Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC–Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced that their bipartisan legislation, HR 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, unanimously advanced out of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce with favorable consideration.

The legislation would reauthorize FirstNet, a nationwide, preemptive broadband network used exclusively by first responders during emergencies and disaster response. Created by Congress following the attacks of September 11, 2001, to address critical gaps in public safety communications, FirstNet provides reliable, secure connectivity when commercial networks are congested or unavailable.

The Committee previously heard testimony from Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, current Acting Board Chair of FirstNet, underscoring the importance of dependable communications for first responders operating in crisis conditions.

“Floridians know that in hurricanes and times of crisis, reliable communication for first responders can mean the difference between life and death,” said Congressman Dunn. “The First Responder Network Authority is imperative during disasters and recovery. I thank Congresswoman McClellan for her partnership on this clear mandate to reauthorize FirstNet, and I am proud that our bill unanimously passed full committee markup.”

“The bill advanced out of committee today continues to deliver for the brave men and women who rely on it to get through life-or-death situations by strengthening our emergency communications network,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “When every second counts, our public safety community must have the best and most effective tools at their disposal. It’s our duty as a legislative body to ensure that FirstNet remains strong, responsive and ready to meet new and emergent challenges for years to come, and I thank Congressman Dunn for working across the aisle with me to draft a bipartisan bill that puts our first responders first.”


BACKGROUND:

Click HERE to watch remarks from Congressman Dunn.

Bill to Re-Authorize FirstNet Clears Subcommittee Markup

C&T Subcommittee Holds Hearing on FirstNet Reauthorization

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