Rosenworcel Highlights MEP Code in Speech to NCAI
National Congress of American Indians is meeting this week in Las Vegas
BY RW STAFF
PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 30, 2024
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel struck a personal note in her latest remarks about the new Missing and Endangered Persons EAS code that was approved in August.
Speaking Tuesday at the National Congress of American Indians annual convention in Las Vegas, she said, “The first FCC action I want to share with you today involves the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. I am the first woman in history to permanently lead the FCC, and I want to admit up front that this one strikes me especially hard.”
Rosenworcel said, “Each and every one of these missing persons is a profound human tragedy … [F]ear emerges that maybe your loved one does not matter enough or that you will not be lucky enough to make a breakthrough in the critical day or two following their disappearance. It could break you. I know, just thinking about it as a mother, it is too much. I am fortunate that I only imagine.”
According to the text released by her office, Rosenworcel said that when the FCC was considering the new MEP code, “[F]ar and away the most powerful testimonies came from tribal communities — providing a voice for the murdered and missing. That includes you, NCAI. At this convention last year, you adopted a resolution calling on the FCC to establish this new code. We answered the call. As a result we adopted rules this summer that will save lives in tribal communities and all across this country.”
She highlighted the effectiveness of AMBER Alerts and said the Missing & Endangered alerts should help with the thousands of cases of adults who go missing each year. “While only one-third of those who go missing are adults, they account for 70 percent of people who are never found.”
She also highlighted a rule change intended make it easier for tribal libraries to participate in the E-Rate program; and she mentioned the work of the FCC’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy, including its efforts to improve consultations with tribal communities.
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