[QCWA] HR-607 Update & CQ Magazine Article

[Val Erwin]

Good Day QCWA Members:
 
Have you been keeping track of HR-607? Have you sent your letter to help preserve the 70cm ham band?  If you are at a loss about what I am referring to, I encourage you to go to the QCWA Website at: www.qcwa.org.
 
When the QCWA Website comes up, I direct your attention to the red outlined banner at the top of the first page. Please click on "Take Action Here" and read the entire text and  take the appropriate action as requested. 
 
So what's new?.....
 
1. .HR-607 continues to be a threat until we see documented evidence otherwise out of Representative Peter King's (R-NY) office. Therefore, it would be prudent to generate a letter as the QCWA Website instructs.
 
2. On Tuesday, I received the July issue of CQ Magazine. Please read the excellent editorial on Page 8 by Rich Moseson, W2VU about HR-607 entitled: "HR-607: A Threat Beyond Ham Radio". The editorial takes a slightly different but more accurate look at HR-607.
 
3. Don't receive CQ Magazine? As a result of the Rich Moseson, W2VU editorial, Richard A. Ross, K2MGA, CQ Editor, wrote a letter to Representative Peter King with a CQ-slant on HR-607. You may view the contents of that letter by going to:    
 
http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/cq_highlights/2011_cq/07_2011_cq/0711_cq_peter_king_letter.pdf
 
NOTE: You will not be able to read the CQ Magazine W2VU editorial; only the Ross letter, unless you are a subscriber.
 
 
Does HR-607 have competition on Capitol Hill?
 
Yes, Senator Joe Lieberman and John McCain introduced  a much more ham-friendly version of the bill. It was introduced  as "S -140.....Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011".  Unlike Peter King's HR-607 bill, it does not threaten the ham 70 cm spectrum nor does it call for the auctioning-off action. Where S-140 is similar is that it also calls for the use of the "D-Block" of spectrum to be utilized for the public safety broadband network.
 
Thus, should you contact your government representative, it is urgent that you do not get the two bills confused! Again, for clarification, S-140, as currently written is not a threat to ham radio. But, HR-607, as currently written,  presents a threat to 70 cm. Simply remember: "HR-607, bad dog"............"S-140, good dog"!!
 
Thanks for your assistance in continuing to ensure the presence of our great hobby!

Reminder: If you did not directly receive this on your computer via the QCWA Reflector, you need to sign up. The QCWA Website will help you do that! Learn what other QCWA Members are up to!
 
 
Best regards,
 
 
Val L. Erwin, W5PUT
QCWA Natl' Director
External Relations Committee