Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced on Mar. 23 that the committee will hold a Full Committee markup for two bills focused on reauthorizing FirstNet and updating the emergency alert system. The session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 10:15 AM ET in Room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
The committee plans to consider H.R. 7386, known as The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, introduced by Representatives Dunn and McClellan, along with H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act sponsored by Representatives Pfluger and Fletcher. According to Guthrie's announcement, "This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov." Questions about the hearing can be directed to Noah Jackson or Matt VanHyfte via email.
The work of this committee holds significance because it addresses issues related to national emergency preparedness and communication systems that affect first responders as well as public safety across communities.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee focuses on legislation concerning energy, health care, environmental protection, telecommunications and consumer issues, according to the official website. Over time it has influenced policy in areas including energy innovation, broadband deployment and pharmaceutical pricing according to its official website.
Standing as one of the oldest committees in Congress since its origins in 1795 as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures according to its official website, it continues shaping major policy debates.
