Operators who live under a homeowners' association are routinely told they may not put up an amateur antenna — while the same association permits a satellite TV dish, a wireless internet antenna or a flagpole on the identical roof. That is not a hobby inconvenience. It quietly removes emergency communications capability, one house at a time.
NARA supports the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (H.R. 1094 / S. 459), the bipartisan bill that would give amateur antennas the same federal protection those other installations already enjoy, and we are joining ARRL® and others in pressing for its passage.
In February, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), along with Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX) and Joe Courtney (D-CT), reintroduced the legislation in Congress. The ARRL® is encouraging operators to support the effort through send-a-letter.org/hoa.
Where the bills stand
- H.R. 1094 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Before it can move forward to a full House vote, it must first make it out of committee. The committee chair, Congressman Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, plays an important role in that process — if you live in Kentucky, it is especially important that you reach out to him and share your perspective.
- S. 459 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.
NARA is sending a letter of support to our representatives, and we encourage you to do the same. While organized campaigns help, we believe direct outreach — calling, emailing, or writing your senators and representative — has the greatest impact. Not sure who represents you? Look it up at nn4youth.org/legislator-lookup.
This legislation directly affects amateur radio, and it is both your right and your responsibility to make your voice heard.
What you can do in ten minutes
The single most effective thing a licensed operator can do is write to their own representative and senators as a constituent. So we wrote the letter for you. Fill in your name, callsign and address, and send it.
The letter
The Honorable [Representative/Senator Name]
U.S. House of Representatives / U.S. Senate
[Office Address]
Washington, D.C.
Re: [H.R. 1094 / S. 459] – Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
Dear Representative/Senator [Name],
As a constituent and FCC-licensed Amateur Radio Operator, I write to urge your strong support and co-sponsorship of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act ([H.R. 1094/S.459]). This bipartisan legislation is essential to preserve Amateur Radio's critical role in emergency communications and public safety.
Amateur Radio operators face growing restrictions from homeowners' associations that prohibit amateur radio antennas while allowing identical satellite TV dishes and wireless internet antennas. These restrictions effectively deny Amateur Radio operators the ability to operate from their homes, undermining decades of emergency preparedness infrastructure.
H.R. 1094/S.459 would provide Amateur Radio operators the same federal protections currently enjoyed by homeowners who install TV antennas, satellite TV dishes, wireless internet antennas, and free-standing flagpoles.
More than 770,000 amateur operators are available to provide emergency communications and serve their communities at no cost to taxpayers. Amateur radio provides life-saving emergency communications during natural disasters and infrastructure failures. When commercial communications systems fail, Amateur Radio often provides the only reliable backup.
Amateur Radio operators have provided 111+ years of volunteer support to local, state, and federal agencies during disasters. From the Titanic disaster in 1912 to Hurricane Katrina, September 11th attacks, and countless natural disasters, Amateur Radio operators consistently provide critical communications when all other systems fail.
The emergency communications services provided by Amateur Radio operators represent millions of dollars in value to government agencies, delivered entirely through volunteer efforts at no cost to public budgets. FEMA, the National Weather Service, the Red Cross, and countless local emergency services rely on Amateur Radio volunteers who donate their time, equipment, and expertise.
Amateur Radio has served as the gateway for generations of Americans to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. Many leaders in American communications and technology began their careers in Amateur Radio. Nearly every astronaut aboard the International Space Station holds an Amateur Radio license and uses their time to inspire students worldwide in STEM subjects.
Amateur Radio operators in your district provide weather spotting services, emergency communications for community events, and serve as communication coordinators during evacuations and disaster response. Many operators volunteer hundreds of hours annually to support local emergency management agencies, hospitals, and non-profit organizations.
Your Action is Needed
The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act would remove unnecessary roadblocks that help keep communities safe during emergencies. Without this legislation, we risk losing a generation of Amateur Radio operators who cannot install necessary antennas. I respectfully request that you:
- Co-sponsor H.R. 1094 (House) or S. 459 (Senate)
- Advocate for the bill's advancement through committee
- Vote in favor when it reaches the floor
- Encourage your colleagues to support this vital legislation
Amateur Radio operators in your district stand ready to serve in times of crisis, but only if we can maintain the ability to install and operate our stations. Your support is crucial to preserving this vital emergency communications resource for your constituents and our nation.
Thank you for your consideration and your service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] · [Your Call Sign]
[Your Address] · [City, State, ZIP]
[Phone] · [Email]
National Amateur Radio Alliance Member | FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operator
Find your representative at house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and your senators at senate.gov. Tell us when you send one — cq@usnara.org.