Thanks largely to the efforts of Congressman Jay Inslee (D-Wash) and his staff, the U.S. Congress (both houses) has passed the Webcaster Settlement Act of which is a necessary step towards resolving the 18-month-old Internet radio royalty crisis. The bill is scheduled to go to President Bush for his signature shortly. The bill gives the record industry and webcasters a deadline of Feb.of next year for negotiating a reasonable royalty deal. You can learn more at