[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO WEEK

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                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 1995
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of National Amateur 
Radio Week which runs from June 18 to 24. I would like to take time to 
recognize this activity, the people involved in it and the service to 
our country which it performs.
  Currently, there are over 500,000 amateur radio operators in the 
United States and approximately 2,500,000 amateur, ham, radio operators 
worldwide. And, due to the many technological advances which have made 
our world smaller and even the most remote village accessible, ham 
radio operation has become an increasingly popular hobby. Countless 
friendships have been formed over the airwaves. In some cases, people 
have even found their spouse through ham radio communication.
  While amateur radio allows its users to learn the similarities and 
differences between one another's geographies and cultures, it performs 
a significant service to our Nation. In times of crisis or tragedy ham 
radio operators form networks providing information and lines of 
communication which would otherwise be inaccessible. Several national 
organizations have formal agreements with the Amateur Radio Emergency 
Service [ARES] and other amateur radio groups. These groups include the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, the 
Salvation Army, the National Weather Service, and the National 
Communications System.
  In conclusion Mr. Speaker, I applaud all those who helped to make 
National Amateur Radio Week a reality. I believe this to be a wonderful 
activity which in time of need, performs a wonderful service to our 
Nation.


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