Number: RL32527
Title: The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings
Authors: Linda K. Moore, Resources, Science, and Industry; and Shawn Reese, Government and Finance Division; and Shawn Reese, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: In the 110th Congress, S. 1223 (Senator Landrieu) and its companion bill, H.R. 2331 (Representative Melancon), would authorize funds to strengthen the radio broadcasting infrastructure that supports the Emergency Alert System. It would also provide for a pilot Broadcast Disaster Preparedness Grant Program. H.R. 2787 (Representative Ellsworth) would require the installation of weather radios in new manufactured (mobile) homes. H.R. 2787, known as CJ's Law, was passed by the House and is awaiting action in the Senate. Three bills would place statutory requirements on the development of IPAWS and would authorize funding to implement the program and conduct pilot tests. These are the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2008 (H.R. 6038, Graves); the Alerting Lives Through Effective and Reliable Technological Systems (ALERTS) Act (H.R. 6392, Cuellar), which also addresses federal participation in operating parts of the CMAS alerting capability; and the Disaster Response, Recovery, and Mitigation Enhancement ACT (H.R. 6658, Oberstar). H.R. 6658 contains provisions covering a wide range of FEMA activities; in addition to reiterating the IPAWS provisions of H.R. 6038, the bill would create an advisory committee to make recommendations to FEMA concerning IPAWS and report to Congress on the committee's actions.
Pages: 14
Date: August 25, 2008