Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) celebrated the House passage of his bill to reauthorize the First Responders Network Authority and ensure reliable communications for first responders.

H.R. 7386, the First Responders Network Authority Reauthorization Act, reauthorizes FirstNet, a nationwide, preemptive broadband network used exclusively by first responders during emergencies and disaster responses. 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.

As the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, Congressman Dunn has championed this legislation through two markups and a subcommittee hearing. The Committee heard testimony from Walton County, Florida Sheriff Michael Adkinson, the current Acting Board Chair of FirstNet, underscoring the importance of dependable communications for first responders operating in crisis conditions.

“FirstNet is not just a network—it is the backbone of public safety communications in this country. Floridians know that in hurricanes and times of crisis, reliable communication for first responders can mean the difference between life and death. I thank my colleagues for their support of this critical bipartisan legislation, especially Congresswoman McClellan for her partnership on this clear mandate to reauthorize FirstNet,” said Congressman Dunn.

“Today’s passage of the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act represents a victory for public safety communications, emergency first responders and all those that might come to rely on their services,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “I thank Congressman Dunn for his joint leadership and my colleagues for their support to reauthorize FirstNet’s authority and provide support to the American people in situations of life and death. I urge the Senate to pass this bill as soon as possible to reaffirm the reliability and resilience of the emergency communications network in times of disaster and recovery.”

BACKGROUND:

Click HERE to watch House floor remarks from Congressman Dunn

Reps. Dunn, McClellan FirstNet Reauthorization Bill Unanimously Passes Markup

Bill to Reauthorize FirstNet Clears Subcommittee Markup

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