[InHam] INARRL BULLETIN 024-2003

[Brian Murrey - KB9BVN]

INARRL BULLETIN 024-2003
14:05:00 EST 06/11/2003 de KB9BVN

RE:Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act

June 11, 2003 - Today in Washington DC, ARRL President Jim Haynie,
W5JBP, testifed on behalf of House Resolution 713 "Amateur Radio
Spectrum Protection Act".

If approved, the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act would amend the
Communications Act to require the FCC to provide "equivalent
replacement spectrum" to Amateur Radio if the FCC reallocates primary
amateur allocations, reduces any secondary amateur allocations, or
makes additional allocations within such bands that would
substantially reduce their utility to amateurs.

Haynie has said he's looking forward to the opportunity to state the
League's case. Haynie's appearance in support of the legislation is
considered critical to enhancing the measure's credibility, and it
marks a major step toward getting HR 713 through Congress this year.

The most recent cosponsors to sign aboard HR 713 include
representatives Sam Farr (D-CA), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Sheila
Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Steve Israel (D-NY), Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), Clay
Shaw Jr (R-FL), John Duncan Jr (R-TN), Dennis Rehberg (R-MT), David
Price (D-NC), Gary Miller (R-CA) and Bart Stupak (D-MI).  Indiana
Representatives appear to be missing from the list of co-sponsors.

HR 713 is sponsored by Florida Republican Michael Bilirakis, a
subcommittee member. Idaho Republican Michael Crapo has introduced an
identical version of the legislation, S 537, in the US Senate.

Haynie continues to encourage ARRL members to urge their senators and
representatives and to cosponsor the bills.

A sample letter is available on the ARRL Web site. Those writing their
lawmakers are asked to copy their correspondence to the League via
e-mail.

Sample Letter:  http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/arspa.html#sample



========================================
Brian Murrey - KB9BVN
KB9BVN@arrl.net
Indiana Section Bulletin Manager
(317)535-9887
========================================