a Vermont Senator speaks up. Dear Mr. Miskell: Thank you for contacting me about the National Weather Service Duties Act, S.786. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue. Introduced by Senator Rick Santorum on April 14, the National Weather Services Duties Act of 2005 would alter the information and services currently provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. Specifically, S.786 would strictly limit the information that the NWS can make available to the public by restricting its offerings to those services which the commercial weather industry is unwilling or unable to provide. This restriction would exclude severe weather forecasts and those warnings issued for the protection of life and property. Senator Santorum's bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation where it awaits consideration. I share your concerns regarding this legislation. The NWS plays an important role in providing members of the public with critical weather data free of charge. This information, accessible both online and through other outlets, is relied upon by pilots, farmers, and boaters both across the country and in Vermont . I am concerned that this legislation would protect a few private commercial enterprises at the expense of the American public. You can be sure I will voice these concerns should this bill come before me for consideration. Again, thank you for contacting me. Please keep in touch. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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