AG29
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 29  ARLB029
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  December 7, 2021
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB029
ARLB029 Senator Blumenthal Supports Amateur Radio at Senate
Confirmation Hearing

Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) received an affirmative reply from
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel when he asked her to commit to
providing his office 'an update on the steps that the FCC is taking
to support amateur radio operators.' The Senator posed the written
question as part of Rosenworcel's renomination hearing conducted by
the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

Blumenthal took note specifically that 'Radio amateurs voluntarily
provide an array of public services, especially emergency and
disaster-related support communications when infrastructure has been
destroyed by a hurricane or similar disaster. Their contributions in
this area are regularly recognized by local and state authorities.'

'ARRL is grateful to Senator Blumenthal for his support and
recognition of radio amateurs,' said ARRL President Rick Roderick,
K5UR. Blumenthal has previously co-sponsored legislation supporting
amateur radio, and his staff was recently briefed by ARRL on pending
amateur radio matters at the FCC. Roderick added, 'We need the
partnership of the FCC and Congress to ensure our rules and spectrum
continue to support the march of technological innovation in our
vibrant Amateur Radio Service.'

Multiple proceedings to update or change the FCC's amateur Part 97
rules to account for changes in technology and operating practices
have been languishing at the FCC, some going back five or more
years. ARRL is hopeful that these will be addressed soon.

The Senate Committee approved Rosenworcel's renomination with a
bi-partisan vote on December 1, 2021. She has served on the FCC
since 2012, and the Committee's vote to approve her nomination for
an additional term sends it to the full Senate for final
consideration.