The deadline for the switch from the analog signal to digital signal has to be set in stone. The nebulous December 31, 2006 or when eighty-five percent of television owners can receive the signal is obviously too soft.

I would like to propose a date certain that will have a clear meaning to everyone in the country and a date that shows everyone that the Congress in Washington has a rational set of priorities.

The date I have in mind is September 11, 2006.

You may say that sixteen months from now is too short. I say that five years after the tragedy of 9/11 is too long. Police, fire, emergency medical personnel, and public safety communications officials can no longer wait for the broadcast interests to set the time schedule.

It is time for all first responders and their organizations to reach out to the general public across the country and explain what the deadline is and how concerned citizens can help. It is also time to reach out to other organizations that can help first responders succeed in establishing this meaningful deadline.

September 11, 2006. Why not?