WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement in support of the substitute to H.R. 3403, the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, which provides 911 service for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscribers. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent earlier today.

“I rise today in support of the substitute to H.R. 3403, the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008. The Senate companion, S. 428, was passed by Unanimous Consent on February 26, 2008.  This bill would provide 911 service for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscribers. 

“I can think of few government initiatives that have been as successful as 911.  Since its creation nearly thirty years ago, 911 has come become a lifeline for people in trouble.  I think it is safe to say that just about every American today knows that 911 is the easiest and most effective means to contact emergency services. 

“As technology has advanced, so has 911 service.  Today, many places in the nation have E911.  In these areas, when you call for help, your phone number and location are automatically transmitted to emergency personnel. If your call is disconnected, you are disoriented or do not know your location, this information can make all the difference in securing your safety. 

“But the E911 system was built for wireline service.  So as technology advanced and wireless phones grew in popularity, we worked to apply E911 principles to wireless service.  With the advent of VoIP, we are challenged again to ensure that our 911 policies are up to date. 

“I believe that the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 does an excellent job of improving 911 service and adapting it to the latest telecommunications technology, and I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.