# What This Resolution Actually Says

This resolution is Congress expressing its opinion that local radio stations should never be forced to pay fees to music recording companies just for playing songs on the air. Right now, radio stations don't have to pay these "performance fees," but the recording industry has been pushing Congress for decades to change that rule. This resolution is essentially Congress saying "we're taking a stand—that shouldn't happen."

Here's why this matters to everyday people: If radio stations had to pay fees every time they played a song, they'd lose a significant chunk of their revenue. That money currently goes toward paying DJs, reporters, and keeping the station running. With less money, stations would likely cut back on local news coverage, weather alerts during emergencies, and community programming. You might also see more commercials and less music. The resolution argues that radio already helps the music industry by promoting artists and songs for free—when a new song gets played on the radio, it helps sell concert tickets, streaming subscriptions, and merchandise. The resolution says that free promotion is valuable enough without adding fees on top of it.

The resolution also points out that other businesses—bars, restaurants, retail stores, gyms, and venues—would face the same fees if they play music. These businesses would have to cut costs somewhere, which could mean fewer services or higher prices for customers. The resolution is essentially Congress saying the current system works well and shouldn't be changed, protecting both the radio industry and the broader economy from what supporters see as an unnecessary financial burden.

Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.

Womack, Steve

 <p>This concurrent resolution declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over the air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings.</p>