Creators and Congress collaborate on new caucus launch
Jun 19, 2025 – [[read-time]] minute read
Matthew and Stephanie Patrick (also known as The Game Theorists) helped launch the first-of-its-kind bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus alongside Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX). We sat down with them to learn more about their conversations with lawmakers and what they hope the Caucus will accomplish.
How do you explain to lawmakers what YouTube is?
Stephanie: We tell them that YouTube is an open platform for everyone and an outlet that allows for anyone - from amateurs to professionals - to have free expression. We also share that it is a major driving force for the creator economy, helping content creators found legitimate businesses and hire their own employees.
Matt: We liken YouTube to television as much as possible. We say: “YouTube is like television where you have different channels and you can go to a creators’ channel to watch their content.” We have noticed that once we start demystifying YouTube by drawing parallels between the platform and television, the light bulb goes on.
U.S. Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY).
What has surprised you most about your meetings with lawmakers?
Stephanie: I realize how hard it is to get two members of Congress from different parties to agree on much these days. To have Reps. Van Duyne and Clarke being so willing to support us in a tangible way despite their busy schedules and competing priorities, really means a lot.
Matt: Lawmakers were enthusiastic to learn about creator-led businesses, which was very exciting to see. For those who may not have the time right now to commit to the Caucus, they were willing to open the door for us to meet with their colleagues and have conversations with other Members of Congress who might have the time to make the Creators Caucus one of their main priorities.
My hope is that the Caucus will help redefine what a creator is. Creators are not just “influencers,” we are businesses. ”
Matthew Patrick (@MatPat) CreatorWhat initiative should the Congressional Creators Caucus tackle first?
Stephanie: The Caucus should prioritize developing a clear tax code for creators because current small business codes often leave creator-led businesses uncertain about whether or not they apply to us. This would allow for thousands of people who want to enter this space to do so legally and confidently, and to have an easier time building their businesses than we did.
Matt: My hope is that the Caucus will help redefine what a creator is. Creators are not just “influencers,” we are businesses. Sometimes those businesses are small, employing 1,2, or 3 people, and sometimes those businesses are large, employing hundreds of people. I hope the Caucus is able to provide clear language around who we are and what we are to help legitimize us.
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What do you hope the Congressional Creator Caucus will accomplish?
Stephanie: An ideal scenario would be for the Caucus to become the first stop for Members of Congress in the House of Representatives who are looking for a more nuanced understanding of what creator-led businesses are. I hope the Caucus can serve as a way for them to pressure test legislation as they draft and ultimately introduce these bills.
Matt: At the end of the day, we are all creators. We are posting photos on social media or we are creating videos for our friends. And so, the work that this Caucus will do is going to impact everyone in one way or another. I hope the Caucus is going to start conversations that are going to shape the economy moving forward. By being boots on the ground early and working together on legislation to help shape that, it will ultimately be a win for everyone.