U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation
RSS Feed
Privacy Policy
Legislation by Congress
109th | 110th
DTV Transition: Information for Consumers
Default Large Extra Large Home Text Only Site Map
Print
Press ReleasesPress Releases
For Immediate Release
02/27/08
Contact: Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
Brian Eaton w/Stevens 202-224-0445
Email This
Print This
Senate Passes VoIP/Public Safety Bill with Stevens Provisions
Stevens Amendments Would Improve E911 Technology and Save More Lives
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate last night approved S. 428, the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act, with two key provisions authored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.  The measure would require Internet telephone companies to offer enhanced 911 (E911) services to all subscribers. This legislation ensures that those Americans using Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services can dial 911 during an emergency. The bill was previously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee last year and now moves to the House of Representatives where it awaits consideration.
 
“Congress has been working on this legislation for several years and I am pleased to see that it has cleared the Senate,” said Senator Stevens.  “This important legislation will ensure that our 911 laws are up to date with new technologies.”
 
Two Stevens amendments were adopted last year by the Senate Commerce Committee when the bill was approved.  The first provision addresses the issue of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority. The change will give the FCC the authority it needs to fold 911 requirements into new phone services as they evolve, without requiring Congressional intervention for each new technological evolution. 
 
The second provision authored by Senator Stevens addresses future Internet Protocol (IP)-based 911 networks. Fifty percent of American counties do not have enhanced 911 capabilities.  To ensure that all communities may take advantage of the next generation 911 network, the amendment requires a study to identify mechanisms and timetables for developing next generation 911 capability ubiquitously. The study of the next generation network would also be required to incorporate altitude information and identify technical solutions to address multi-story buildings where identifying the building address is not enough.  
« Previous Press Release Press Releases Next Press Release »
 
February 2008 Press Releases  « January | March »   « 2007 | 2009 » 
29th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for TSA Budget Hearing
29th -  CG Commandant among Witnesses for Oil Spills Protection Hearing
29th -  Coast Guard Commandant, GAO to Testify at Coast Guard Budget Hearing
29th -  Interstate Commerce Subcommittee to Examine GDP Calculation
29th -  Commerce Committee Weekly Roundup for Feb. 25 - 29, 2008
28th -  Stevens Calls for Examination of Aviation’s Underage Flying Policy
28th -  Senator Stevens Criticizes Bush Administration Over Proposed Transportation Budget
28th -  NIST, NSF, OSTP to Testify Before Commerce Committee
28th -  Inouye: DOT Must Rehabilitate Infrastructure, Maintain Security
27th -  FTC Commissioners to Testify Before Commerce Subcommittee
27th -  current Press Release
26th -  Commerce Committee Announces Oversight Hearing on the Department of Transportation’s Cross-Border Truck Pilot Program
26th -  DOT Secretary to Testify Before Commerce Committee
25th -  Commerce Committee to Review FY 2009 Budget Proposal to Support U.S. Basic Research
25th -  Stevens Joins Snowe and Nelson to Introduce Anti-Phishing Legislation
21st -  Commerce Committee to Examine DOT Budget Request
20th -  Commerce Committee to Host CG Budget and Oversight Hearing
19th -  Commerce Committee to Review TSA Budget Request
19th -  Merchant Marine Subcommittee to Examine Oil Spills Protection
15th -  Commerce Committee Roundup for Jan. 1 - Feb. 15, 2008
15th -  President Signs Legislation to Extend Do-Not-Call List
15th -  Pryor, Stevens, Inouye Reach Compromise on Bipartisan Children’s Safety Legislation
14th -  Congress Passes “Kids and Cars” Safety Act
12th -  Inouye and Dingell Urge President to Establish Inter-Agency DTV Task Force
11th -  FCC, NTIA among Witnesses to Testify at Commerce Committee DTV Hearing
7th -  Congress Passes Dorgan-Stevens Legislation to Extend Do-Not-Call List
7th -  Commerce Committee to Hear Testimony from DOC Deputy Secretary Nominee
7th -  MEDIA ADVISORY: Senators Stevens and Dorgan to Hold Press Conference TODAY on Passage of Do-Not-Call Legislation
5th -  Oceans Subcommittee to Explore Whale Take Reduction Plan and Maine’s Lobster Fishery at Field Hearing
5th -  Commerce Committee Releases Coast Guard Bill Financial Disclosure Certifications
5th -  Aviation Subcommittee to Hold FAA Budget Hearing
1st -  Commerce Committee Announces Subcommittee Assignments for Senator Wicker (R-Miss.)
 
Audio Clip icon Audio Clip | Video Clip icon Video Clip
Public Information Office: 508 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
Tel: 202-224-5115
Hearing Room: 253 Russell Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
Home | Text Only | Site Map | Help/Faqs | Search | Contact
Privacy Policy | Best Viewed | Plug-Ins
Back to TopBack to Top