Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) was named Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee last week, marking a potentially beneficial step forward for music creators and intellectual property.
In his official statement on the matter, Nadler outlined the chief issues of focus in his new role: criminal justice reform, the protection of women's rights, advancing equality for members of the LGBTQ community, demanding "common sense" gun legislation, defending consumers by overseeing further investigation into antitrust concerns, and defending the civil rights of all Americans.
In the context of the music community, Nadler is a longtime champion for music creators and a demonstrated expert and honest broker on music licensing issues thanks to his many years as the leading Democrat on the House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet.
Alongside Alicia Keys and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Nadler was honored at the 2015 GRAMMYs On The Hill by the Recording Academy for his support and understanding of music creators' unique role in enriching our lives and culture. Additionally, the congressman is the lead sponsor of the Fair Play Fair Pay Act of 2017, which follows his track record of co-sponsoring many music-related bills.
In closing his public statement on ascending to his new role as Ranking Member, Congressman Nadler concluded, "This Committee is responsible for advancing the cause of justice for all, and my job moving forward is to continue that critical work. I look forward to working together with my colleagues on the Committee, and in the House of Representatives, as we take on these challenges together."
