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D.C. and District Talk

· New Bill Requiring 911 Access for Internet Phone Service
I am proud to be an original cosponsor of legislation (HR 2418) that would require all Internet telephone providers to ensure that 911 services are available to their customers.

These Internet telephone providers utilize Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology. Companies like Vonage and myTelephoneCompany now utilize this technology, but soon companies like SBC and Verizon will be offering similar services.

Currently, most 911 calls made using VOIP do not get relayed to the emergency call centers. There are numerous examples of families losing loved ones or a person being more severely injured due to the longer response time incurred after a failed 911 call from a VOIP phone.

When people call 911, they expect to have the call answered, regardless of what technology they are using for their phone. The problem is getting all the companies involved to cooperate. Technology should be encouraged and expanded, but at the same time consumers need to be made aware of these concerns.

The legislation would require VOIP providers to inform customers whether or not

911 calls can be made through their telephone service.

As these issues are mainly intra-state problems, the legislation would allow the

Federal Communication Commission to authorize states to enforce this law.

Constituent Corner

· SAFER Grant Program Applications Available

I want to alert my constituents that the application period for awards under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP), Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 “SAFER” Firefighter Hiring Program will open Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. The application period closes at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2005.

The FY 2005 “SAFER” Firefighter Hiring Program provides financial assistance to local fire departments for the purpose of hiring additional, front line firefighters, and, to support recruitment and retention programs aimed at the volunteer fire service. Specific grant guidance is available now at www.firegrantsupport.com. Actual awards will be made in the fall of 2005.

Interested applicants should consult www.firegrantsupport.com or call the DHS Fire Grant Help Desk, toll free, at (866) 274-0960, Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT.

· New “Traveling Help Desk” Dates

On Thursday, June 9th, Holly Healy of my Harrisburg district office will be available to help the residents of Shawneetown and Carmi. In Shawneetown, she will be at the Shawneetown City Hall on 330 North Lincoln Blvd from 12:15 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. In Carmi, she will be in the City Council Chambers on Main Cross Street from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Appointments are not necessary, so feel free to drop by at any time. For more information, please visit my web page at http://www.house.gov/shimkus/helpdesk.htm. I hope you stop in to see us!

Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week

· Congress will be in session from Tuesday through Friday of next week. Some of the legislation which will be considered includes:

o H.R. 2744 - Making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006.

o H.R. 2475 - Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

· Want to know more? Keep an eye on the Office of the Clerk’s web site: http://clerk.house.gov/legisAct/index.html. This site provides up-to-date information on House legislative schedules.

Did You Know?

· New Website to Teach Children About Internet Safety

The NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource that teaches kids and teens how to stay safer on the Internet. NetSmartz combines the newest technologies available and the most current information to create high-impact educational activities that are well received by even the most tech-savvy kids. Parents, guardians, educators, and law enforcement also have access to additional resources for learning and teaching about the dangers children may face online. Please take time and visit http://www.netsmartz.org with your children!

Thank you for the interest in my newsletter! Remember to tell your friends about it as well--they can sign up on my web page at http://www.house.gov/shimkus.

Sincerely,

Congressman John Shimkus

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