[MIham] Legislative Request
FSK
FSK" <[email protected]
Thu, 11 Dec 2003 06:48:09 -0500
The enclosed document is from the Division Director and Vice Director.
Please share this with your club members.
Thank you.
Sandy Mondro, KG8HM
Affiliated Clubs Coordinator
ARRL, Michigan Section
TO ALL GREAT LAKES DIVISION ARRL AFFILIATED CLUBS
December 9, 2003
SPECIAL CLUB PROGRAMS - A CALL FOR ACTION
Is you amateur radio club looking for a meeting program that will be more
beneficial to amateur radio than anything else you can do?
The Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act, known as House Bill HR 713 and
Senate Bill S 537, is legislation now being considered and we can do more to
help amateur radio than anything we have done in the past. Our very
existence is at stake!
Many members of Congress will not consider co-sponsorship of comparatively
small, technical bills like HR 713/ S 537 without concrete evidence of
support from their own constituents. So if you'd like to help Amateur Radio
make a statement on The Hill, consider getting together with your members at
an upcoming special meeting of your club to send a letter, or even a QSL
Card to your legislators. Yes, I said Special Meeting, because time is
running short! Our legislators are going on Holiday recess and there is
no better time than now to get this done. You may even set up a personal
meeting with your legislator while they are in their home office for the
Holiday Recess.
This is so very important to the amateur radio service that I would suggest
making this a part of your Holiday Party Meetings. It takes very little time
if you prepare in advance by having addresses ready for your members to use.
Please read the following hints from the firm that is lobbying these bills
for ARRL. They are professionals and they know the ropes. Please read and
follow their suggestions.
Another thought for a meeting that will help is to invite your legislator to
attend your club meeting and ask for their support as a co sponsor. To those
of you that have legislators that are co sponsors, take a moment to send
them a note to thank them for their support.
It is the numbers that count and will make a difference, the more mail the
better.
Please forgive the length of this document. I have also included sample
letters (boiler plate) that can be used as a guide as well as a list of the
sponsors and co sponsors and the latest news on the bills.
ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JPB testified on Capitol Hill, this Summer, on
the importance of this bill to protect amateur radio. Please heed this call
for action and get our members mobilized to protect our valuable spectrum.
Nothing is more important at this time. While your at it you may want to
remind everyone of the importance of ARRL Membership and support of the
Spectrum Defense Fund. We need your help.
Happy Holidays to all.
73, Dick Mondro, W8FQT
Vice Director, ARRL Great Lakes Division
Why You Should Contact Your Member of Congress
Elected officials view their constituents as "resources" and want to hear
from them. They need input from their constituents to gauge positions on a
piece of legislation and determine how it will impact their district. It
also assists in how a legislator will vote on an issue.
As a licensed Amateur Radio operator, you can provide a valuable resource to
your member of Congress. The insight you offer as to why a particular piece
of legislation may affect hams could be the difference in whether or not the
Member will support Amateur Radio. Members of Congress do not have
sufficient resources to allow for a full understanding of every issue that
comes before them. Although they rely on staff that are tasked with
monitoring specific issues, such as telecommunications, each legislative
assistant has a varying degree of knowledge of these issue areas. More
often than not, their knowledge of Amateur Radio is fairly limited.
Therefore, your combination of being a constituent and a federally licensed
operator can help make the difference in ensuring that your Member of
Congress and his staff receives the balanced information they
need to make good decisions on Amateur Radio related legislation.
Who Represents You in Congress?
Before you begin contacting Congress, you need to understand how Congress is
set-up and who exactly your congressional representatives are.
Congress is composed of two bodies, the House of Representatives and the
Senate. Every American is represented by one member of the House of
Representatives and two Senators. Members of the "House," as the House of
Representatives is commonly known are also sometimes called Congressmen or
Congresswomen - the term is synonymous with Representative.
Congressmen represent all of the people who reside in a distinct area within
a state, known as a congressional district. Most congressional districts
usually comprise about 650,000 citizens. In some states, where the
population is smaller, there may be only one Congressman for the entire
state.
How do I find my Representative and Senators?
If you are unsure of whom your elected officials are, the easiest way to
find this out is by using the Internet.
Senators - http://www.senate.gov
By logging on to this site, you will be given the option of immediately
finding your
Senators by clicking on the state name where you live. Contact information
will be provided for you for both offices.
Representatives - http://www.house.gov/writerep
Once this site has loaded, you will be asked to enter your state and zip
code. Information regarding who your member of Congress is will then
appear. In some instances, two or more Representatives may serve a single
zip code. Therefore, it may be necessary to enter your 4 digit zip code
extension as well. If you do not know this extension, follow the links to
the U.S. Post Service's "Zip Code Look Up." By entering your full address,
the full 9 digit zip code will be provided. You can then return back to the
congressional website to enter the additional information.
If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call Congress's
Legislative Information Service at 202-225-1772. You are also welcome to
call the ARRL Headquarters for assistance.
Who Should You Contact?
In most cases you should only contact your own Representative and Senators.
They are the officials who have been elected to serve you in Congress. If
you attempt to contact those members of Congress who are outside of your
congressional district or state it is likely your comments or questions will
be disregarded.
Get to Know Your Member of Congress
Now that you know who your Representative and Senators are, you should take
a few minutes to learn a little bit about them. The quickest and easiest
way to find out about each member is by reviewing their congressional web
page. If you use the tools above, click on the official's name, then click
on BIOGRAPHY on the left side of the page that comes up.
Before contacting a Member of Congress, you should know where he or she
stands on an issue. Member's web pages usually provide an extensive amount
of information on their personal and professional background, issues of
significant interest to them, or legislative priorities taking place on
Capitol Hill at the moment. More than likely you will not find much if any
information related to amateur radio specifically. However, there are some
points to look out for which might be helpful in getting them to focus on
your amateur radio related requests and questions.
� Read through the Member's bio. Although you are probably not going to
find that your Representative or Senator is an amateur licensee, you may
come across an interesting piece of information that you can tie into
amateur radio. For example, if the member is active in public safety
issues, he or she might have an interest in amateur radio's role in
emergency communications.
� Take note as to what committees and subcommittees your Representative
and Senators serve on. Some members tend to focus more intently on issues
which are pending before committees and subcommittees they serve on. Those
that relate directly to amateur radio are:
� Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee
Senate Communications Subcommittee
� House Energy and Commerce Committee
House Telecommunications and Internet
Subcommittee
If you find that your Representative or Senators serve on these committees,
you may find that they are more interested and knowledgeable in
communications issues such as amateur radio.
Contact Congress!!
Now that you know who your Members of Congress are, take the next step and
make contact with them.
We will now examine the ways in which you can effectively communicate your
messages and requests with the people on Capitol Hill.
Letters and E-mails
Many people question whether there is a difference between a letter and an
e-mail to a Member of Congress. The answer is no and yes. Both are treated
equally as they come into the office. Postal mail is opened, scanned to
identify an issue and then forwarded to the appropriate legislative staff.
E-mails move through a similar manner. The difference
comes in timeliness. Due to security procedures, an e-mail may arrive at
its intended recipient a bit quicker.
The Basics
� Remember your address !!! You too E-mailers!
The most important, yet often most overlooked, aspect of a written
correspondence to
a Member of Congress (especially e-mails!) is including your mailing
address. Without this incredibly important piece of information, your
Member of Congress, or more likely his staff, will immediately stop reading
and file it in the trash bin. With so many contrived and mass mailings these
days, legislative staff only have time to address letters and e-mails that
are certain to have come from their district.
The Content
� Be brief, but not too brief
Try to be brief and organized in your letter or email. You should state the
issue you are
writing about early in the correspondence. If you are referring to a
specific
bill, use the correct name and bill number. Remember to address only one
issue
per correspondence.
� Let them know your credentials
Be sure to tell the Member of Congress that you have been licensed by the
federal
government as an Amateur Radio operator. It will add some additional
credibility
to any technical aspects you may bring up in your letter. There is no need
to provide
an extensive resume of all of your Amateur Radio activities, such as your
Extra Class license and ARES activities, unless it is directly related to
the matter at hand. Remember-be brief.
� Let them know you are a part of a larger group
Be sure to mention that you are a member of the ARRL. It is important for
Members of Congress to know that you are part of a larger group that has an
interest in the issue.
� Be original
Members of Congress are impressed by large volumes of mail from their
constituents on a particular issue. However, they are decidedly not
impressed by 300 copies of the identical letter. If you choose to use a
sample letter, be sure to take just a few minutes to personalize it in some
way. Members of Congress and their staff recognize the time and energy spent
writing thoughtful letters. It sends a signal that the constituent really
cares about the issue.
What about QSL Cards?
QSL Cards are a unique aspect of Amateur Radio. They provide a very
personal connection to the sender. Since almost all hams have them readily
available, they make an attractive choice for sending a correspond acne
through the mail. Remember though, you need to put more than just "Support
H.R. XXXX" on the card if you want it considered seriously. Even though
they are unique and stand out, you need to convey serious interest in a
topic for a Member of Congress or their staff to listen to you. With that
being said, if you have trouble writing small, you may want to consider a
letter or an email.
Share What You Learn - Keep the ARRL Informed
Whenever you make a contact with a Member of Congress or their staff, be
sure to keep the ARRL informed. As legislative issues begin to move on
Capitol Hill, information will be provided to you as to how to best
communicate with your contacts. By copying your letters and emails to ARRL
HQ, we can ensure that the correct staff receives your correspondences in a
timely manner. Please send a copy of your correspondence to Great Lakes
Director Jim Weaver [email protected] and myself [email protected] so we may keep
track of our efforts.
SAMPLE CONSTITUENT LETTER
(Change title and designation of Bill number )
Sen. _____________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Sen. _________,
As a one of your constituents I would like to urge your support for S. 537,
the "Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act." With __________ federally
licensed amateur radio operators in the state; we hope you will give strong
consideration to co-sponsoring this bill.
I think that you and your staff will find that S. 537 is extremely important
to not only the amateur radio community, but the nation as a whole. Amateur
radio is the only 100% reliable emergency communication capability. We have
played vital roles in providing communications during natural disasters such
as the wildfires which have plagued the Western U.S. in recent summers, and
unfortunately, man made disasters such as 9/11 and the recovery effort for
the Space Shuttle Columbia. S. 537 will ensure that amateur radio operators
will continue to have the spectrum they need to play an important role in
America's emergency communications service.
(PARAGRAPH ON STATE/LOCAL SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES - use some personal anecdotes
as well)
Please let me know if you can help in this request or if I can provide you
or your staff with any additional information.
Sincerely,
NOTE: Use the above sample letter to send to Representatives as well.
Change the number of the bill (S. 537) which appears three times to HR 713
each appearance. Also change the inside address to indicate Mr._____ or The
honorable _____ instead of Senator.
"SAMPLE BACKGROUND MATERIAL"
The "Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act"
What it does: The Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2003, amends the
Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission
to provide equivalent replacement spectrum if it makes any reallocations of
Amateur Radio Service radio frequency allocations.
Why: To ensure that the Amateur Radio Service, the only 100% failsafe
emergency communication capability, remains a viable public safety option.
Background: As the nation's telecommunication infrastructure grows more
complex and vulnerable to disruption, Amateur Radio remains an important
emergency communications resource. Many new technological developments trace
their roots to Amateur Radio experimenters. Even so, during the 1980s,
Amateur Radio lost at least 107 MHz to commercial reallocation. Now, another
168 MHz are thought to be at risk. Continued spectrum losses are not in the
national interest. This bill would help stem these losses.
Financial impact: Undetermined, but probably insignificant. The bill would
not restrict the FCC from making necessary reallocations, would not impose
any undue burdens on existing users nor government agencies, nor impose any
unreasonable conditions on existing FCC operations.
Support: This bill is non-partisan and non-controversial. So far it has not
encountered any opposition from industry or government.
Original Sponsors: House Bill - H.R. 713
Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) 2/12/03
Staff contact: Rebecca Hyder 225-5755
H.R.713
Title: To ensure the availability of spectrum to amateur radio operators.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Michael [FL-9] (introduced 2/12/2003)
Cosponsors: 74
Latest Major Action: 2/26/2003 Referred to House subcommittee. Status:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
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COSPONSORS(74), ALPHABETICAL
Rep Abercrombie, Neil - 7/14/2003 [HI-1]
Rep Acevedo-Vila, Anibal - 11/19/2003 [PR]
Rep Baird, Brian - 11/21/2003 [WA-3]
Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. - 5/20/2003 [MD-6]
Rep Berry, Marion - 10/29/2003 [AR-1]
Rep Boehlert, Sherwood L. - 6/17/2003 [NY-24]
Rep Bonner, Jo - 9/3/2003 [AL-1]
Rep Boozman, John - 2/13/2003 [AR-3]
Rep Boucher, Rick - 6/12/2003 [VA-9]
Rep Brown, Sherrod - 11/4/2003 [OH-13]
Rep Calvert, Ken - 7/8/2003 [CA-44]
Rep Case, Ed - 10/30/2003 [HI-2]
Rep Cubin, Barbara - 3/13/2003 [WY]
Rep Doolittle, John T. - 7/8/2003 [CA-4]
Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. - 5/21/2003 [TN-2]
Rep Farr, Sam - 5/9/2003 [CA-17]
Rep Filner, Bob - 11/19/2003 [CA-51]
Rep Frank, Barney - 9/23/2003 [MA-4]
Rep Frelinghuysen, Rodney P. - 10/20/2003 [NJ-11]
Rep Garrett, Scott - 3/26/2003 [NJ-5]
Rep Gillmor, Paul E. - 6/9/2003 [OH-5]
Rep Gutknecht, Gil - 11/19/2003 [MN-1]
Rep Hall, Ralph M. - 11/7/2003 [TX-4]
Rep Hastings, Doc - 10/29/2003 [WA-4]
Rep Hayworth, J. D. - 6/5/2003 [AZ-5]
Rep Hoekstra, Peter - 10/30/2003 [MI-2]
Rep Honda, Michael M. - 4/9/2003 [CA-15]
Rep Israel, Steve - 5/20/2003 [NY-2]
Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila - 5/19/2003 [TX-18]
Rep Janklow, William J. - 11/7/2003 [SD]
Rep Jones, Stephanie Tubbs - 11/7/2003 [OH-11]
Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. - 4/29/2003 [NC-3]
Rep Kildee, Dale E. - 10/29/2003 [MI-5]
Rep Kilpatrick, Carolyn C. - 10/29/2003 [MI-13]
Rep Lantos, Tom - 10/29/2003 [CA-12]
Rep Leach, James A. - 3/4/2003 [IA-2]
Rep Lofgren, Zoe - 3/25/2003 [CA-16]
Rep Manzullo, Donald A. - 4/3/2003 [IL-16]
Rep McCollum, Betty - 11/21/2003 [MN-4]
Rep McIntyre, Mike - 7/8/2003 [NC-7]
Rep McNulty, Michael R. - 2/27/2003 [NY-21]
Rep Michaud, Michael H. - 4/11/2003 [ME-2]
Rep Miller, Gary G. - 6/4/2003 [CA-42]
Rep Moore, Dennis - 3/25/2003 [KS-3]
Rep Moran, Jerry - 4/29/2003 [KS-1]
Rep Nethercutt, George R., Jr. - 9/3/2003 [WA-5]
Rep Olver, John W. - 4/29/2003 [MA-1]
Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. - 7/14/2003 [NJ-6]
Rep Peterson, John E. - 9/3/2003 [PA-5]
Rep Price, David E. - 6/2/2003 [NC-4]
Rep Ramstad, Jim - 9/16/2003 [MN-3]
Rep Rehberg, Dennis R. - 5/22/2003 [MT]
Rep Rogers, Mike - 10/21/2003 [MI-8]
Rep Ross, Mike - 4/29/2003 [AR-4]
Rep Sessions, Pete - 10/20/2003 [TX-32]
Rep Shaw, E. Clay, Jr. - 5/20/2003 [FL-22]
Rep Simmons, Rob - 10/30/2003 [CT-2]
Rep Spratt, John M., Jr. - 6/16/2003 [SC-5]
Rep Stark, Fortney Pete - 9/30/2003 [CA-13]
Rep Strickland, Ted - 3/13/2003 [OH-6]
Rep Stupak, Bart - 6/4/2003 [MI-1]
Rep Taylor, Charles H. - 3/11/2003 [NC-11]
Rep Terry, Lee - 4/9/2003 [NE-2]
Rep Tiahrt, Todd - 9/25/2003 [KS-4]
Rep Tiberi, Patrick J. - 2/13/2003 [OH-12]
Rep Towns, Edolphus - 5/13/2003 [NY-10]
Rep Turner, Michael R. - 10/29/2003 [OH-3]
Rep Udall, Mark - 11/5/2003 [CO-2]
Rep Walden, Greg - 6/11/2003 [OR-2]
Rep Weldon, Curt - 4/9/2003 [PA-7]
Rep Weldon, Dave - 3/13/2003 [FL-15]
Rep Wexler, Robert - 6/23/2003 [FL-19]
Rep Wilson, Joe - 7/8/2003 [SC-2]
Rep Wynn, Albert Russell - 9/3/2003[MD-4]
Senate Bill - S. 537
Sen. Michael Crapo (R-ID) 3/5/2003
Staff contact: Mike Quickel - 224-6142
S.537
Title: A bill to ensure the availability of spectrum to amateur radio
operators.
Sponsor: Sen Crapo, Michael D. [ID] (introduced 3/5/2003) Cosponsors: 8
Latest Major Action: 3/5/2003 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
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COSPONSORS(8), ALPHABETICAL
Sen Akaka, Daniel K. - 3/5/2003 [HI]
Sen Baucus, Max - 7/7/2003 [MT]
Sen Burns, Conrad R. - 3/31/2003 [MT]
Sen Collins, Susan M. - 6/20/2003 [ME]
Sen Craig, Larry E. - 3/5/2003 [ID]
Sen Dodd, Christopher J. - 9/29/2003 [CT]
Sen Levin, Carl - 9/29/2003 [MI]
Sen Lincoln, Blanche - 7/30/2003 [AR]
STATE INFORMATION as of December 9, 2003
Kentucky has 10,757 licensed amateurs.
Michigan has 25,742 licensed amateurs.
Ohio has 36,466 licensed amateurs.
Great Lakes Div. Has 72,965 licensed amateurs.
Checkout My Place on the Web @ http://www.qsl.net/n8uvi
--... ...-- ..-. .-. .- -. -.- -. ---.. ..- ...- ..
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Give me a firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth.
--Archimedes--
Hey, this is 'Experimental Physics' on a shoe-string: and no chewing gum!