Jim Sensenbrenner: “S. 505 contains two important provisions and is substantially identical to H.R. 4712 which the gentleman from Florida…”

“S. 505 contains two important provisions and is substantially identical to H.R. 4712 which the gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum) and I introduced earlier today. It adopts the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act identical to the language the House passed by an overwhelming margin in March. This section of the bill is a fitting tribute to our departed colleague Sonny Bono. The second part of the bill adopts an agreement on the issue of fairness in music licensing issue. This agreement is the product of grueling and ofttimes contentious negotiations. I am proud of the final product and am pleased that all sides were able to work together to bridge their differences. This bill is a victory for small business and a tribute to the commitment of its supporters. In March, the House overwhelmingly passed the Sensenbrenner amendment to the Copyright Term Extension bill by a 297-112 vote. That amendment reflected the core principles of my legislation, the Fairness in Music Licensing Act, and had the strong endorsement of groups, including the National Federation of Independent Business and the National Restaurant Association.”