Below is the letter I received today from ASCAP- The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

In a historic vote today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Music Modernization Act by 415-0. You read that right...unanimous!!

The floor debate was likewise unanimous in support of this important legislation for songwriters, composers, music publishers and music licensees, as well as for other music industry stakeholders including recording artists and record labels.

As ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews commented, "Today’s unanimous passage of the Music Modernization Act underscores the widespread consensus that our music licensing system needs immediate updating. After years of advocating for reform, we are thrilled that our country’s leaders are now paving the way for a brighter future for music creators who have struggled under outdated laws for far too long. We thank the House, especially our many congressional champions like Reps. Goodlatte, Nadler, Collins and Jeffries, for their hard work and recognition of music’s massive cultural and economic significance to our country. We urge the Senate to take up this industry-supported bill without delay."

During debate, Rep. Karen Bass from Los Angeles specifically called out our own President Paul Williams, our Board member Michelle Lewis, and ASCAP writer Ne-Yo as reasons she supported the Music Modernization Act. Similarly, longtime songwriter champion Representative Doug Collins also called out our very own ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews. Years of advocacy by ASCAP Board Members, staff, and you -- our thousands of ASCAP members who wrote to and walked the halls of Congress telling your stories -- made a demonstrable impression on Members of Congress and directly contributed to this victory today.

Our work is not over, however. We must still navigate passage of the bill in the Senate, a potential reconciliation between House and Senate bills, and a Presidential signature. But today, we should all celebrate House passage as an important milestone on a journey that ASCAP began almost six years ago with the first introduction of the Songwriter Equity Act.

Please join us in helping this important legislation pass the Senate. For information on the Music Modernization Act and how you can become involved, visit ASCAP.com/Advocacy.