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                          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.