Speech #850239164

The importation for commercial use in the United States of sound recordings and exposed or developed picture film produced or manufactured in foreign countries by American interests in order to take advantage of beneficial tax consequences of such foreign production or manufacture under the tax laws of the United States: for the purpose of determining what changes. if any. should be made in such laws in order to protect the domestic industries. and to alleviate any problems of unemployment created by the importation of such sound recordings and such exposed or developed picture film. Many years ago the Congress attempted to protect our music culture by protecting the American instrumentalist against cheaply priced foreign competition. The resolution I have developed is a much sounder approach. however. than a restrictive immigration policy. I have always opposed a restrictive immigration policy and have worked for the maintenance of an open door to cultural musical organizations from abroad. The American musicians plight is more severe now than when the Congress provided its original protection of the immigration statute. Yet that law is today being nullified by a mechanical refinement in the reproduction of music known as "music track." This foreignmade tape has all but blacked out the employment of American musicians in the production of filmed entertainment. I am told by Mr.