Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1301, the Amateur Radio Parity Act, and its positive effects on amateur radio operators and our communities.

Amateur radio operators not only participate due to interests in the hobby, but also because they serve an important role in the communications and coordination of communities and emergency services.

Under existing regulations, amateur radio operators can be subjected to regulations that other industries are not subject to, effectively singling them out. This bill doesn't display favoritism, it simply created an equal playing field for an industry that is little known, but contributes immensely to the well-being of our communities.

The Amateur Radio Parity Act would ensure that amateur operators are able to continue their hobby within the confines of the law, including in deed-restricted communities.

Across the United States, there are more than 720,000 amateur radio operators licensed by the FCC whose services to their communities cost nothing to the taxpayers.

They are instrumental in helping to coordinate during natural disasters and have provided services to organizations including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, FEMA and the Department of Defense.

As the Representative for coastal Georgia, I know all too well the effects of a natural disaster on an area and the benefits to having in place every protection possible to help combat the challenges that arise in those difficult times.

I applaud my good friend Mr. Kinzinger for his work on this issue and the work of the Energy and Commerce Committee to address these reforms and I urge passage of this important legislation.

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