WASHINGTON D.C. – Sen. John Kerry announced today that the 9/11 reform bill approved by the Congress includes two proposals he drafted. 

 
Kerry’s provisions include efforts to integrate hospitals into our emergency communications network and to make preparations for the deployment of an emergency backup communications system to be used during a terrorist attack or natural disaster.

 
“The tragedies of 9/11 and Katrina taught us many life-changing lessons, one being the urgent need to significantly improve our communications capabilities in a disaster,” Senator Kerry said.  “When the communications system failed on 9/11, more lives were lost and unnecessary challenges were put in the way of our first responders. During Hurricane Katrina, Gulf Coast hospitals lost the ability to communicate – this bill will provide them with grant money to arm them with improved equipment.”

 
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