Orrin Hatch: “I want to thank my dear colleague from Nashville--really, from Tennessee--for his very kind remarks. He covered this…”

“I want to thank my dear colleague from Nashville--really, from Tennessee--for his very kind remarks. He covered this really well. I have had this experience of writing pretty nice songs, mainly because of my cowriters. I have to say that I was shocked that even though hundreds of thousands--even millions--of records have been sold on some of these songs, the songwriters are paid little and in many cases, not paid at all. This will enhance songwriting in America and give songwriters a chance to be able to hopefully make a living, especially the good ones, even some who are not necessarily in Nashville or Hollywood or New York or in any number of other places. I want to say that we all are very lucky to have Senator Lamar Alexander, who is one of our chief advocates in this area. He understands these problems. He has lived with these problems. He has anguished over them, and he has played a tremendous role in finally getting us to this passed bill. This is a very important bill. People don't realize it, but they will once this bill is really utilized the way it is allowed. I can't say that I am a great songwriter, although I do have one platinum and one gold record and some others that will probably go gold and platinum. But I can say this: It has been one of the most enjoyable, productive, and interesting experiences to write songs--for me and for those who write with me.…”