The Commerce Department's general counsel says the bill would "provide a level playing field for all broadcasters."
That counsel, Cameron Kerry, made the comments in a letter sent Thursday to Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Satellite radio, Internet radio and cable TV music channels already pay fees to performers and songwriters. However, AM and FM radio stations pay royalties only to the songwriters - not the performers.
The National Association of Broadcasters opposes the proposal, saying it threatens thousands of radio jobs.
