Amateur Radio bill passes Senate, moves to the House

[DU1GM]

Amateur Radio Emergency Services recognized in the States
Will we get the government here to show similar recognition?


On Monday, December 14, S 1755 - The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 - passed the Senate by unanimous consent; the bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Sponsored by Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), S 1755, 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."

Members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee considered S 1755 on December 10. After it passed through Committee, it was placed on the Senate's calendar to be voted on.

"We are grateful to Committee Chairman Lieberman and Ranking Member Collins for sponsoring the bill and arranging for its swift consideration and passage by the Senate," said ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ.

Similar in language 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]), 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.


73
George, DU1GM

[DV1AZ]

Hi OM George,

The last part of your article stated that:

(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.)

It would be great if we could have something similar in the Philippines as we would be able to effectively coordinate with the proper authorities like ambulances, fire fighters, etc., specially during emergencies and calamities. If none, how can we start or begin the process so that our Congress and Senate would pass a bill arranging for official PARA members to be an integral part in emergency and calamity communication and coordination.
 
One suggestion would be for the PARA president to send out an official letter to the respective heads of ambulance service and fire department of particular towns/district proposing the willingness of PARA members to assist in emergency coordination. If permitted, official PARA member representative of that particular town or district would join them in a meeting to talk about this proposal. Only official PARA members willing to be a part of the coordination service would be given call signs assigned by the emergency and fire departments to be used in conveying messages during calamities and emergency situations.  

A positive outcome  would be for this proposed idea to be brought to their respective local representative to lobby the bill to Congress and hopefully, the Senate.