[EAS] Collins IPAWS legislation

[suzanne at mab.org]

As I just mentioned on the FEMA webinar, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) is poised to introduce a bill to authorize the IPAWS program (which was created by the Bush 2 Presidential order but has never been authorized in statute).  Companion legislation is expected in the House.
 
Since I know at least one of the EAS-related listservers blocks attachments, I have posted the bill, and a one-page summary of it, at my website:
 
http://www.mab.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3342
 
Among other things, the bill would create a national advisory committee for EAS/IPAWS, and would direct that the EAS training which FEMA has been working on is to be incorporated into the National Incident Management System, which would place EAS squarely in front of the state and local folks who have responsibility for managing emergencies.
 
Sen. Collins' staff is very interested in receiving letters of endorsement and support for the bill from the various public-alerting interest groups - SBE, NCTA, BWWG, SCTE, etc.  NAB is sending in a letter, and I am rounding up the state broadcast associations on a joint letter.  Individual letters are welcome too!  Letters should be sent to her staffer on the Homeland Security committee, Eric Heighberger, eric_heighberger at hsgac.senate.gov.  The sooner youc an get a letter to Eric, the better.  I believe the Senator is going to formally introduce the bill on Thursday or Friday.
 
Thanks -- Let me know if you have any questions or need more information.
 
Best regards,
 
Suzanne Goucher
Maine Association of Broadcasters