Senate Passes SANDy Act

Passes SANDy Act

The "SANDy Act" -- the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act, the bill that amends the present law to add radio and TV broadcasting and cable and satellite TV along with wireline and mobile telephone service to the list of essential services with access to disaster sites for restoration and repair of service, has passed the Senate.  The bill was passed by a unanimous vote last night (9/11) and now goes to President TRUMP for his signature.

NAB EVP/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. We are grateful to Rep. (FRANK) PALLONE (D-NJ) for spearheading this effort after he witnessed firsthand the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, and thank Sens. (MARIA) CANTWELL (D-WA), (CORY) BOOKER (D-NJ), (JOHN) THUNE (R-SD), (MARCO) RUBIO (R-FL), (BILL) NELSON (D-FL), (BOB) MENENDEZ (D-NJ), and (CHARLES) SCHUMER (D-NY) for their leadership in the Senate.”

FCC Commissioner JESSICA ROSENWORCEL said, "In the wake of HURRICANES HARVEY and IRMA  I was pleased to see the UNITED STATES Senate’s unanimous passage of the SANDY Act of 2017 last night.  We know that weather-related emergencies and other disasters can occur anywhere at any time -- and this legislation comes not a moment too soon. Among other things, it promises to help speed restoration of essential communications in times of disaster. Kudos to Senators CANTWELL, BOOKER, THUNE, NELSON, RUBIO, MENENDEZ, and SCHUMER for their leadership as well as to Congressman FRANK PALLONE for his previous work to secure passage of this legislation in the House.”

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