Rep. Johnson introduces Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, has released the following statement after introducing H.R. 4006, the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act, to govern private land use restrictions on amateur radio. 

Johnson was joined in introducing the legislation by Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut.

"Antennas are essential for all wireless communication, whether TV broadcasts, wireless internet, Wi-Fi, or amateur radio," Johnson said. "Existing federal law provides for the installation of TV broadcast and wireless internet antennas and satellite dishes at private homes, but amateur radio antennas are not included in the statute as currently written. This bill would correct that.

“I reintroduced the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act to remove barriers to disaster and emergency communications and training, and to promote education in STEM subjects related to critically needed wireless technology,” Johnson said. “Passage of this bill will promote developing and sustaining our nation’s wireless future and facilitate and encourage amateur radio operations as a public benefit.”

“As their actions during recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy proved, amateur radio operators in Connecticut can be a critical component of disaster response and emergency management. It is in our communities’ best interest that we give them the capabilities to operate at the highest level, and with the re-introduction of this bill, we’ve taken a strong step in that direction,” said Rep. Courtney.

Rick Roderick, K5UR, president of The American Radio Relay League, the National Association For Amateur Radio, extended on behalf of the ARRL, its members, and America’s Amateur Radio community their thanks and appreciation for the leadership of Congressman Johnson in his tireless efforts to support and protect the rights of all Amateur Radio Operators and to further STEM education and the advancement of American expertise in wireless technology.