Introduction of the "Pro Use Act"

INTRODUCTION OF THE ``PRO USE ACT''

SPEECH OF
HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.
OF MICHIGAN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2005

* Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the introduction of the ``PRO USE Act.'' As we all know, copyrighted works not only provide entertainment and provide a positive trade balance for our country's economy but also are a window to this country's cultural heritage. In recognition of this, our copyright laws are designed to encourage the production, distribution, and preservation of copyrighted content. This legislation, which I am introducing with Representative HOWARD L. BERMAN, makes two important changes to the copyright law to make it easier to preserve these artifacts.

* Title I is the ``Preservation of Orphan Works Act.'' This important provision corrects an oversight in the copyright law that allows libraries and archives to reproduce and distribute up to three copies of musical works, movies, etc.--not sound recordings--of a copy they have to replace stolen/deteriorated copies or for preservation/security purposes. They also can make unlimited copies of other copyrighted works--items except musical works, movies, etc.--during the last 20 years of the copyright term. This bill would amend the law to say they can make unlimited copies of musical works, movies, etc. during the last 20 years of the term of the music or movies.

* Title II is the ``National Film Preservation Act of 2005.'' It reauthorizes the National Film Preservation Act of 1996. We all know that motion pictures are amongst this nation's cultural treasures, going beyond entertainment to represent American ideals and values to people across the world. Unfortunately, the films on which many motion pictures are created are easily susceptible to physical deterioration; in fact, over 50 percent of movies made before 1950 have deteriorated and over 90 percent of movies from before 1929 have disintegrated.

* The 1996 Act was designed to ensure that we could protect the treasures we still have. It created the National Film Preservation Board and the National Film Preservation Foundation. The NFPB generates public awareness of a national film registry and reviews initiatives to ensure the preservation valued films. The NFPF issues grants to libraries and other institutions that can save films from degradation.

* The program has received accolades from organizations such as the Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Noted filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Ken Burns also have praised the NFPB and the NFPF.

* Unfortunately, the program officially expired October 11, 2003, and was not reauthorized. The legislation being introduced today would remedy that oversight by reauthorizing both the NFPB and the NFPF. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this valuable effort as we move it through the House.

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