National Emergency Communications Upgrade Long Overdue
Today, several Democratic Members of the House Homeland Security Committee issued the following statement regarding the introduction of H.R. 5852, the 21st Century Emergency Communications Act of 2006:
This legislation will:
Elevate the Department of Homeland Security’s interoperability focus by establishing a new Office of Emergency Communications headed by an Assistant Secretary. It consolidates the SAFECOM Program and other Department of Homeland Security responsibilities relating to interoperability under this office.
Facilitate the development of standards for interoperable emergency communications and prohibits homeland security funding from being spent on equipment that does not comply with the standards and statewide interoperable communications plans.
Require the Department to conduct periodic assessments to determine emergency communications needs, current capabilities and identify the gap between the two and issue a National Emergency Communications Report to include recommendations on how the U.S. can accelerate the deployment of interoperable communications nationwide.
Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement regarding this legislation:
“This vital legislation has been a long time coming. Our nation’s first responders and Members such as Nita Lowey and Bill Pascrell have been calling for critical legislation on this issue prior to 9/11. I am relieved that even with the failure to reform FEMA, our nation’s first responders will receive the much needed upgrade to their disaster response communications they deserve to continue protecting our nation.”
Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) added:
“When the 9/11 Commission released its final report, it found that the inability of first responders to effectively communicate with each other and their commanders resulted in the loss of life. But the 9/11 Commission, in this regard at least, identified a problem that has been in existence for decades. With this legislation, we finally tackle one of the greatest hazards that confront our first responders. It is a comprehensive approach to disaster response communications that will truly assist our men and women on the frontlines. Establishing a new Office of Emergency Communications and providing more resources, guidelines and outreach to states and localities will no doubt bring forth positive, long-overdue results.”
“It is time that we give our first responders the tools they need to adequately communicate with one another without having to use many of the same tactics as Paul Revere. This bill takes a step in the right direction by creating a national strategy to achieve interoperability. Now, Congress must also provide the additional funding necessary for local public safety agencies to purchase the equipment they need to respond to terrorist attacks and other major emergencies,” said Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY).
For More Information:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Todd Levett at (202) 226-2616
