WASHINGTON, DC – The Energy and Commerce Committee today passed by voice vote Rep. Adam Kinzinger’s (R-IL) H.R. 1301, the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015, advancing the bill to the full House of Representatives. The bill, which originated out of #SubCommTech, chaired by Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), would instruct the FCC to adopt rules that protect the rights of amateur radio operators to use radio equipment in deed-restricted communities.

“With the passage of H.R. 1301, we are one step closer to ensuring amateur radio operators throughout the country are able to effectively communicate with one another,” said Rep. Kinzinger. “More importantly, this legislation will bring parity to many of these operators who volunteer in times of emergency when all other forms of communications have failed. They serve as the last line of defense for the communications of our first responders and it’s important that we support them.”

“Just as access to broadcast satellite communications are an important part of our nation’s information infrastructure, so too should we recognize the role of amateur radio. Amateur radio operators can serve a crucial role in providing communications in the wake of natural disasters and other times when commercial communications networks might be unavailable,” said full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “This bill speaks to our dedication to advancing thoughtful solutions that further the committee’s ongoing, bipartisan record of success.”

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