05/24/2026
Senator Ted Cruz, in a strong pre-Memorial Day message[1], 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.
Watch video now at youtu.be/4ZNeMXyCQ7Y[2]
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[3] 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[4], in support of the Amateur Radio
Emergency Preparedness Act and to share information about the public service
role Amateur Radio plays in communities nationwide.
[1] https://youtu.be/4ZNeMXyCQ7Y
[2] https://youtu.be/4ZNeMXyCQ7Y
[3] https://www.arrl.org/current-legislation
[4] https://send-a-letter.org/HOA/
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