Orrin Hatch: “this week, the House of Representatives will pass and send to the President the most important copyright reform in…”

“this week, the House of Representatives will pass and send to the President the most important copyright reform in decades. The name of the bill, which passed this body by unanimous vote last week, is the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act. As the Senate was considering the bill, my good friend from Tennessee, Senator Alexander, asked to rename the bill in my honor. I was touched by this kind gesture from my good friend and by the willingness of my colleagues to agree to this suggestion. It wasn't necessary though. We are also adding to the bill the name of the retiring House Judiciary Committee chairman, Bob Goodlatte, in recognition of all he has done to get this bill across the finish line and to improve our Nation's copyright laws. The Music Modernization Act was years in the making. It was the result of countless hours of hard work and many late nights by staff, stakeholders, and Members of this body. My friend from Tennessee, Senator Alexander, did an outstanding job last week here on the floor explaining the need for the bill and how it will improve the music marketplace. I will provide a brief summary at this time. Our current music licensing laws are badly out of date. Too often, songwriters don't get paid when their songs get played, and even when they do get paid, they don't get paid at a fair market rate.…”