[Ccarc] FW: ARLB031 Senate Introduces Companion Bill to HR 2160

[Tom Murray]

> Subject: ARLB031 Senate Introduces Companion Bill to HR 2160
> Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 15:39:25 -0400
>> 
> SB QST @ ARL $ARLB031
> ARLB031 Senate Introduces Companion Bill to HR 2160
> 
> ZCZC AG31
> QST de W1AW  
> ARRL Bulletin 31  ARLB031
> From ARRL Headquarters  
> Newington CT  October 7, 2009
> To all radio amateurs 
> 
> SB QST ARL ARLB031
> ARLB031 Senate Introduces Companion Bill to HR 2160
>  
> October 6, Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), along with Senator Susan
> Collins (R-ME), introduced Senate Bill 1755, The Amateur Radio
> Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009. Similar to HR 2160
> -- also called The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
> Enhancement Act of 2009 -- that was introduced this past April by
> Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX-18), the bill, if passed,
> would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to undertake
> a study on emergency communications. S 1755 points out that "There
> is a strong Federal interest in the effective performance of Amateur
> Radio Service stations, and that performance must be given -- (A)
> support at all levels of government; and (B) protection against
> unreasonable regulation and impediments to the provision of the
> valuable communications provided by such stations."
> 
> "We are delighted to have the sponsorship of both the Chairman and
> the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
> Committee, and especially to have the support of Senator Lieberman
> from the ARRL's home state," said ARRL Chief Executive Officer David
> Sumner, K1ZZ. "The bill could not have a better pedigree." Lieberman
> is the Chairman of the committee, while Collins is the Ranking
> Member.
> 
> Like HR 2160, S 1755 calls on DHS to undertake a study on the uses
> and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in
> emergencies and disaster relief and then to submit a report to
> Congress no more than 180 days after the bill becomes law. The study
> shall:
> 
> Include a review of the importance of Amateur Radio emergency
> communications in furtherance of homeland security missions relating
> to disasters, severe weather and other threats to lives and property
> in the United States, as well as recommendations for enhancements in
> the voluntary deployment of Amateur Radio licensees in disaster and
> emergency communications and disaster relief efforts and improved
> integration of Amateur Radio operators in planning and furtherance
> of the Department of Homeland Security initiatives.  Identify
> impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications, such
> as the effects of unreasonable or unnecessary private land use
> regulations on residential antenna installations; and make
> recommendations regarding such impediments for consideration by
> other federal departments, agencies and Congress.
> 
> In conducting the study, S 1755 directs the Secretary of Homeland
> Security to "utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and
> organizations, including the Amateur Radio, emergency response and
> disaster communications communities."
> 
> S 1755 makes note of the fact that Section 1 of the Joint Resolution
> entitled Joint Resolution to Recognize the Achievements of Radio
> Amateurs, and To Establish Support for Such Amateurs as National
> Policy -- approved October 22, 1994 (Public Law 103-408) -- included
> a finding that stated: "Reasonable accommodation should be made for
> the effective operation of Amateur Radio from residences, private
> vehicles and public areas, and the regulation at all levels of
> government should facilitate and encourage amateur radio operations
> as a public benefit." The bill also pointed out that Section 1805(c)
> of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 757(c)) directs the
> Regional Emergency Communications Coordinating Working Group of the
> Department of Homeland Security to coordinate their activities with
> ham and Amateur Radio operators among the 11 other emergency
> organizations, such as ambulance services, law enforcement and
> others.
> 
> ARRL New England Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI said that
> Amateur Radio operators in the State of Maine have "an outstanding
> relationship" with their Congressional representatives -- plus
> Governor John Baldacci is KB1NXP!" Both Connecticut and Maine are
> part of the League's New England Division
> 
> Frenaye said that Maine Section Manager Bill Woodhead, N1KAT,
> dropped off a letter at Senator Collins' office in Lewiston two
> weeks ago, asking for her support. "After that, we had amateurs in
> Maine write the Senator," he said; more than 40 Maine hams wrote
> Senator Collins.
> 
> The Senate bill points out many positive things that Amateur Radio
> operators do, including "provid[ing] on a volunteer basis, a
> valuable public sector service to their communities, their States,
> and to the Nation, especially in the area of national and
> international disaster communications."
> 
> It mentions that amateurs provided emergency and disaster relief
> communications services during both natural and manmade disasters.
> "The Amateur Radio Service has formal agreements for the provision
> of volunteer emergency communications activities with the Department
> of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the
> National Weather Service, the National Communications System, and
> the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, as well
> as with disaster relief agencies, including the American National
> Red Cross and the Salvation Army," the bill reads.
> 
> Right now, S 1755 has been read twice in the Senate chamber and
> referred to that body's Committee on Homeland Security and
> Governmental Affairs. HR 2160 -- now with 27 sponsors -- is in the
> House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
> NNNN
> /EX
> 
> 
 		 	   		  
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