[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE AMATEUR RADIO VOLUNTEER SERVICES ACT OF 1997

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                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 1997

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of 
the Amateur Radio Volunteer Services Act of 1997. Similar to a 
unanimously accepted amendment I offered last year to the FCC 
reauthorization bill in the Commerce Committee, this bill would help 
protect the personal liability of volunteer amateur radio operators 
while performing duties on behalf of the Federal Government.
  Amateur radio operators are self-regulated, with volunteer operators 
monitoring the airwaves for violations and administering licensing 
exams. This volunteer corps saves countless hours of staff time and 
resources for the Federal Communications Commission [FCC]; however, 
because they are not Federal employees, they put their personal assets 
at risk in the event of actions taken against them as a result of their 
volunteer service to the Government.
  It is simply unfair that these volunteers who are saving the 
Government time and resources should have to risk their personal assets 
in carrying out their service. The Amateur Radio Volunteer Services Act 
would classify those individuals donating their time and expertise to 
maintaining the quality of the amateur radio airwaves as Federal 
employees only for the purpose of actions taken against them in the 
performance of their duties as self-regulators. This action will ensure 
the continued viability of the amateur radio community and continue to 
save the FCC and the Federal Government time and money that would 
otherwise need to be expended.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to support this 
worthy legislation.

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