Senator Ted Cruz praises and supports Amateur Radio
Senator Ted Cruz, in a strong pre-Memorial Day message, publicly
highlighted the critical role that Amateur Radio Service volunteers play
during disasters, praising and thanking ham radio operators who provide
essential communications when storms and emergencies knock out power and
cellular networks and communities are cut off. Sen. Cruz observed that
in these emergencies it is ham radio operators who step forward,
bringing with them the tools, expertise, and the commitment to reconnect
people when it matters most. He noted this dedication was clearly
demonstrated in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey’s catastrophic flooding
devastated communities across Texas and that it was demonstrated again
more recently in the horrific Camp Mystic floods. He emphasized that as
the Nation prepares for yet another summer storm season, ham radio’s
role remains just as vital as ever.
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Stating that while future emergencies will come, Sen. Cruz pointed out
that so would Amateur Radio — ready to respond, ready to serve, and to
make a difference. He ended his statements, thanking ham radio for its
courage and commitment, noting that Amateur Radio’s work strengthens
our communities.
Senator Cruz is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation. His comments align with the ARRL’s ongoing efforts
to strengthen and protect Amateur Radio’s role in emergency
preparedness and public service communications.
His comments also reflect growing Congressional recognition of the value
Amateur Radio Operators bring to communities across the country. ARRL
The National Association for Amateur Radio® continues to advocate for
legislation that protects and strengthens Amateur Radio’s role in
emergency preparedness and public service communications.
ARRL’s nationwide grassroots campaign supporting the bipartisan
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act has generated more than 155,000
letters to members of Congress in support of H.R. 1094 and S. 459. The
legislation seeks to ensure that Amateur Radio Operators can install and
maintain effective outdoor antennas at residences where private land-use
restrictions might otherwise prohibit them, helping communities maintain
resilient emergency communications capabilities during disasters.
ARRL Legislative Committee Chairman and West Gulf Division Director John
Robert Stratton, N5AUS, said the continued outreach effort has required
“long hours on the ground and an uncountable number of personal
meetings with Senators, Representatives, and their staffs” to raise
awareness of the importance of Amateur Radio to the nation.
“The most recent proof that those efforts have, and are, increasing
Congressional support for Amateur Radio is evidenced by the decision of
Chairman Cruz to publicly share his personal views on the value and
importance of Amateur Radio to the Nation,” Stratton said.
ARRL encourages Amateur Radio Operators to participate in our letter
writing campaign, located at Send-A-Letter.org/HOA, in support of the
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act and to share information about
the public service role Amateur Radio plays in communities nationwide.
ARRL Northwestern Division
Director: Mark J. Tharp, KB7HDX
kb7hdx@arrl.org