I strongly suggest the board give serious consideration to formally supporting this. 73 Joel W5ZN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Julia Wanzco (Snowe) December 8, 2009 202.224.1304 Kevin Hall (Warner) 202.224.2425 Snowe, Warner Announce Bill to Boost Technical Resources for FCC WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) today announced bipartisan legislation to bolster access to technical resources for the Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Snowe-Warner initiative will update current law to allow each Commissioner to hire an additional staff member-an electrical engineer or computer scientist -to provide in-depth technical consultation. "Given the rapid advancement of technologies and innovation within the telecommunications industry, it is essential that Commissioners have in-house technical expertise to make well informed regulatory decisions," said Senator Snowe , a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee , which has jurisdiction over the legislation. "This legislation is a common-sense initiative that will guarantee each Commissioner has a technical expert on staff to provide detailed analysis on some of the most cutting-edge issues affecting the communications industry today." "Easing restrictions on the number of experts a commissioner can hire will provide the FCC with more tools and information it needs to decisions," said Senator Warner . "This will give commissioners access to the best information possible, from all relevant disciplines, and in a timely manner - which is critical in making well-informed decisions." Under current law, each Commissioner is permitted to appoint only three professional assistants and a secretary. Historically, these professional assistants have been legal advisors covering the wireline, wireless, and cable/media sectors. The Snowe-Warner bill complements this structure by ensuring Commissioners have access to expertise involving the technical aspect of the issues, which is fundamental to developing sound regulatory policy related to the nation's communications industry. ###