[aprssig] Fwd: Responding to your message - HR607

[John Gorkos]

Fellow hams-

I'd like to share a response I received from my Congressman in regard to an 
email I sent about HR607.  While I'm sure it was composed by a staffer and 
never crossed the Congressman's desk, I'm quite relieved that a) I received 
a response and b) it was well worded, thoughtful, and indicated an awareness 
of both amateur radio and the danger to amateur radio operations that HR607 
poses.  Unfortunately, my local Congressman doesn't sit on any of the 
committees that directly touch this bill, but perhaps this particular staffer 
is buddies with a staffer who knows a guy that has the ear of someone that can 
influence a representitve on one of those committees.

I encourage everyone on the list to visit 
http://homeland.house.gov/about/membership 
and look for the name of your local congresscritter.  The ARRL has a form 
letter you can send them, or you can do what I did and take a few minutes to 
compose a personal letter explaining how much money and time you have invested 
in 440MHz radios, equipment, and networks, and how the loss of spectrum will 
adversely impact your ability to assist first responders and EMA officials when 
it hits the fan.  I think this is a fight worth fighting, and I suspect that, 
while a single email might not have much impact, an email from several hundred 
hams regarding a topic that probably won't get a lot of exposure (vs. health 
care, or military spending, or being opposed to the unionized, subsidized 
group grope you get when you go through TSA security) might have an impact.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled discussions of Linking Digipeaters 
and the lengths of radio cables...

de AB0OO
John Gorkos


Subject: Responding to your message
Date: Friday, March 11, 2011, 09:08:08
From: "Congressman Tom Graves" <ga09TGima at mail.house.gov>
To: jgorkos at gmail.com

March 11, 2011 

Dear Mr. Gorkos, 

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding the Broadband
for First Responders Act of 2011. It is good to hear from you, and I
appreciate the opportunity to respond. 

As you may know, H.R. 607, the Broadband for First Responders Act of
2011, was introduced by Representative Peter King February 20, 2011 and
would amend the Communications Act of 1934. Among other things, this
act would mandate that ten years after the enactment of this
legislation that the spectrum bands of 420-440 megahertz and 450-470
megahertz be auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC).  

Like you, I am concerned about this provision in H.R. 607.  While, I
share the belief that first responders must have an interoperable
network to communicate with, I am concerned that it would come at the
expense of amateur radio operators.  I believe Congress should have a
detailed spectrum inventory before determining who should have more
spectrum and who should have less.  Please be assured, I support the
continued presence of voluntary, non-commercial and emergency radio
services by volunteer radio operators. 

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me
regarding this important matter. Your input helps me to better serve
you in the U.S. House of Representatives. If I can be of any further
service, please let me know.  


Sincerely,
 <http://tomgraves.house.gov/Graves.jpg> 
Tom Graves
Member of Congress