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 Federal  Communications  Commission  FCC  04-  189 
 STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONER  KATHLEEN  Q.  ABERNATHY 
 Re:  Review  of  the  Emergency  Alert  System,  Notice  of  Proposed  Rulemaking 
 It  is  essential  that  the  American  public  has  access  to  emergency  information  in  times  of  crisis.  The  Emergency  Alert  System  (“  EAS”)  provides  a  means  for  the  President  and  national,  state  and  local 
 authorities  to  directly  relay  emergency  information  to  the  public  regarding  such  matters  as  national  security  and  preparedness,  natural  disasters,  and  missing  children  alerts.  As  new  communications 
 technologies  develop  and  become  integrated  into  our  society,  it  is  important  that  we  adapt  our  rules  to  ensure  that  the  purposes  of  the  EAS  are  being  fulfilled.  Today,  we  take  an  important  step  toward 
 improving  this  critical  public  safety  tool  by  seeking  comment  on  how  we  can  keep  up  with  the  changing  times,  technologies,  and  security  issues. 


 Additionally,  I  am  very  pleased  that  this  NPRM  recognizes  the  Commission’s  continued  commitment  to  ensuring  that  persons  with  disabilities  and  speakers  of  other  languages  have  equal  access 
 to  public  warnings.  It  is  critical  that  we  keep  these  communities  in  mind,  and  recognize  the  particular  benefits  that  digital  and  other  technologies  may  provide,  as  we  move  forward  to  improve  our  emergency 
 alert  system. 
 I  look  forward  to  working  with  DHS,  FEMA,  NOAA,  and  NWS  to  create  a  system  that  effectively  and  efficiently  utilizes  modern  technology  to  successfully  keep  the  American  public  apprised 
 of  vital  safety  information. 
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