Doug Collins officially bows out of 2022 election cycle

News, State & National
Collins

GAINESVILLE, Ga – Former Ninth District Congressman Doug Collins (R) announced his intentions to not run in 2022 for either the governor or U.S. Senate.

Collins joined a law firm and started his own radio program following his loss in the 2020 primary for retiring Senator Johnny Isakson’s (R) seat. Raphael Warnock (D) went on to win the seat in the January run-off, but it will be up again in 2022 once the term officially expires.

In an online statement, Collins said, “this is goodbye for now, but probably not forever. I do plan on staying involved in shaping our conservative message to help Republicans win back the House and the Senate and help more strong conservative candidates get elected here in Georgia. I believe that we, as conservatives, must be able to clearly communicate our values and I will help keep that fight going.”

The former Representative served the Ninth District from 2013 to 2021 and became a strong supporter of President Donald Trump (R).

Now that Collin’s out of the race, it opens doors for Georgia Republicans who were possibly waiting in the wings for his decision.

Two Republicans have announced intentions to run against Senator Raphael Warnock: military veterans and businessmen Kelvin King and Latham Saddler. President Donald Trump has encouraged UGA hero Hershel Walker to enter the race.

Many speculate Congressman Buddy Carter (R), and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr will enter the Senate race.

As for Governor, Brian Kemp’s up for reelection and many expect Stacey Abrams (D) to run again.

After Kemp denied Trump the opportunity to overturn Georgia’s election results, the former President actively pushed Collins to primary the governor. Trump’s vowed to campaign in Georgia and remove the elected officials who didn’t side with him.

So far, former Democrat Vernon Jones (R) has thrown his hat into the gubernatorial primary ring.

Kemp appeared to win some public support back by signing the election integrity act last month, but it’s unclear how many rural GOP voters will fall in line at the ballot box. According to Republican activist Debbie Dooley, 15 local GOPs “passed resolutions to essentially censure” the governor on April 10 and 17.

Doug Collins still evaluating his 2022 options

BKP Politics, News
Doug Collins 2022

ELLIJAY, Ga – Former Congressman Doug Collins didn’t rule out a potential governor or U.S. Senate run in 2022. He confirmed he’s weighing his options and would make a decision in the future.

“I’m concerned about conservatism right now,” Collins expressed. “If that means I need to be on the ballot, I’ll be on the ballot.”

There’s a divide in the Republican party between Trump supporters and those trying to pull away from the embattled former President, especially after January 6.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R – Kentucky) appeared to try to appease both sides by voting to acquit Trump and then condemn his actions in a follow-up speech.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell

Collins stated that McConnell’s always been about “McConnell and the Senate,” not the America First agenda set forth by Trump. On Tuesday, February 16, Trump responded to McConnell’s speech. In it, he called the minority leader a “dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack” and forewarned Republican candidates that they “will not win again” following McConnell.

“I’m very disheartened, and I think it was disingenuous of McConnell to make [the statement] after the fact. In my mind, it’s hard to say, well, it was unconstitutional, so I just voted to acquit, but then give a scathing speech and op-ed where basically, he said, ‘I hope he gets charged in court. You don’t do that.’” Collins remarked about McConnell’s actions.

The former Congressman commented how he’s talked to people all over the country who are tired of “the work as usual” and want honesty.

“We’ve got to get all Republicans on the same page,” Collins stated. “There has to be a fix here. The President laid out a great vision. We saw a lot of stuff, and now they can’t be well, we don’t like some of what he did, so we’re going to turn and try to do it differently. That’s going to be a hard row.”

President Trump asked Doug Collins if he wanted to run for Governor during one of his rallies for David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. Trump’s made it clear he intends to find someone to primary Kemp after the Governor refused to overturn the election.

Earlier this week, former Senator David Perdue (R – Ga) filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission for a potential 2022 Senate run against Senator Raphael Warnock (D – Ga).

Voter Confidence

Approximately 100,000 voters in the Ninth and Fourteenth Districts stayed home during the January 5 runoff. Many of those voters lost faith in the system.

Doug Collins with President Trump

Doug Collins with President Trump

“You let somebody else talk you out of doing what this Constitution gives you the right to do,” Collins expressed to those who stayed home. He added if those people voted, David Perdue at least would have kept his seat.

On January 5, the top vote earner was Senator Raphael Warnock (R-Ga), the second Republican Public Service Commissioner Bubble McDonald, and Senator Jon Ossoff (R-Ga) came third. Republicans turned out, but the Republican stronghold districts stayed home.

“You can’t tell me that Republicans, if they had just shown up that we couldn’t at least get David over the line,” Collins emphasized. “If you did not vote on [January 5] because you let somebody else talk you out of it, I can’t help you.”

He understood that people feel disgruntled after the General Election, but they need to focus and get their heads back in the game.

However, Collins believes that Georgia Republicans need Trump to win in the state. The party needs to find candidates who can win and effectively get the message out.

“We’ll have an advantage because Joe Biden is frankly so bad, and the House and Senate have shown their true colors. We’re going to have plenty to run against, but if we have people who won’t vote, it’s going to be a problem,” the former Congressman stated.

Collins ended the interview by telling listeners to look out for information soon about his future apart from running for office.

https://youtu.be/UgnSFR8n5J0

Is Trump endorsing Doug Collins for Governor in 2022?

Feature News, Featured Stories, News
Trump Doug Collins

Ellijay, GA: As President Trump’s dissatisfaction with Governor Brian Kemp continues to grow, he appears to be pushing Representative Doug Collins as a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2022.

Earlier today, Trump called Kemp out for his stance on the November election, asking how Kemp “allow[s] certification of votes without verifying signatures and despite the recently released tape of ballots being stuffed?” He then mentioned Kemps falling poll numbers.

According to a Morning Consult poll, since the General Election, Kemp’s approval rating fell from 86% to 77% among Georgia Republicans and 52 percent to 46 percent among overall voters. His disapproval ratings almost doubled, rising from 10 percent to 19 percent.

The latest tweet showcased the souring relationship between Trump and Kemp because the governor rejects the widespread voter fraud theory and won’t overturn the election. In 2018, Trump endorsed Kemp tipping the election in his favor.

At the end of the tweet, the President tagged Ninth District Representative Doug Collins (R), who is leaving office in January. Collins has always been a staunch supporter of Trump and recently ran for Senate. He came third in the November Primary, and Senator Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock advanced to the January 5 runoff. However, Trump seems to be planting the idea of a governor run in Collins and the public’s mind.

In truth, Trump isn’t the first to jump on the idea of Collins for Governor. The Towns County GOP created “Collins for Governor 2022” shirts weeks ago. They echoed the sentiment among several Georgia Republicans that Kemp isn’t listening to his constituents and it’s time to find someone else. On Sunday, Kemp refused to call the General Assembly into special session to dedicate electors, calling it unconstitutional. The governor came out in support of election reforms going forward, which the General Assembly is discussing. 

As for Collins, his spokesperson released the following statement:

“As Congressman Collins said the other day, the only political decision he’s focused on right now is making sure the people of Georgia send Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue back to the Senate in January.”

Collins served Northeast Georgia as the Ninth District Representative in the U.S. House since 2013. He’s a practicing military chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and attorney. Married to Lisa, a public-school teacher, they have three children, a daughter Jordan and two sons Copelan and Cameron.

Vernon Jones speaks on Trump Rally and crowdsurfing

Business
Jones

Fresh off his weekend and an event where he “crowd-surfed” to a young man in a wheelchair because he wanted a picture, Georgia State Representative, Vernon Jones (D) says, “Let me be clear about one thing. I’m committed to this President. I believe in this President. I took a leap of faith and I believed in that crowd and that crowd caught me.”

This was not Jones’ first event in support of President Donald Trump either. He is campaigning for the President in the current elections saying that he is a life-long Democrat, but he would not vote for Joe Biden.

Comparing the two, Jones said that Biden has destroyed black men and women through mass incarceration. He has a record of doing nothing whereas Trump has produced results like the First Step Act restoring families.

https://youtu.be/3K3Tlgad1f0

Focusing on business and the economy, Jones listed several things as accomplishments in Trump’s Presidency like correcting trade agreements to a fair agreement for America, grew the economy evidenced by businesses expanding and job growth, increased pay for those in military service, and supported historical black college funding.

Jones said, “He has done more in the past 47 months than Joe Biden has done in the past 47 years.”

He added that people are being shamed for supporting Trump by the media and others as they are being portrayed as racists and bigots. But these people are just people. People who don’t care what color you are, people who just love their country.

Many Democrats are turning in support of the President and for himself, according to Jones, because they see the craziness in their own party, the anger in their own party, and the violence in their own party.

Jones referenced the incident over the weekend of a Trump supporter who was attacked and lost two teeth in the beating he took. He said this is the game that these liberals are playing. They are trying to incite fear through violence, fear through the pandemic, and  fear through the media.

In full support of Trump, he said in an interview that the President is the best hope in support of our first and second amendment rights. He later added that voting for Biden isn’t even a vote for Biden as president. “He wouldn’t be the president, it would be Kamala Harris,” he said.

He added that she would be even scarier.

Georgia State Representative, Vernon Jones (D)

Going down the ballot from Trump, Jones also showed his support for Doug Collins and the work he has already done for Georgia as a Representative for the 9th Congressional District. While he didn’t specifically comment on Loeffler, he did say that Warnock was the wrong choice saying, “… it’s a vote for our civil liberties to be lost. It’s a vote for illegal immigration. It’s a vote for taking away the tax cut. He is dangerous.”

However, he didn’t stay long with this race and returned again to the Presidential Election and its importance as he said he was going to continue supporting and campaigning for Trump through his birthday even, October 31. He said that despite the polls, he wants Georgia to be all for the president in his re-election. Especially since the opposition has the major media supporting and propping up Biden’s campaign.

Jones pointed to the media and incidents with Biden meeting with Russian officials. He asks why none of them are asking Biden about it and why he or anyone in his campaign wouldn’t denounce the allegations or answer the questions.

With more events coming and debates on the way, Jones said he is looking to continue campaigning hard as he stands behind his words and endorsements.

It was a common theme during his statements. Constantly focused on the election, on Trump, and on the future of America. Many other stories are focused on his crowd surfing and the meaning or consequences of that day.

Jones stated in the video, “Show me the next crowd. I’ll do the same thing.”

Loeffler speaks to crowd at Dalton brewery

News, Politics
loeffler

Photo by Susan Kirkland
Senator Kelly Loeffler spoke at Cherokee Brewing and Pizza in Dalton.

Kelly Loeffler, U.S. senate candidate, made a stop in Dalton today, as part of her state tour during the recess. She stressed that voters needed someone who was not a politician to work for them. She faces U.S. Rep. Doug Collins,  also a Republican in November. Loeffler was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson.

Making appearances were fellow Republicans Ga. Rep. Steve Tarvin, Ga. Sen. Chuck Payne and candidate Marjorie Taylor Green, who will be on the ballot in November against Democrat Kevin Van Ausdal for theGeorgia 14th Congressional District.

“You don’t have to be in Washington for years to get things done,”Loeffler told the crowd at Cherokee Brewing and Pizza in Dalton, “We don’t owe anyone (in Washington) anything. We need outsiders who aren’t intimidated by career politicians.”

It was a sentiment expressed by many, including the owner of the brewery.

WATCH VIDEO OF LOEFFLER'S SPEECH

“We’re tired of putting politicians in Washington, it’s time we put people who’ve made it on their own,” said Chris Carpenter, owner of Cherokee Brewing and Pizza.

She cited her list of accomplishments in the eight months she’d been in Washington

Loeffler pointed out that she has been and will continue to be President Trump’s supporter and spoke out against what she called a “sham” impeachment.

Loeffler

Marjorie Greene, who is running for the Georgia 14th Congressional seat, turned out to see fellow business-owner-turned-politician, Kelly Loeffler Monday.

Legislation she has introduced or supported included sanctity of life legislation, the Gun Owners Privacy Act, which would eliminate the federal government’s ability to create a gun registry, legislation to defund sanctuary cities and cities that defund their police department, and Beat China Act to offer incentives for companies to bring manufacturing jobs back to America.

CHECK BACK LATER FOR A VIDEO OF HER SPEECH

She said China took American jobs and those jobs needed to come back.

“If it’s going to be America first, it has to be American made,” she told the cheering crowd.

loeffler

Nancy Burton, Chairman of the Republican Party of Walker County, said she tries to Kelly Loefflerr anytime she stops within 200-miles of Walker County.

Currently, her staff is investigating whether Planned Parenthood received money through the CARES Act, which provided money for states to off-set the expenses related to the pandemic.

She also praised the First Amendment. “Thank God we have freedom of expression,” she said. “I will never stop speaking out for our conservative values,” she said, adding that people have told her she should lose her seat and her business for not supporting Black Lives Matter

“There is no place for racism in our great nation, it has to be found and

loeffler

Voters turned out en masse to hear Kelly Loeffler speak about putting America first and protecting the Constitution.

rooted out, but BLM isn’t doing that,” she continued. “Why are we supporting an organization that promotes violence, defunding police, and anti-Semitism?”

Nancy Burton, Chairman of the Republican Party of Walker County, said she drove from her home on Lookout Mountain to see Loeffler speak.

“I love Kelly and anytime she’s within 200 miles, I try to see her,” said Burton, adding she’ll make the drive, see the speech, then visit friends or family members in the area. She plans to drive to Carrolton on Wednesday, to see Loeffler and visit her grandchildren.

 

 

 

Devin Nunes Endorses Doug Collins for Georgia Senate

Election 2020, Press Release
Devin Nunes
ATLANTA, GA  — Ranking member, and former Chairman, of the House Intelligence Committee Devin Nunes today endorsed Congressman Doug Collins in his race to become Georgia’s next U.S. Senator.

“I’m honored to endorse my good friend, Georgia Congressman Doug Collins, for the U.S. Senate,” said Nunes.  “A strong conservative, Doug was a bold leader in the battle against the Russia collusion hoax and the sham impeachment against President Trump. Doug is a fighter, and we need more of those in the U.S. Senate. Please join me in supporting Doug Collins for U.S. Senate in Georgia.”

House Intelligence Committee Hero calls Doug “bold leader in the battle against the Russia collusion hoax and the sham impeachment against President Trump.”

“I shared a very small foxhole with Devin Nunes for a very long time and I know his character,” Collins said. “That’s why his endorsement means so much to me personally. He’s a great American patriot who stood firm against the worst the D.C. Swamp could throw at him. I’m honored to have his support. ”

Collins Praises Isakson Legacy

Announcements, Politics

GAINESVILLE, Ga.—Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) released the following statement after Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) announced he will resign from the U.S. Senate at the end of 2019 after 40 years of public service.

“Johnny Isakson has been a standard of public service and statesmanship for decades in Georgia. He’s always drawn on his extensive roots in our state to deepen his advocacy for all Georgians. Johnny faithfully remembers the forgotten, including America’s veterans. I’ve looked up to him as a mentor and still work to emulate him.”

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www.dougcollins.house.gov

House Judiciary Leaders Announce Committee Roster

Politics, State & National

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | House Judiciary Committee Republicans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2019
Permalink
CONTACT: 
Jessica Andrews
(202) 225 9893

House Judiciary Leaders Announce Committee Roster

WASHINGTON – The House Judiciary Committee held its first full committee meeting to introduce new members, adopt committee rules, appoint subcommittee chairs and ranking members, and approve subcommittee assignments. Ranking Member Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) released the following statements after the Judiciary Committee’s first meeting of the 116th Congress:

“It’s a great pleasure to join Chairman Nadler in welcoming our colleagues to the House Judiciary Committee. The opportunities our committee has to serve Americans and strengthen our democratic institutions are almost limitless. Together, we’ve built a legacy of passionate debate and bipartisan success. I look forward to hearing from every lawmaker on this committee and to deepening our collaboration throughout this Congress,” said Collins.

“I’m proud to welcome all of our Members to the House Judiciary Committee this Congress. The Committee has remained one of the most active committees in the House through lively debates, bipartisan partnerships, and advancing critical legislation. I expect this to continue and look forward to hearing from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we prepare to take on some of the most pressing issues of our time. I have worked closely with Ranking Member Collins on many issues in the past and hope that we will find more common ground over the next two years,” said Nadler.

Democratic Members

  • Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Chair
  • Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.)
  • Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas)
  • Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.)
  • Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.)
  • Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.)
  • Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.)
  • Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.)
  • Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)
  • Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.)
  • Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.)
  • Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.)
  • Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)
  • Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.)
  • Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.)
  • Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.)
  • Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Vice Chair
  • Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas)
  • Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.)
  • Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.)
  • Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.)
  • Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.)
  • Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-Fla.)
  • Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas)
Republican Members

  • Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ranking Member
  • Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.)
  • Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio)
  • Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)
  • Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)
  • Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.)
  • Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas)
  • Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.)
  • Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.)
  • Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.)
  • Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.)
  • Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.)
  • Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.)
  • Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.)
  • Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.)
  • Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.)
  • Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.)
Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee Assignments:

Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law

Democrats

  • Rep. Cicilline, Chair
  • Rep. Johnson
  • Rep. Raskin
  • Rep. Jayapal
  • Rep. Demings
  • Rep. Scanlon
  • Rep. Neguse, Vice Chair
  • Rep. McBath
Republicans

  • Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member
  • Rep. Gaetz
  • Rep. Buck
  • Rep. Armstrong
  • Rep. Steube
Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Democrats

  • Rep. Cohen, Chair
  • Rep. Raskin, Vice Chair
  • Rep. Swalwell
  • Rep. Scanlon
  • Rep. Dean
  • Rep. Garcia
  • Rep. Escobar
  • Rep. Jackson Lee
Republicans

  • Rep. Johnson, Ranking Member
  • Rep. Gohmert
  • Rep. Jordan
  • Rep. Reschenthaler
  • Rep. Cline
  • Rep. Armstrong
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet
Democrats

  • Rep. Johnson, Chair
  • Rep. Deutch
  • Rep. Richmond
  • Rep. Jeffries
  • Rep. Lieu
  • Rep. Stanton
  • Rep. Lofgren
  • Rep. Cohen
  • Rep. Bass
  • Rep. Swalwell
  • Rep. Correa, Vice Chair
Republicans

  • Rep. Roby, Ranking Member
  • Rep. Chabot
  • Rep. Jordan
  • Rep. Ratcliffe
  • Rep. Gaetz
  • Rep. Johnson
  • Rep. Biggs
  • Rep. Reschenthaler
  • Rep. Cline
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security
Democrats

  • Rep. Bass, Chair
  • Rep. Jackson Lee
  • Rep. Demings, Vice Chair
  • Rep. McBath
  • Rep. Deutch
  • Rep. Richmond
  • Rep. Jeffries
  • Rep. Cicilline
  • Rep. Lieu
  • Rep. Dean
  • Rep. Mucarsel-Powell
  • Rep. Cohen
Republicans

  • Rep. Ratcliffe, Ranking Member
  • Rep. Sensenbrenner
  • Rep. Chabot
  • Rep. Gohmert
  • Rep. McClintock
  • Rep. Lesko
  • Rep. Reschenthaler
  • Rep. Cline
  • Rep. Steube
Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship
Democrats

  • Rep. Lofgren, Chair
  • Rep. Jayapal, Vice Chair
  • Rep. Correa
  • Rep. Garcia
  • Rep. Neguse
  • Rep. Mucarsel-Powell
  • Rep. Escobar
  • Rep. Jackson Lee
  • Rep. Scanlon
Republicans

  • Rep. Buck, Ranking Member
  • Rep. Biggs
  • Rep. McClintock
  • Rep. Lesko
  • Rep. Armstrong
  • Rep. Steube
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Our mailing address:
2142 Rayburn House Office Building

Northeast Georgia Worker to Attend State of the Union with Collins

Politics, Press Release
January 27, 2018
Jessica Andrews
(202) 225 9893

Northeast Georgia Worker to Attend State of the Union with Collins

WASHINGTON—January 30 marks President Trump’s first State of the Union address, where he will speak to a joint session of Congress. Mr. William Robert “Robbie” Salemi, Jr. will join Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) for the event.

Last December, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law. The tax reform package focuses on delivering relief to Middle America by lowering tax rates at every bracket level and roughly doubling the standard deductions for both families and individuals.

“I believe the American Dream is most achievable when big government gets out of the way and allows my hardworking neighbors to keep more of their own money to invest in their own priorities. Robbie’s story illustrates the opportunities that we want to promote for every American by cutting taxes across the board.

“While he was still a student, Robbie joined Home Depot’s team part-time as a flooring associate and eventually worked his way into a management role that allows him to help others build their careers with the company. As our country considers the progress it has made in the last year, I’m proud to share stories of the hard work and big dreams that run throughout northeast Georgia,” said Collins.

Salemi is married to Mallory and a father to two-year-old Wesley. He’s been with Home Depot since 2001, and his company area covers much of north Georgia.

Last week, Home Depot announced that it is providing a one-time bonus of up to $1,000 to its hourly employees.

“I look at tax reform as a win not only for my family but for business as well,” said Salemi.

“The most rewarding part of my job is working with people to help them realize their potential, to help them develop within our company and serve our community. Now, the company that helped me—as an hourly worker—build a seventeen-year career is offering roughly 1,800 hourly associates in my region up to $1,000 in bonuses as a direct result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I’m excited to see the opportunities these bonuses bring to my colleagues.”

Many of the more than 1,800 Home Depot employees in Salemi’s region are service members and veterans. Last year, this team of associates participated in 38 distinct projects that focused on improving veterans’ homes and schools’ community gardens. They also offered Kids’ Workshop initiatives that enabled over 1,500 youths to complete hands-on projects.

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www.dougcollins.house.gov

WASHINGTON OFFICE
1504 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Phone: (202) 225 9893
Fax: (202) 226 1224

The Music Modernization Act Will Provide a Needed Update to Copyright Laws

State & National

ICYMI: The Music Modernization Act Will Provide a Needed Update to Copyright Laws

WASHINGTON—This op ed by Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) first appeared in The Hill on January 11, 2018.

I spent my northeast Georgia youth replaying tracks from “Bat Out of Hell” and “Hotel California.” And, of course, staples from Steely Dan. I welcomed the evolution from the 8-track to cassette to CD, but the LP and 45 vinyl predate even me. So, I was stunned to learn, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee—which has jurisdiction over intellectual property rights—that some of the copyright law governing music licensing was actually designed to regulate the player piano and has endured more than a century without meaningful update.

An overview of the music licensing landscape reveals that the status quo isn’t serving industry stakeholders, so the question becomes one of sustainability. Can music lovers count on a robust pipeline of tunes to carry them into the future? Absent substantive changes to the system that has disenfranchised creators, songwriters, publishers and even digital providers have their doubts. But efforts to unify these creators, digital streaming services and other key players around a path forward have faltered until recently. Very recently.

This December, countless hours of collaboration and cooperation came to fruition in a compromise that would be the most substantial update to copyright law since 1998. Today, our jeans pockets are more likely to be lined with iPhones than lint balls, yet the laws that currently regulate how tech giants like Spotify pay songwriters were cemented before the concept of digital streaming was born. The Music Modernization Act (MMA) would literally usher copyright laws into the 21st century.

The bill tackles four dimensions of music licensing. First, the bill addresses the fact that digital music companies regularly fail to pay songwriters and copyright owners properly for interactive streaming services. The trouble often arises from inefficiencies and information gaps.

Tech companies like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Google Play frequently file bulk Notice of Intentions (NOIs) with the Copyright Office that allow them to obtain a license for music for which they can’t locate ownership information. Since this process became available in 2016, some estimated 45 million NOIs have been filed with the Copyright Office.

This “bulk NOI” shortcut has taken millions of dollars in income out of the pockets of songwriters who rely on streaming services to find the proper owners of music and issue those owners prompt and appropriate payment. It’s also left tech companies legally exposed when they use music without knowing or paying its owners.

The MMA renovates the NOI process so that music creators get paid and digital companies reduce their liability and increase operational efficiencies. The legislation would establish a Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) that would accurately compensate songwriters for the mechanical royalties they earn through interactive streaming. In exchange, the collective would afford digital providers—which would fund the collective—with blanket usage licenses for songs.

The MLC would accomplish this by providing the digital services with efficient access to the information they need in order to know which songwriters to pay for which songs. Though songwriters have never had a seat at the music licensing table, both publishers and songwriters would sit on the board of the MLC to ensure it operates transparently.

The MMA also provides songwriters a chance to get fair-market mechanical royalty rates (the rate paid for the reproduction and distribution of a song) in the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) proceedings that set those rates every five years. As it stands, songwriters can’t set prices for their own work. Instead, CRB judges determine royalty rates based on an outdated test that has depressed rates for decades. The MMA changes the standard the board uses to a “willing buyer/willing seller” consideration. In other words, the CRB would set the rates to reflect the market value of the corresponding use of a song.

Finally, the bill improves the process through which performance royalty rates (the rate paid to song writers when their music is played for an audience) are set for BMI and ASCAP, the two largest performance rights organizations. Currently, ASCAP and BMI cases are each assigned to a respective judge. The MMA would implement a rotation of the judges who decide ASCAP and BMI cases and would enable the rate court judges to consider relevant market-based evidence when determining performance rates for songwriters. Again, this change moves the industry toward a fairer, freer market for music licensing, and that benefits music creators, music providers and music lovers alike.

The MMA is unprecedented not only for what it sets out to do, but for who has signed on. The Digital Media Association (DiMA)—representing Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify and YouTube—and the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA)—representing U.S. music publishers and songwriters—both support the bill.

Songwriters groups including ASCAP, BMI, the Nashville Songwriters Association International, Songwriters of North America and others have also welcomed this legislation as a compromise that benefits a cross-spectrum of stakeholders.

So, too, have labels and artists, as reflected in the support of the Recording Industry Association of America, American Association of Independent Music, American Federation of Musicians, Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, SoundExchange and the Grammys.

Knowing that today’s music ecosystem suffers under heavy-handed government intervention and defunct copyright policy, I’m grateful that my colleagues Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) look past partisanship toward solutions that will take music licensing from the dark ages into the digital age.

The agreement that creators and digital providers have struck also testifies to the leadership of Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), who made copyright reform a priority for the House Judiciary Committee. As we look forward to a markup of the Music Modernization Act in the coming weeks, the question is not whether we have a viable resolution to an industry stalemate but whether we have the resolve to see that agreement through. I believe we do.

Rep. Doug Collins has represented Georgia’s 9th District since 2013. He is the Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference and a member of the Judiciary and Rules Committees.

Collins Praises House Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report

State & National

Collins Praises House Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report

WASHINGTON—The House of Representatives passed the conference report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This move sends the bill to the Senate for a final vote that would land the bill on the president’s desk. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement in response:

“Today’s vote in the People’s House helps turn promise and potential into reality. Republicans have confidence in the potential of the American worker to make our country grow again—that’s why they are the foundation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We’re giving job creators more reasons to invest in America’s workforce, strengthening our economy and our communities. We’re making the IRS less ravenous and putting more money back in the hands of American families so that they can pursue more of their ambitions on their own terms. A decade of the status quo has guaranteed us only a stagnant economy. Republicans promised to reform a broken, bloated tax system so that Americans can chart a path out of economic anxiety and into economic empowerment. We’re keeping that promise today.”

Media Update: Collins Statement on President’s Jerusalem Announcement

State & National

Collins Statement on President’s Jerusalem Announcement

President Trump today recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announced plans to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) issued the following statement in response:

“I commend President Trump for officially recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reaffirming both the United States’ deep bond with Israel and the importance of Jerusalem to Judaism. Under the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, U.S. law states that our nation should locate its embassy in Jerusalem, but until now there has been no action to make that a reality. I have long supported such a move and believe it strengthens our relationship with Israel, while keeping the door open for continued negotiations toward a two-state solution.

“President Trump’s announcement brings our diplomatic policy toward Israel into alignment with our posture toward other sovereign nations around the world, which determine their own capitals. The president’s decision also affirms that Israel is the United States’ strongest ally, and he is right to act accordingly.”

Correction: Collins Votes to Extend Chip and Protect DSH Resources

State & National

Collins Votes to Extend Chip and Protect DSH Resources

WASHINGTON—Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) joined the House of Representatives in voting today to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through 2022 and protect funding for rural hospitals.

The Championing Healthy Kids Act, H.R. 3922, uses offsets to fund CHIP and programs like community health centers while eliminating $5 billion in scheduled cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH). The bill includes a two-year extension of funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which focus on delivering health care to underserved populations through community-based and patient-centered models.

“The House’s bill would extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program for five years while strengthening the program to help the children most in need of health care assistance. At the same time, it protects resources for northeast Georgia’s rural hospitals. I’m pleased that the legislation put forward by House Republicans charts a more cost effective—and therefore sustainable—path forward for serving some of Georgia’s most vulnerable populations,” said Collins.

At least seven hospitals in northeast Georgia serve residents with the help of DSH funding, including Elbert Memorial Hospital, Fannin Regional Hospital, Habersham County Medical Center, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, Stephens County Hospital and Union General Hospital.

*The original release mistakenly included Hart County Hospital, which merged into St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, and North Georgia Medical Center, which should be Northeast Georgia Medical Center. 

Rep. Collins: “Speaker Will Keep Us Through Christmas” for Tax Bill

GMFTO, News, Politics

9th Congressional district Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) spoke exclusively to FYNTV on Friday’s edition of Good Morning From the Office. Collins spoke on a multitude of issues, from the executive actions regarding Obamacare, to his personal crusade for adequate internet service and competition in rural Northeast Georgia. However, his remarks regarding tax reform were quite revealing. According to Collins, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) has informed House members that he will keep the House in session, if necessary, throughout the Christmas recess in order to pass tax reform.

The tax question is asked around the 11:00 minute mark of the FULL INTERVIEW below.

BKP: From the House side, will we get tax reform?

Rep. Collins: Yes. I feel very comfortable, in fact, it is the top priority for us in leadership, and the speaker. In fact, the speaker put us on notice yesterday (Thursday) that he would keep us through Christmas or any other holiday to make sure it gets done this year. It was very disturbing to hear some members of the Senate saying “Well, we gotta negotiate, it may be the first of the year” No. It’s time to get behind the American people, time to get behind the President and pass tax reform. It’s way past due.

Congressman Collins Talks Health Care, Tax Reform and Still Supporting President Trump

Politics

Georgia’s 9th District Congressman Doug Collins talks with BKP today about the health care bill. Collins also states that he believes and hopes they will be able to start working on the tax reform this year. BKP also asks the Congressman if he is still a supporter of President Donald Trump. Lastly Collins discusses issues that he and his team are working on that are more specifically focused in the 9th District: Dodd Frank Act, the VA – veteran’s health care, police week, and human trafficing week.

Georgia 6th Congressional District Election Results

Politics

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