidential appointee with Senate confirmation'," wrote Daryl P. Friedman, The Recording Academy's Chief Industry, Government & Member Relations Office. "This important development in updating copyright laws illustrates Congress' renewed priority of the issue."

Seen as the first action in what is expected to be a busy legislative session affecting music creators, the passage of H.R. 1695 was preceded by The Recording Academy's April 6 GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, where advocates gathered on Capitol Hill to advance the rights of music creators. Thousands more participated by visiting The Academy's online action page, contacting their representatives and posting on social media about key pieces of legislations such as H.R. 1695.

The bill's quick passage underscores another important message: The music community has an undeniable impact when we unite together to advocate with one powerful voice.

Take action now: Help The Recording Academy protect the rights of all music creators