Source: United States Senator for Vermont Patrick Leahy
(FRIDAY, Dec. 16, 2022) — The bipartisan Promoting Peace, Education, and Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Diplomacy Act, introduced in the Senate by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Intellectual Property Subcommittee, passed the Senate Thursday night as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. The amendment authorizes the State Department to facilitate music-related exchange programs with other countries, including those focused on cross-cultural understanding and conflict resolution.
The bill was introduced in the House by Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX-10) and former-Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL-22) earlier this year.
Leahy said: “Music transcends borders and plays an important role in connecting people, and musicians can be excellent peacebuilders around the globe. I am grateful to Chairman Reed and the other leaders of the Armed Services Committees for recognizing the value these exchange programs will bring to our country by advancing peace abroad. I am so glad we were able to pass it in these last few weeks of the year.”
Tillis said: “America’s creative industries spread our values—freedom, liberty, justice, and hope—throughout the world. I’m proud this bipartisan legislation will become law so we can promote America’s music industries and all the ideals we share and treasure.”
McCaul said: “In both good times and bad, music has encouraged, inspired, and united people of all backgrounds and cultures; that’s why they call it the universal language. The PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act will leverage that unique power of music to advance U.S. foreign policy goals. I’m thankful for the steadfast support of my congressional colleagues and everyone at the Recording Academy, and I look forward to seeing how this bill promotes peace and freedom around the globe.”
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