Rep. Jerry Nadler's Departure Leaves Artists' Rights in Limbo

Representative Jerrold Nadler, a longtime champion of artists' rights in Congress, is leaving office, creating a void in the push for resale royalties in the United States. For over two decades, Nadler sponsored legislation including the Equity for Visual Artists Act (2011) and the American Royalties Too Act of 2025, which would grant artists 5% of resale prices capped at $50,000. Despite the US being the world's largest art market, it lacks resale royalties—policies existing in over 100 countries. Critics argue royalties benefit few artists and may deter collectors, but a 2023 UK report found two-thirds of payments were under £500, and 65% of Australian payments went to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The absence of US legislation also excludes American artists from international royalties due to reciprocity rules. Arts and culture account for 4.2% of US GDP, yet artists face rising costs and declining support. Nadler's departure leaves a gap in advocacy as candidates for New York's 12th District have focused elsewhere.