Articles

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate April 18, 2022, as National Amateur Radio Operators Day to recognize the important contributions amateur radio operators have made to our nation.

“Throughout history, amateur radio operators have provided invaluable services to our communities,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “I am proud to reintroduce this resolution to honor the important contributions amateur radio operators have made in Arizona and across our nation. Amateur radio has brought people together and has provided critical emergency communications during natural disasters. Amateur radio is a vital part of our nation’s communications infrastructure.”

Lesko was approached to introduce this resolution by a young amateur radio operator, Raymond, from Peoria, Arizona.

"I started Long Distance Responders so I can help prepare the community for emergencies with amateur radio,” said Raymond. “There might be a price for a radio, but the ability and knowledge to help someone is truly priceless."

“The voluntary contributions of America’s approximately 774,000 amateur radio operators in support of the critical communications infrastructure of the United States are rarely recognized,” said Rick Roderick, President of the National Association of Amateur Radio (ARRL). “Congresswoman Lesko’s resolution is an important first step in correcting that oversight. On behalf of the ARRL’s Members and all amateur radio operators, I commended Congresswoman Lesko for her support of amateur radio and her leadership in bringing deserved recognition of the 106+ years of amateur radio’s substantial influence on the development of modern communications and its legendary tradition of ‘when all else fails’ volunteer communications support in disasters and emergencies.”

Amateur radio is the oldest form of digital communication and has served an important purpose throughout our nation’s history. In times of crisis and natural disasters, amateur radio is often used as a means of emergency communication when phone service has been impacted. World Amateur Radio is celebrated annually on April 18th and this resolution recognizes this important community with a national day in the United States in 2022.

Congresswoman Lesko was joined by Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), Paul Gosar (R-AZ-04), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-04), Ashley Hinson (R-IA-01), Chris Jacobs (R-NY-27), Kaialiʻi Kahele (D-HI-02), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and Daniel Webster (R-FL-11) in the introduction of this resolution.