The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, led by Chairman Brett Guthrie, reported two bills to the full House of Representatives on Mar. 25. The committee advanced H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, and H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act.
These legislative actions are significant as they address improvements in public safety communications infrastructure and emergency alert systems for natural disasters.
Chairman Brett Guthrie said, “Many of us have seen natural disasters up close and personal in our districts, and our constituents deserve the best version of the infrastructure and alert systems we are considering today.” He added that bipartisan cooperation was key to advancing "strong, commonsense legislation."
H.R. 7386 was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 51 yeas with no nays. Congressman Richard Hudson commented on this bill: “We heard directly from NTIA's public testimony that they rely on the board to provide crucial expertise and direction on the needs of public safety. This legislation preserves that existing relationship and goes even further to strengthen public safety's voice by requiring two additional seats on the board to be dedicated to public safety. I firmly believe this legislation will pave the way for a stronger and more resilient First Responder Network Authority.” Congressman Neal Dunn also spoke about H.R. 7386: “FirstNet is not just a network. It is the backbone of public safety communications in this country... These brave men and women... deserve nothing less than a resilient communication system.”
H.R. 7022 passed with a roll call vote of 52 yeas with no nays. Congressman August Pfluger addressed its importance after flooding affected central Texas: “After the July 4th flooding that swept through central Texas... I knew that Congress had to act quickly to improve redundancy... H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act is ... these efforts... ensures that during natural disasters wireless emergency alerts can still be delivered via satellite.”
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees issues related to energy policy, health care, environmental protection, telecommunications, consumer affairs according to its official website. The committee has influenced policies such as energy innovation initiatives, broadband deployment expansion efforts, as well as pharmaceutical pricing reforms according to its official website. As one of Congress’s oldest standing committees according to its official website, it traces its roots back to its founding in 1795 as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures according to its official website.
Looking ahead, both bills now move forward for consideration by all members of the House.
