Congressman Richard Hudson, who serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered an opening statement at a legislative hearing focused on public safety communications in the United States. The hearing, held in a bipartisan manner, brought forward several bills aimed at improving communications tools for first responders.
Hudson highlighted the importance of upgrading 911 call centers and enhancing wireless emergency alert systems and outage reporting through legislative action. "Good morning, and welcome to today’s legislative hearing on public safety communications in the United States. I’m glad we were able to convene this hearing in a bipartisan manner, and we have several bipartisan bills in front of us today," Hudson stated.
He emphasized that these measures are intended to provide first responders with better resources to serve communities effectively. "I am looking forward to hearing from our witnesses about how these bills will improve communications for public safety and give first responders additional tools to do their jobs so they can best serve our communities."
The Congressman referred to previous discussions on the state of public safety communications, noting that this session would focus specifically on legislative improvements. He outlined specific areas for attention: "Important things like upgrading our 911 call centers, improvements to our wireless emergency alerting, and improvements to our outage reporting are crucial improvements that we now can look at through a legislative lens."
Hudson also introduced the Next Generation 911 Act alongside Representative Carter from Louisiana. This bill proposes establishing a grant program within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology, as well as creating a nationwide NG911 Cybersecurity Center and Advisory Board. According to Hudson: "Upgrading our nation’s call centers to NG911 technology is crucial for public safety. This internet protocol-based system will open the door for advanced tools for both the public and our first responders to use."
He noted concerns over outdated legacy systems among call centers across the country: "A patchwork of call centers that still have aging, outdated legacy systems risks a communications landscape that is uneven and non-interoperable. I have been a long-time supporter of NG911 deployment nationwide and I am proud to lead this legislation to do so."
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) were another topic discussed during the hearing. Hudson said these alerts are essential but currently limited by reliance on traditional cell service coverage. He pointed out new technologies such as satellite direct-to-device connections could expand access: "Wireless alerts to mobile phones can be powerful tools... However, these alerts can only be received if a phone is in range of traditional cell service. As we see mobile carriers moving toward innovative technologies like satellite direct-to-device connections, it is worth exploring how this technology can be used as another tool for public safety communications like WEAs when outside of a terrestrial cell service network."
In closing his remarks, Hudson recognized the efforts of public safety officers: "Our public safety and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day... we must make sure they have the best tools." He expressed anticipation for input from witnesses regarding how proposed legislation could improve national safety: "Today, we will hear from our witnesses about the legislative improvements to public safety communications before us and how these bills can make our country a safer place."
"I look forward to hearing from the witnesses today about these issues and how Congress can stand ready as a partner," he concluded.
