NAB Applauds Senate's Passage of the SANDy Act
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 12, 2017 | 6:39pm CT |
|
The U.S. Senate has passed the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act (SANDy Act, named for Superstorm Sandy), legislation to help ensure the resiliency of the nation's communications networks during emergencies. During and after Sandy there was a major breakdown of telecommunications networks, including cellular and home telephones, television and Internet services creating a dangerous barrier to emergency response.
In a statement NAB Executive VP/Communications Dennis Wharton said, "NAB applauds the Senate's passage of the SANDy Act and urges its quick signature into law by the President. As Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have demonstrated, hometown radio and TV stations play a lifesaving role as 'first informers' during times of emergencies, and this legislation will provide local broadcasters with access to vital resources to stay on the air when disaster strikes."
He added, "We are grateful to Rep. Pallone for spearheading this effort after he witnessed firsthand the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, and thank Sens. Cantwell, Booker, Thune, Rubio, Nelson, Menendez and Schumer for their leadership in the Senate."
