Sens. Tillis and Leahy and Reps. Roby and Jeffries Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Supporting Art Students

Statement

Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representatives Martha Roby (R-AL-2) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that directs the Register of Copyrights to waive the copyright registration fee for winners of the Congressional Art Competition and the Congressional App Competition. Currently, the Register of Copyrights, Karen Temple, does not have the authority to waive the registration fee.

Both of these competitions, sponsored and led by the House of Representatives, encourage talented students to engage in the arts and coding. These students are recognized by each district and for the winners of the Congressional Art Competition, their work is displayed in the tunnel between the House office buildings.

"Each year talented students are recognized through the Congressional Art Competition and the Congressional App Competition. These students are the future of America's creative economy and are the exact people we should be introducing to the benefits of copyright protection," said Senator Thom Tillis. "Over the last few months I have had ongoing conversations with today's leaders in the copyright industry about what Congress needs to do to incentive copyright registration. Introducing these talented students to the benefits of copyright protection is an excellent place to start, and I look forward to seeing what these talented students come up with next."

"Every year students from across the country submit original artwork and apps for Congressional Competitions," said Senator Patrick Leahy. "These students are the next generation of creators, and this bill eliminates the cost barrier that comes with protecting original work."

"Our country is full of brilliant, young creators who are the rising generation of America's creative industry," said Representative Martha Roby. "The Artistic Recognition for Talented Students (ARTS) Act encourages young artists and creators to participate in the copyright system, and helps them to learn the benefits of copyrighting their works."

"This is a commonsense measure that will support artists, ignite creativity and encourage students to dream big," said Representative Hakeem Jeffries."My colleagues involved should be thanked for their leadership in this regard."