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Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism Chairman Ted Deutch (D-FL) released the following statement on introducing H.R. 6498, the Promoting Peace, Education, and Cultural Exchange (PEACE) through Music Diplomacy Act. This bill directs the State Department to leverage partnerships with the private sector when designing and implementing the music-related exchange programs run by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It also specifically authorizes music-related exchange programs that advance peace abroad, and it encourages the Department to integrate a focus on conflict resolution into all relevant exchange programs for young musicians.

“I have long believed that music is a powerful tool that can be used to reach across cultures and promote peace around the world,” said Rep. McCaul. “The programs and partnerships this bill authorizes would bring together young musicians from around the world to learn from each other and find ways to promote peace and freedom in their communities. With the power of the private sector behind them, ECA’s excellent programs can do even more to support U.S. foreign policy goals.”

“No matter where you live, or what dialect you speak, music is a common language, with the rare ability to transcend geographical and cultural barriers,” said Rep. Deutch. “By leveraging the unique contributions of musicians in global peacebuilding efforts and bolstering public-private partnerships for music-related exchange programs, the PEACE through Music Diplomacy Act seizes on what makes music, and our nation, so special. It recognizes the fundamental value of music as a tool for cross-cultural dialogue and the power of musicians as voices for peace and human rights, and it brings our nation’s global leadership and diplomacy to a new scale.”

“Music is the universal language,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “The PEACE through Music Diplomacy Act empowers the State Department to put music on the global stage where people and nations come together in pursuit of peace, prosperity and justice. The Recording Academy thanks Reps. McCaul and Deutch for recognizing the role that music creators can play in building bridges and connecting people all over the world.”

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