Congressional feedback on the Internet Radio Equality Act

Jason Stoddard over at Live365 sends out some feedback from congress about the Internet Radio Equality Act:

Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA), original sponsor of H.R. 2060

"The good news is that momentum is growing in Washington, D.C. Since its introduction in April, well over 100 members of Congress have recognized the important service webcasters provide by cosponsoring the Internet Radio Equality Act. With your continued help, that number and congressional support will keep growing as we approach July 15."

Congressman Donald Manzullo (R-IL), original sponsor of H.R. 2060

"We have had an amazing response to the Internet Radio Equality Act here in Washington, DC. Please urge your listeners to contact their Members of Congress so we can continue to build support and keep the music playing."

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), original sponsor of S. 1353

"Webcasters are valued members of the Internet community, and I will do all that I can to ensure that these royalty hikes don't go into effect. This effort is part of a broader issue that I am fighting for and that is the importance of protecting e-commerce from unfair discrimination. In order for this effort to succeed, we must all continue to work together to preserve Internet radio."

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), original sponsor of S. 1353

"The Internet Radio Equality Act (S. 1353), which I recently introduced with my colleague Senator Ron Wyden, is fundamental to the survival of the new and innovative technology of webcasting. The recent decision of the Copyright Royalty Board, which goes into effect on July 15th, will decimate an entire industry. Millions of Americans listen to Internet radio regularly, and artists whose music would not receive airplay on commercial terrestrial radio are beginning to receive royalty checks for the first time. Despite what the critics would have you believe, Internet radio benefits artists and I applaud the innovators who have made this technology possible. Senator Wyden and I recently sent a letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy requesting that the Committee quickly move to consider our bill and correct the section of the Copyright Act that allowed for this disastrous decision."