On the recordApril 26, 2017
Let me thank the gentleman from Michigan and all of my colleagues that have spoken on this job-creating legislation and recognition of how great America is with all of the creative talent that we have mustered, the music that you enjoy, the songwriters and others who created both the visual and musical arts. This is what this is about. Now, I have listened to some of my colleagues from California. I am not from California. I am from Houston, Texas. But we know that creative artists and writers and those who invent and those who write wonderful stories are all part of the arena of what America is great about. They generate genius and they create jobs. The Copyright Office is that protector that ensures that those jobs will be protected. We, over a series of years in the Judiciary Committee, have looked at reforming the copyright system. We have had hearings even with the former Copyright Register, who indicated that putting her position in a Senate confirmation would be the right thing to do. But it has taken 4 years. So today we have come not to be out of order and not doing other major aspects of reform. In fact, I want to congratulate the Librarian of Congress who, now, is engaged in modernization. I applaud her. Her appointment has been significant. She is innovative and is already working to make sure that the Library and the creative arts and assets and property of those of great talent is protected.…
