Pass Sos Act to Help Live Music Venues Survive Pandemic Shutdowns

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of the Save Our Cities and Stages Act, better known as the Save Our Stages Act, as a standalone bill so that independent live music venues can survive and recover from COVID-19.

During this pandemic, these venues have been hardest hit, as they were the first to close and will be among the last to reopen due to safety restrictions and government mandates.

They generate billions of dollars in our national economy and create thousands of jobs every year. They are a cultural staple in central Texas and the 25th District, unlike any other place in our Nation.

Over the last several months, I have had the privilege of working with owners and managers of dozens of venues like Hudson's On Mercer Street in Dripping Springs, Songbird Live in Cleburne, and The Broken Spoke in Austin to highlight the urgency of passing this legislation.

It is crucial we deliver, not only for their livelihoods, but for the artists who start out on their stages and the future generations inspired by their work. Every day we waste is detrimental to this industry.

Mr. Speaker, I call on Speaker Pelosi to bring the Save Our Stages Act to the House floor for a vote.

In God we trust.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source