December 2009 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

RE: [arrl-odv:18324] RE: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage
by K8JE 15 Dec '09

15 Dec '09

R Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org, Tel.: 513-459-1661 ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 2:24 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:18324] RE: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage Jim, we considered the Red Cross question when HR 2160 was first introduced. It would only be embarrassing if we did not complete the negotiation of the renewal of the agreement. Dave From: k8je [mailto:k8je@zoomtown.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 2:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage Dave, This is great news, of course. Congratulations to all involved. Please educate me on the following step(s). Provided the bill is referred to the House homeland security committee, what action would we want them to take? Specifically, how would their action relate or not relate to HR 2160? I notice the bill states ARRL has formal agreements ". . . with disaster relief agencies, including the American National Red Cross . . ." Unless I was sleeping at the switch, I believe this remains unfortunately incorrect. What is the likelihood the inclusion of ANRC could prove embarrassing to us? Tnx, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)zoomtown.com; Tel. 459-1661 Jim Weaver, K8JE 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)zoomtown.com; Tel. 459-1661 _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 11:58 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage Here's the relevant excerpt from the Congressional Record on yesterday's passage of S.1755 in the Senate. Dave <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?r111:./temp/~r111MMBl2k> * * AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009 -- (Senate - December 14, 2009) [Page: S13201] --- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 224, S. 1755. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 1755) to direct the Department of Homeland Security to undertake a study on emergency communications. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the bill be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 1755) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows: S. 1755 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Nearly 700,000 amateurs radio operators in the United States are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service. (2) Amateur Radio Service operators provide, 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. (3) Emergency and disaster relief communications services by volunteer Amateur Radio Service operators have consistently and reliably been provided before, during, and after floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, earthquakes, blizzards, train accidents, chemical spills and other disasters. These communications services include services in connection with significant examples, such as-- (A) hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Hugo, and Andrew; (B) the relief effort at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon following the 2001 terrorist attacks; and (C) the Oklahoma City bombing in April 1995. (4) 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. (5) 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.''. (6) 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. (7) Amateur Radio Service, at no cost to taxpayers, provides a fertile ground for technical self-training in modern telecommunications, electronic technology, and emergency communications techniques and protocols. (8) 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. SEC. 3. STUDY OF ENHANCED USES OF AMATEUR RADIO IN EMERGENCY AND DISASTER RELIEF COMMUNICATION AND FOR RELIEF OF RESTRICTIONS. (a) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall-- (1) undertake a study on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief; and (2) submit a report on the findings of the Secretary to Congress. (b) Scope of the Study.--The study required by this section shall-- (1) 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-- (A) enhancements in the voluntary deployment of amateur radio licensees in disaster and emergency communications and disaster relief efforts; and (B) improved integration of amateur radio operators in planning and furtherance of the Department of Homeland Security initiatives; and (2)(A) 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 (B) make recommendations regarding such impediments for consideration by other Federal departments, agencies, and Congress. (c) Use of Expertise and Information.--In conducting the study required by this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and organizations, including the amateur radio, emergency response, and disaster communications communities. END

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[arrl-odv:18324] RE: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 15 Dec '09

15 Dec '09

Jim, we considered the Red Cross question when HR 2160 was first introduced. It would only be embarrassing if we did not complete the negotiation of the renewal of the agreement. Dave From: k8je [mailto:k8je@zoomtown.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 2:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage Dave, This is great news, of course. Congratulations to all involved. Please educate me on the following step(s). Provided the bill is referred to the House homeland security committee, what action would we want them to take? Specifically, how would their action relate or not relate to HR 2160? I notice the bill states ARRL has formal agreements ". . . with disaster relief agencies, including the American National Red Cross . . ." Unless I was sleeping at the switch, I believe this remains unfortunately incorrect. What is the likelihood the inclusion of ANRC could prove embarrassing to us? Tnx, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)zoomtown.com; Tel. 459-1661 Jim Weaver, K8JE 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)zoomtown.com; Tel. 459-1661 ________________________________ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 11:58 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage Here's the relevant excerpt from the Congressional Record on yesterday's passage of S.1755 in the Senate. Dave <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?r111:./temp/~r111MMBl2k> * * AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009 -- (Senate - December 14, 2009) [Page: S13201] --- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 224, S. 1755. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 1755) to direct the Department of Homeland Security to undertake a study on emergency communications. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the bill be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 1755) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows: S. 1755 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Nearly 700,000 amateurs radio operators in the United States are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service. (2) Amateur Radio Service operators provide, 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. (3) Emergency and disaster relief communications services by volunteer Amateur Radio Service operators have consistently and reliably been provided before, during, and after floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, earthquakes, blizzards, train accidents, chemical spills and other disasters. These communications services include services in connection with significant examples, such as-- (A) hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Hugo, and Andrew; (B) the relief effort at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon following the 2001 terrorist attacks; and (C) the Oklahoma City bombing in April 1995. (4) 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. (5) 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.''. (6) 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. (7) Amateur Radio Service, at no cost to taxpayers, provides a fertile ground for technical self-training in modern telecommunications, electronic technology, and emergency communications techniques and protocols. (8) 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. SEC. 3. STUDY OF ENHANCED USES OF AMATEUR RADIO IN EMERGENCY AND DISASTER RELIEF COMMUNICATION AND FOR RELIEF OF RESTRICTIONS. (a) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall-- (1) undertake a study on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief; and (2) submit a report on the findings of the Secretary to Congress. (b) Scope of the Study.--The study required by this section shall-- (1) 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-- (A) enhancements in the voluntary deployment of amateur radio licensees in disaster and emergency communications and disaster relief efforts; and (B) improved integration of amateur radio operators in planning and furtherance of the Department of Homeland Security initiatives; and (2)(A) 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 (B) make recommendations regarding such impediments for consideration by other Federal departments, agencies, and Congress. (c) Use of Expertise and Information.--In conducting the study required by this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and organizations, including the amateur radio, emergency response, and disaster communications communities. END

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RE: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage
by k8je 15 Dec '09

15 Dec '09

Dave, This is great news, of course. Congratulations to all involved. Please educate me on the following step(s). Provided the bill is referred to the House homeland security committee, what action would we want them to take? Specifically, how would their action relate or not relate to HR 2160? I notice the bill states ARRL has formal agreements ". . . with disaster relief agencies, including the American National Red Cross . . ." Unless I was sleeping at the switch, I believe this remains unfortunately incorrect. What is the likelihood the inclusion of ANRC could prove embarrassing to us? Tnx, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)zoomtown.com; Tel. 459-1661 Jim Weaver, K8JE 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)zoomtown.com; Tel. 459-1661 _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 11:58 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage Here's the relevant excerpt from the Congressional Record on yesterday's passage of S.1755 in the Senate. Dave <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?r111:./temp/~r111MMBl2k> * * AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009 -- (Senate - December 14, 2009) [Page: S13201] --- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 224, S. 1755. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 1755) to direct the Department of Homeland Security to undertake a study on emergency communications. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the bill be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 1755) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows: S. 1755 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Nearly 700,000 amateurs radio operators in the United States are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service. (2) Amateur Radio Service operators provide, 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. (3) Emergency and disaster relief communications services by volunteer Amateur Radio Service operators have consistently and reliably been provided before, during, and after floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, earthquakes, blizzards, train accidents, chemical spills and other disasters. These communications services include services in connection with significant examples, such as-- (A) hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Hugo, and Andrew; (B) the relief effort at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon following the 2001 terrorist attacks; and (C) the Oklahoma City bombing in April 1995. (4) 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. (5) 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.''. (6) 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. (7) Amateur Radio Service, at no cost to taxpayers, provides a fertile ground for technical self-training in modern telecommunications, electronic technology, and emergency communications techniques and protocols. (8) 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. SEC. 3. STUDY OF ENHANCED USES OF AMATEUR RADIO IN EMERGENCY AND DISASTER RELIEF COMMUNICATION AND FOR RELIEF OF RESTRICTIONS. (a) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall-- (1) undertake a study on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief; and (2) submit a report on the findings of the Secretary to Congress. (b) Scope of the Study.--The study required by this section shall-- (1) 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-- (A) enhancements in the voluntary deployment of amateur radio licensees in disaster and emergency communications and disaster relief efforts; and (B) improved integration of amateur radio operators in planning and furtherance of the Department of Homeland Security initiatives; and (2)(A) 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 (B) make recommendations regarding such impediments for consideration by other Federal departments, agencies, and Congress. (c) Use of Expertise and Information.--In conducting the study required by this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and organizations, including the amateur radio, emergency response, and disaster communications communities. END

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[arrl-odv:18322] S.1755 Passage
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 15 Dec '09

15 Dec '09

Here's the relevant excerpt from the Congressional Record on yesterday's passage of S.1755 in the Senate. Dave <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?r111:./temp/~r111MMBl2k> * * AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009 -- (Senate - December 14, 2009) [Page: S13201] --- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 224, S. 1755. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 1755) to direct the Department of Homeland Security to undertake a study on emergency communications. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the bill be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 1755) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows: S. 1755 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Nearly 700,000 amateurs radio operators in the United States are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service. (2) Amateur Radio Service operators provide, 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. (3) Emergency and disaster relief communications services by volunteer Amateur Radio Service operators have consistently and reliably been provided before, during, and after floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, earthquakes, blizzards, train accidents, chemical spills and other disasters. These communications services include services in connection with significant examples, such as-- (A) hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Hugo, and Andrew; (B) the relief effort at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon following the 2001 terrorist attacks; and (C) the Oklahoma City bombing in April 1995. (4) 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. (5) 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.''. (6) 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. (7) Amateur Radio Service, at no cost to taxpayers, provides a fertile ground for technical self-training in modern telecommunications, electronic technology, and emergency communications techniques and protocols. (8) 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. SEC. 3. STUDY OF ENHANCED USES OF AMATEUR RADIO IN EMERGENCY AND DISASTER RELIEF COMMUNICATION AND FOR RELIEF OF RESTRICTIONS. (a) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall-- (1) undertake a study on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief; and (2) submit a report on the findings of the Secretary to Congress. (b) Scope of the Study.--The study required by this section shall-- (1) 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-- (A) enhancements in the voluntary deployment of amateur radio licensees in disaster and emergency communications and disaster relief efforts; and (B) improved integration of amateur radio operators in planning and furtherance of the Department of Homeland Security initiatives; and (2)(A) 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 (B) make recommendations regarding such impediments for consideration by other Federal departments, agencies, and Congress. (c) Use of Expertise and Information.--In conducting the study required by this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and organizations, including the amateur radio, emergency response, and disaster communications communities. END

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[arrl-odv:18321] S. 1755 passes the Senate
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 15 Dec '09

15 Dec '09

I am pleased to report that we received word a few minutes ago that S. 1755 has passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Our effort now shifts toward having the Senate bill referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security rather than to the Energy and Commerce Committee. There's no grassroots effort required for this - it's essentially parliamentary. We'll keep you posted. Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:18320] Emergency Preparedness & Response Manager
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 15 Dec '09

15 Dec '09

Just to bring everyone up to date on the status of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Manager vacancy: The vacancy developed unexpectedly and suddenly, but it has given us the opportunity to review the position description and qualifications prior to initiating a search. Harold Kramer, Dave Patton and I went over them yesterday afternoon and decided that we would like to get input from the members of the Emergency Communications Subcommittee of P&SC. The draft revised position description and qualifications will go to the subcommittee members shortly. Our HR policy calls for the posting of vacancies internally before advertising them externally. Our objective is to have the internal posting done before Christmas and to begin external solicitation right after Christmas. 73, Dave Sumner, K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:18319] Re: Land mobile narrowbanding
by Chris Imlay 14 Dec '09

14 Dec '09

This is indeed an interesting summary of upcoming deadlines for land mobile narrowbanding. These same bandwidths apply to broadcast auxiliary equipment, with some differences (narrowband channel stacking being the main one) and to some Federal government radio equipment. However, it should be noted for those planning or considering Amateur narrowbanding that the FCC first started talking about this narrowbanding plan, first from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz as an interim step and then ultimately to 6.25 kHz, back in 1992! And there is still a petition on file to delay even the 12.5 kHz narrobanding deadline for manufacturers filed by NPSTC (on whose board we have a seat). There is still no 6.25 kHz conversion deadline for licensees. So, if the land mobile service is to be used as a model for Amateur narrowband planning, the Amateur planners might consider a timetable that takes into account the resistance of the incumbents to changes in the status quo; the useful life of wideband equipment; and the cost of multimode equipment during any phased-in transition. I have the background documentation all assembled here for anyone who cares to review the sausagemaking that went into this. It wasn't always good sausage.... 73, Chris W3KD Christopher D. Imlay Booth, Freret, Imlay & Tepper. P.C. 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 telephone (301) 384-6384 facsimile W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG -----Original Message----- From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ <dsumner(a)arrl.org> To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Mon, Dec 14, 2009 2:07 pm Subject: [arrl-odv:18317] Land mobile narrowbanding At Minute 29 of the July Board Meeting a resolution was adopted creating a study committee “for the purpose of research and to consider developing a plan to move the US amateur community to narrowband channel spacing.” The resolution was premised in part upon the FCC mandate for narrowbanding in commercial two-way radio services. Attached is an FCC Public Notice explaining narrowbanding as it applies to Industrial/Business and Public Safety Radio Pool licensees. Of course, these rules do not apply to the Amateur Radio Service but it may be helpful to know about them. 73, Dave K1ZZ <<DA-09-2589A1.pdf>>

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[arrl-odv:18317] Land mobile narrowbanding
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 14 Dec '09

14 Dec '09

At Minute 29 of the July Board Meeting a resolution was adopted creating a study committee "for the purpose of research and to consider developing a plan to move the US amateur community to narrowband channel spacing." The resolution was premised in part upon the FCC mandate for narrowbanding in commercial two-way radio services. Attached is an FCC Public Notice explaining narrowbanding as it applies to Industrial/Business and Public Safety Radio Pool licensees. Of course, these rules do not apply to the Amateur Radio Service but it may be helpful to know about them. 73, Dave K1ZZ <<DA-09-2589A1.pdf>>

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Board Reports Due Date
by Joel Harrison 14 Dec '09

14 Dec '09

If you are responsible for a report to the Board at our 2010 Annual Meeting, please have those reports completed and submitted by January 10, 2010. 73 Joel W5ZN

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[arrl-odv:18316] S 1755 Committe Report Available
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 14 Dec '09

14 Dec '09

S. 1755 is on the Senate Calendar for consideration on Unanimous Consent. We have our fingers crossed. Here is the committee report. Dave Senate Report 111-105 - AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009 Full Display Related Information PDF <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cp2gpo.script/http:/frwebgate.access.gpo. gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_reports&docid=f:sr105.111.pdf> Printer Friendly Display <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/T?&report=sr105&dbname=111&> Bill Summary and Status <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:S.1755:> Full Text of Bill <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1755:> 89-010 2009 111TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION SENATE Report 111-105 Calendar No. 224 AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009 R E P O R T of the COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS UNITED STATES SENATE to accompany S. 1755 TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS [Graphic image not available] DECEMBER 10, 2009- Ordered to be printed COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS JOSEPH I. LIEBERMAN, Connecticut, Chairman CARL LEVIN, Michigan DANIEL K. AKAKA, Hawaii THOMAS R. CARPER, Delaware MARK L. PRYOR, Arkansas MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana CLAIRE MCCASKILL, Missouri JON TESTER, Montana ROLAND W. BURRIS, Illinois PAUL G. KIRK, JR., Massachusetts SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine TOM COBURN, Oklahoma JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona GEORGE V. VOINOVICH, Ohio JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina ROBERT F. BENNETT, Utah MICHAEL L. ALEXANDER, STAFF DIRECTOR KEVIN J. LANDY, CHIEF COUNSEL SEAMUS A. HUGHES, PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER BRANDON L. MILHORN, MINORITY STAFF DIRECTOR AND CHIEF COUNSEL ADAM J. KILLIAN, MINORITY PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER TRINA DRIESSNACK TYRER, CHIEF CLERK Calendar No. 224 111th Congress SENATE Report 1st Session 111-105 --AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009 December 10, 2009- Ordered to be printed Mr. LIEBERMAN, from the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, submitted the following R E P O R T [To accompany S. 1755] The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, to which was referred the bill (S. 1755) to direct the Department of Homeland Security to undertake a study on emergency communications, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon without amendment and recommends that the bill do pass. CONTENTS Page I. Purpose and Summary 1 II. Background and Need for the Legislation 1 III. Legislative History 2 IV. Section-by-Section Analysis 2 V. Evaluation of Regulatory Impact 3 VI. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate 3 I. PURPOSE AND SUMMARY S. 1755 seeks to determine how to harness the ability of the hundreds of thousands of American amateur radio operators who comprise the Amateur Radio Service to offer organized and orderly help to the government in times of emergency. It does so by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to study, write a report on, and make recommendations with respect to the uses and capabilities of the Amateur Radio Service. II. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION Nearly 700,000 U.S. residents have licenses to operate amateur radios. Anyone seeking to use amateur radios in the United States must receive a license to do so from the Federal Communications Commission; licensees thereby become part of the Amateur Radio Service. These operators play a vital role in communications during natural disasters and other emergencies when traditional phone lines may not function and cell phone services and other devices become overwhelmed. Volunteer radio operators provided these services during hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Hugo, and Andrew, during the relief effort at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon following the 2001 terrorist attacks, and during the Oklahoma City bombing in April 1995. These services provided invaluable assistance on these and other occasions. The study commissioned by this bill will serve to further examine the utility of strengthening and expanding the capabilities of these operators for future emergencies. III. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY On October 6, 2009, Senators Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins introduced S. 1755, which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The Committee favorably reported the bill by a voice vote on November 4, 2009. Members present for the vote on the bill were Senators Lieberman, Levin, Akaka, Carper, Pryor, Landrieu, Burris, Collins, and Bennett. IV. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS Section 1. Short title Section 1 designates the name of the act as the `Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009.' Section 2. Findings Section 2 states Congress' findings regarding the value of services provided by amateur radio service operators. Section 3. Study of enhanced uses of amateur radio in emergency and disaster relief communication and for relief of restrictions Subsection (a) requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to undertake a study examining the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief and submit a report to Congress on the findings of the study within 180 days of enactment of this act. Subsection (b) provides that the study shall include a review of the extent to which amateur radio emergency communications can support homeland security missions relating to disasters, severe weather, and other threats to lives and property in the United States. The report must also provide recommendations for enhancements in the voluntary deployment of amateur radio licensees in relief efforts and improved integration of amateur radio operators in planning and furtherance of homeland security initiatives. The recommendations should also identify impediments to Amateur Radio Service communications and make recommendations regarding such impediments for consideration by other Federal departments, agencies, and Congress. Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and organizations for the purposes of conducting this study. V. EVALUATION OF REGULATORY IMPACT Pursuant to the requirements of paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee has considered the regulatory impact of this bill. The Congressional Budget Office states that the bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not effect state, local, and tribal governments. The enactment of this legislation will not have significant regulatory impact. VI. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE November 6, 2009. Hon. Joseph I. Lieberman, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 1755, the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Daniel Hoople. Sincerely, Douglas W. Elmendorf, Director. Enclosure. S. 1755--Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 CBO estimates that implementing S. 1755 would have no significant cost over the next five years. Enacting this legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues. S. 1755 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. The bill would direct the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a study on the uses and capabilities of the Amateur Radio Service during and after a disaster or emergency. The study would be completed within 180 days of enactment of this legislation. Based on the costs of similar studies, CBO estimates that implementing S. 1755 would cost less than $500,000, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. The Amateur Radio Service is a voluntary organization made up of qualified people with a nonmonetary interest in radio. Amateur radio operators are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission based on skill and knowledge. Licensed operators may use a number of small, shared frequency bands to communicate through voice, teleprinting, telegraphy, facsimile, and television. During emergencies, amateur radio operators provide alerts and other communications in place of and in tandem with federal, state, and local government agencies and private relief organizations, such as the American Red Cross. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Daniel Hoople. This estimate was approved by Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/R?cp111:FLD010:@1(sr105)

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