Washington, D.C. - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today announced the appointment of California Congressman Howard L. Berman as chief liaison between the House Democratic Caucus and the entertainment industry.

 

Berman, a senior California lawmaker who has worked closely and productively with the film industry for years, will hold a more regular and institutionalized dialogue with industry representatives on issues vital to those who make and market films, music, and other copyrighted materials.  Berman is the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property.

 

"Howard Berman has long been a leader on copyright enforcement and stopping Internet piracy," Pelosi said.  "He understands the business and creative interests of the entertainment industry, which comprises the largest and fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy and creates a surplus balance of trade.  This appointment will put in place a process for even greater communication and mutual understanding between House Democrats and the entertainment industry."

 

“Entertainment is my hometown industry,” said Berman, “and it’s one I’ve been working with closely for all the years I’ve been in Congress.  I welcome this new way to emphasize its issues to the Democratic leadership.”