Edited by JOHN DALY
AUSTIN, TX – Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today led a bipartisan letter with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-5) and 91 of their colleagues to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy urging congressional support for independent music venues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Live music serves as a cultural hub for communities across our nation, especially right here in Austin, Texas,” said Congressman Williams. “As businesses have had to close down due to government mandates, it has become clear that independent venues will be some of the last to reopen and return to normal operations. The venues play a crucial role in our societal identity while generating billions of dollars into our economy and supporting local 25th District businesses – it is of the utmost importance we provide relief for these pillars in our communities.”
The letter reads: “Live event venues were among the first to close as COVID-19 spread across the country, and they are likely to be among the last to reopen. Concerts and live events may not be possible until a vaccine is readily available to the public, which could be months away. Until that time, live event venues will remain shuttered, leaving employees without jobs and businesses without revenue.
“These venues support the economies of communities across the country, are a crucial component of the music industry’s ecosystem, and serve as incubators and launch pads for the most popular talent in the world. We can provide a vital lifeline for the industry that will help to sustain the iconic venues that are central to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of so many of our communities. This industry is not going to make it without our help.”
To view the full letter, please click here.