Nine additional lawmakers have signed on to a bipartisan U.S. House of Representatives resolution opposing the introduction of "any new performance fee, tax, royalty or other charge" on local radio stations. The growing chorus of support for the Local Radio Freedom Act now stands at 135, and follows an interview by Radio Ink's Brida Connolly in which country music star Brad Paisley talks of the impact radio stations have made on his music career.

During the interview, Paisley expressed his appreciation for radio and discusses his relationships within the radio industry. "I have so many friends out there," wrote Paisley. "I think back over the years now, and it's amazing how much of my life has been impacted by radio people."

The Local Radio Freedom Act, unveiled last month at a Capitol Hill event hosted by the Free Radio Alliance, was introduced by Reps. Gene Green (TX-29) and Mike Conaway (TX-11).

The House resolution counters legislation backed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which would require local radio stations to pay a new fee for music aired free to listeners.

Reps. Paul Broun (GA-10), Andre Carson (IN-07), Jerry Costello (IL-12), Joseph Courtney (CT-02), Joe Donnelly (IN-02), Timothy Johnson (IL-15), Steve Kagen (WI-08), Frank Lucas (OK-03) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) all signed-on as cosponsors of H. Con. Res. 49. House support now totals 135 lawmakers.