Trevor Hawkins M5AKA

A US Senate version of the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005 has been introduced with bipartisan support in the 109th Congress.

Sen Michael Crapo of Idaho sponsored the measure,
S 1236,on June 14. The wording of the bill is identical to the House version, HR 691, introduced earlier this year by Rep Michael Bilirakis of Florida. Joining Crapo as cosponsors of the Senate bill were Senators Christopher Bond of Missouri, Max Baucus and Conrad Burns of Montana, and Daniel Akaka of Hawaii. The bill has been referred to the US Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee of which Burns is a member. ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said the League is pleased that Crapo has agreed to once again
sponsor this legislation at ARRL's urging.

"We are grateful for Sen Crapo's demonstration of support by introducing the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005," Sumner said. "His sponsorship of this bill shows his appreciation for the value and utility of Amateur Radio to the US public, especially in times of emergency."

Like previous versions of the proposal, the House and Senate measures would require the FCC to provide "equivalent replacement spectrum" to the Amateur Radio and Amateur-Satellite services in the event of reallocation to other services of primary amateur spectrum or the diminution of secondary amateur spectrum. The bill also would cover additional allocations within Amateur Radio bands that "would substantially reduce" their utility to Amateur Service licensees.

In a letter this week, ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, also thanked Crapo continued support for the Spectrum Protection Act. "As
you know, this legislation is vital for ensuring that the Amateur Radio Service, the only 100 percent fail-safe emergency
communication capability, remains a viable public safety option," Haynie said. "The ARRL looks forward to working with you on
successfully passing this legislation during the 109th Congress," he said.

The legislation references Amateur Radio's role in providing "voluntary, noncommercial radio service, particularly emergency communications," and it points out that hams have "consistently and reliably" provided communication support in the event of emergencies and disasters including tornadoes and hurricanes, chemical spills,
forest fires and rail accidents. As the measure notes, FCC actions already have led to the loss of at least 107 MHz of spectrum to radio amateurs.

Efforts will continue--now in both chambers of Congress--to attract additional cosponsors for S 1236 and HR 691. The League encourages its members to urge their congressional representatives and senators
to sign aboard. There's more information on the ARRL Web site at,
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/06/17/5/

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