Congressional Jazz Caucus

Congressional Jazz Caucus

Update: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) has reintroduced H.R. 139 – National Jazz Preservation, Education, Promulgation Act of 2021 into the 117th Congress on January 4th, 2021. The Congressional Jazz Caucus is still in the process of being certified for this administration.

CHJF has organized the re-creation of the Congressional Jazz Caucus, now being led by Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee.  The caucus has introduced national legislation to address the serious issue of fair payment to artists. And it depended on CHJF to organize a jazz program for its annual conference this year. Such a performance had been a staple of their meetings since the caucus was originally formed but they were willing to jettison the event this year unless CHJF would be willing to organize it. This anecdote illustrates both the need for CHJF to preserve the legacy of jazz and the respect that is paid to the organization for its ability to step in and solve a problem.

Former Members

Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (co-chair)

Rep. Doug Collins (co-chair)

Rep. Danny Davis

Rep. Jason Smith

Rep. Jim Cooper

Rep. Alcee Hastings

Rep. Sanford Bishop