Full Committee Markup of 2 Bills

The committee will come to order. The chair recognizes himself for an opening statement and thanks everyone for being here today as we prepare to consider two bills that would strengthen our ever-important public safety communications infrastructure. 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. In moments of crisis, every American must be able to trust that our networks are strong and reliable. FirstNet is an essential part of that mission, and that's why I'm looking forward to advancing the bipartisan First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act today. That's why it's so important that we remove the legislative ambiguity currently plaguing the program while preserving the importance of the FirstNet board and the voices of first responders. Since our hearing and markup in the beginning of February, we have worked tirelessly with first responders and public safety officials to incorporate wide-ranging edits and technical assistance to make this bill as strong as possible. We have run a very open process and are truly appreciative of their efforts to engage with us and find common ground wherever possible in this reauthorization. I would also like to thank the sponsors of the bill, Representatives Dunn from Florida and McClellan from Virginia, for their leadership and commitment to improving accountability, reliability, and transparency in the FirstNet program. Our markup today also includes the MYSTIC Alerts Act, led by Representative Pfluger, which will facilitate the use of satellite alerts to quickly convey information about potential threats in areas where traditional cell service may not be available. We have had multiple members of this committee, including my friend Mr. Pfluger from Texas, but also Buddy Carter from Georgia, who experienced firsthand the horrific events last summer. That's why I'm glad we've been able to advance this bill today. On so many issues, Energy and Commerce Committee is the place where we're able to work in a bipartisan way and advance strong common-sense legislation. So I want to close by thanking my good friend, the ranking member Pallone, and I want to thank your staff for working closely with us to advance these joint priorities. I thank you and I will yield back, and I now recognize the gentleman from New Jersey, Representative Pallone, for five minutes for an opening statement.

Thank you, Chairman Guthrie. I'm pleased the committee is marking up two public safety communication bills this morning. The looming sunset of the First Responder Network Authority, which is set to expire in less than one year, is one of the most urgent communications issues that we face right now. And that's why for years I've advocated for committee action to preserve FirstNet, which has become a critical tool for public safety professionals and first responders in its first decade in operation. And that's why I support H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, which addresses the February 2027 sunset by reauthorizing the authority for 10 years. Extending the FirstNet authority means that millions of law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other first responder users will maintain access to the nationwide public safety broadband network as it stands today. The bill also expands public safety's representation on the FirstNet board so that FirstNet users have multiple seats at the table. This will give public safety professionals and volunteers on the ground protecting our communities each day more opportunity to steer the FirstNet authority and nationwide public safety broadband network in the direction that best serves first responders. While the FirstNet authority's work has been positive for public safety, it's clear that the original law that created FirstNet contains structural deficiencies that at times open the door to waste and mismanagement. These issues have been detailed at length in various Commerce Department Office of Inspector General reports over the years. In response to those issues, the bill and AINS before us today make important reforms to increase transparency and accountability at the FirstNet authority for the benefit of FirstNet users across the country. And I want to commend Representatives Dunn and McClellan for their bipartisan leadership on this important legislation and urge my colleagues to support it today. And I also support the second bill, passage of H.R. 7022, the MYSTIC Alerts Act, and I appreciate the work of Representatives Fletcher and Pfluger on this legislation to expand access to emergency alerts. And thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.

Thank you. The gentleman yields back. The chair reminds members that pursuant to the committee rules, all members' opening statements will be made part of the record. Are there further opening statements? Gentleman from New Jersey, from North Carolina, gentleman from Florida, you're recognized for three minutes for an opening statement.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word on H.R. 7386.

Gentleman's recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan First Responder Network Reauthorization Act, and I thank Representative McClellan for co-leading this legislation with me. I'd also like to note that this bill has support from 16 public safety organizations that demonstrate broad support for the legislation among our first responders. Chairman Guthrie, I'd like to ask for unanimous consent to submit into the records that report. Thank you. FirstNet is not just a network, it is the backbone of public safety communications in this country. When Congress first established the First Responder Network, the objective was clear: build a preemptive network for first responders that they could rely on. These brave men and women, the ones who step forward as others step back, who risk their lives to protect our communities, deserve nothing less than a resilient communications system. They depend on this network every day in every kind of emergency. FirstNet's authority is set to expire at the beginning of this year. Without action this Congress, we put at risk a network that our first responders rely on to save lives. The bill before us extends that authority through September 30, 2037, giving FirstNet the long-term certainty it needs to plan ahead and continue investing in this critical infrastructure. FirstNet is especially essential for communities such as my home state in Florida. It plays a critical role in preparedness, response, and recovery when disasters strike. My constituents understand all too well how devastating the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms can have on our communities and our communications. Over the past eight years, the Panhandle has endured four major hurricanes, most recently Helene and most devastatingly Hurricane Michael. In those moments when lives are on the line and every second counts, reliable communication should not be in question. And I just want to take a moment to thank the brave men and women across the country for their service and sacrifice, and a special thank you to Walton County's very own Sheriff Michael Adkinson for his leadership and dedication in FirstNet keeping our communities safe. Our first responders have never stopped showing up for us. It's long past time we showed up for them. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your work on this priority, and I yield back.

Thank you for your work, and the gentleman yields back. And the chair recognizes Ms. Matsui for three minutes for an opening statement.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Today's markup reauthorizing FirstNet is an important step forward for public safety. I'm happy we reached this point through a strong bipartisan process. FirstNet has made a real difference for first responders across the country. We see the impact clearly in my district. From downtown Sacramento to the California Delta, our firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement are responding to wildfires that move fast, floods that threaten communities, and disasters that can knock out local infrastructure in a matter of minutes. They need priority service, strong coverage, and a network that performs when conditions are at their worst. When those calls come in, when evacuations are underway, and when crews are coordinating across agencies, a reliable connection is more than a convenience, it is essential to keeping people safe. FirstNet's mission remains just as important today as when Congress first created it. And I want to recognize the bipartisan work that's gone into improving this bill. We're protecting what works and fixing what doesn't. We're ensuring FirstNet is working as intended and delivering real value for public safety. That means strengthening oversight and accountability. Congress and the public deserve a clear picture of how funds are being spent, whether commitments are being met, and whether public safety goals are truly being achieved. It also means making sure the benefits of FirstNet reach all communities, including the rural and hard-to-serve areas that too often get left behind. And that's why I'm glad this bill places FirstNet under NTIA's direct control while preserving flexibility for FirstNet authority to set strategic priorities and deploy emergency responses. These guardrails improve accountability while respecting the expertise of our public safety community. And importantly, now that Congress finally has access to the FirstNet contract, we're better positioned to provide the rigorous oversight this program deserves. That access helps Congress verify investments, track performances, and keep FirstNet on the right path. That's how we make sure this program remains worthy of the trust that first responders and the public have placed in it. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work on this bill and look forward to working together as we move it forward. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

Thank you. The gentlelady from California yields back. Are there further opening statements? Seeing no further opening statements, the chair calls up H.R. 7386 and asks the clerk to report.

H.R. 7386, a bill to amend the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority and for other purposes.

Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anybody seek to be recognized on the bill? For what purpose does the gentleman from North Carolina seek recognition?

Speak on the bill.

You are recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you and good morning to everyone. I am thrilled to be here to support Representative Dunn and Representative Pfluger's important life-saving public safety bills that are before us, including the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act and the MYSTIC Alerts Act, a bill to kickstart satellite transmission of wireless emergency alerts. It's been a long process to get to where we are today. Over the last several months, we've heard from multiple panels of witnesses who shared their expertise and experience with FirstNet and provided input on how this legislation would improve the network and ensure it operates in the best interest of public safety. Their testimony helped shape the original text of the FirstNet reauthorization bill. Since our legislative hearing in January, we have been engaged in open negotiations with public safety organizations and other stakeholders to address concerns and incorporate recommendations. Multiple drafts were shared back and forth as we continued to improve this legislation. I'd like to thank the public safety organizations that came to the table to help define the board's continued influence over the future of this network. Your participation helped us improve this legislation. To those who still oppose this legislation because they believe the only path forward for reauthorization is a clean reauthorization with no reforms and to strike the sunset date and remove congressional oversight and review forever, that was never on the table or an appropriate path forward. This legislation strikes an important balance that explicitly outlines and preserves the board's role in determining the needs of public safety and the strategic direction of the network while ensuring the proper and responsible oversight of the network and the reinvestment of funds. 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. And Mr. Chairman, I'd also like to thank my colleagues across the aisle. We have worked very closely together. I think this is the most bipartisan piece of legislation I've worked on this Congress, and I want to particularly thank Representative McClellan for her hard work and her expertise. She brought so much experience to the table. She has been invaluable in this process from day one, and without her engagement and input and hard work, we would not be where we are today. So thank you, Representative McClellan. Also want to thank our ranking member, Ms. Matsui, for her engagement, and our chairman, Mr. or ranking member, Mr. Pallone. I'm going to hear about that, Mr. Pallone. But once you're a chairman, you're always a chairman, right? But I want to thank the Matsui and Pallone teams. Their staff worked with us tirelessly, weekends, nights, side by side, to really committed to making this legislation better. And I think that's really important to point out and emphasize and celebrate. And look forward to reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority. Look forward to moving this forward today, and I thank all of our committee members for your participation. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

Thank you. The gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes the gentlelady from Virginia to speak on the... I tell you what, we can call your amendment and everybody who wants to speak on the bill can call, can speak to the amendment. So if you want to... For what purpose does the gentlelady from Virginia seek recognition?

I have an amendment in the nature of a substitute at the desk labeled ANS_04.

Great. The clerk will report the amendment.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 7386.

Without objection, the reading of the amendment is dispensed with, and the gentlelady is recognized for five minutes in support of the amendment.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This amendment reflects extensive bipartisan work with Dr. Dunn, our colleagues, and most importantly, the public safety community. At its core, we have a simple but critical goal: making sure that the FirstNet network continues to work for the men and women who rely on it in life or death situations. First, this amendment strengthens public safety's role on the FirstNet Authority Board by increasing the minimum number of board members who are public safety professionals to five and staggering board terms to ensure continuity in leadership. It also gives the board a more meaningful role in selecting the director of FirstNet by formalizing its duty to provide a list of qualified candidates to NTIA from which NTIA will choose. Second, it reinforces accountability while avoiding unnecessary delays. The amendment ensures that the board will review and consult on the business continuity and disaster recovery plan, which is critical to ensuring rapid network restoration during emergencies. At the same time, it clarifies that FirstNet may carry out key operational and strategic functions without prior NTIA approval, addressing a key concern of the public safety stakeholders that bureaucratic delays could hinder timely decision-making. Importantly, this flexibility is paired with accountability by requiring NTIA to respond within 60 days to FirstNet recommendations on reinvestment and task orders. We heard clearly from first responders that they need a network that is reliable, resilient, and able to adapt quickly in emergencies. This amendment delivers on that goal by strengthening accountability while preserving the flexibility FirstNet needs to operate in real time. It ensures that public safety voices remain at the center of decision-making, improves coordination and transparency, and removes unnecessary barriers that could slow down action when every second counts. Just as importantly, this amendment reflects a thoughtful bipartisan compromise. We worked through areas of disagreement, listened to the stakeholders, and made targeted changes to ensure the bill supports FirstNet's mission without creating unintended consequences. As emergencies become more frequent and complex, the importance of this network continues to grow. And this legislation helps ensure FirstNet remains strong, responsive, and ready to meet those challenges. This is a good bill, and this amendment makes it even better. I'd like to thank Dr. Dunn for his partnership on this important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment in the nature of a substitute and the underlying bill. And I yield back.

Thanks. The gentlelady yields back, and the chair recognizes Dr. Joyce from Pennsylvania for five minutes to speak on the amendment.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. FirstNet is a critical component of public safety communications in the district that I represent in Pennsylvania. It is an incredibly rural district, but not just rural districts in Pennsylvania benefit from FirstNet. FirstNet provides first responders the ability to respond to emergency situations throughout the United States with the most effective communications system that is possible. In an emergency, we all know there's no time to waste. First responders across the country know the grave consequences that can happen when a 911 call is dropped or communication systems fail in the seconds that matter the most. At Shade Gap Volunteer Fire Company in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, firefighters utilize the FirstNet system to save lives. Before the FirstNet system tower was installed in 2022, firefighters faced dropped 911 calls that were difficult to hear even when they did come through, or sometimes the phone calls did not come through. There are cases when individuals had to drive just to allow their 911 call to be received. Shade Gap Volunteer Fire Company President Tanner Locke said that with FirstNet coverage in their area, firefighters have not had one single dropped 911 call since 2022. That's right, not one single dropped 911 call. The FirstNet upgrade has allowed first responders to respond to emergencies when we all know that time is of the essence. In the previous subcommittee hearing on this important piece of legislation, I questioned witnesses on the transparency of the FirstNet contract and specifically its rural build-out. We must focus on transparency of the contract between the federal government and AT&T to ensure that areas like Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, are not being left behind as deployment of this critical infrastructure accelerates. The provisions that are included in H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, will strengthen this essential program. By providing NTIA with the means necessary to conduct oversight and requiring detailed reporting on the performance of the FirstNet contractor, Congress can ensure that transparency and accountability are at the center as we continue to invest in public safety communications infrastructure in the United States. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation, and Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

The gentleman yields back. Is there discussion on the Democrat side? The gentlelady from Michigan seeks recognition to speak on the amendment.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move to strike the last word.

The gentlelady is recognized to speak on the amendment.

Thank you. I want to thank Representatives Dunn and McClellan for their bipartisan leadership on this bill, as well as Chair Guthrie and Ranking Member Pallone for their work to move this important bipartisan legislation forward. FirstNet is absolutely essential to public safety in Michigan and across the country. It's a lifeline for first responders, many of whom we see in this room, so thank you for being here. In my district, fire departments, police departments, EMS, and the University of Michigan rely on FirstNet every day. Close to 1,000 public safety agencies across Michigan use FirstNet. In my district alone, there are more than 10,000 FirstNet subscribers. And across the country, the network now supports over 7 million connections and covers 3 million square miles. FirstNet has proven its value time and time again during severe weather, large-scale disasters, and other operations and emergencies. When everything else fails, reliable and resilient communication can save lives. And that's why Congress has had a responsibility to ensure FirstNet continues to serve public safety first and foremost. I believe reauthorizing FirstNet is critical and necessary. Extending FirstNet's authority through 2037 ensures stability while we build on its success. And as we do so, we are working together to ensure proper safeguards are in place to preserve an independent voice for first responders in how the network is governed and operated while maintaining new oversight authority under NTIA. I believe the bill before us with the hard work of our two co-leaders strikes that balance. FirstNet's public-private partnership and self-sustaining funding model has driven innovation, expanded coverage, and we must preserve that progress while continuing to assure accountability, fair competition, and continued modernization. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get FirstNet reauthorized now and get it right. We have incorporated lessons we've learned since its creation to ensure we are prioritizing public safety while strengthening resiliency and modernization. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back.

Gentlady yields back, the chair recognizes the gentleman from Idaho. Idaho for five minutes to speak on the amendment.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is actually to the underlying bill.

Okay. Gentleman's recognized.

Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues for bringing this forward and certainly recognize the importance of it. I do want to go on record, however, just pointing out that the Office of Inspector General in a recent audit did show a number of what they call critical reports. And again, this is incredibly important to proceed with, and so I intend on supporting it. But as sometimes privately owned entities with government funding can do, there sometimes is a lack of accountability. And I just want to go on the record by saying, look, we need to be assured that these goals are being met, and I don't want to lose sight of the overall need for accountability. That said, I will be supporting the bill but wanted to go on record with that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes gentleman from Florida for five minutes to speak on the amendment.

Thank you, Chairman. During hurricanes, flooding, fires, even freezes in Central Florida, reliable communication is critical for our brave first responders to be able to save lives. Congress stepped up after 9/11 to create the FirstNet system with spectrum sale proceeds with an audacious goal: that every community, no matter how rural or urban, has access to dependable communication. Every American deserves that protection. I had contacted a lot of our local Central Florida law enforcement agencies and emergency response agencies. We see all three of our counties and all of our major cities in the region, from Osceola and Orange to Polk County and all of our cities, support and are utilizing this program. From our Osceola County Emergency Manager Bill Litton, he had mentioned we have a good experience with the service and the resources from FirstNet that they can provide our county pre- and post-disaster, and went on to mention that FirstNet had added two additional towers to the area. We heard in committee testimony about billions of dollars in new investment provided by the provider AT&T. This is a key public-private partnership, and I'm proud to support this 10-year reauthorization. And I yield back.

Gentleman yields back. The chair will recognize anybody on the Republican side seeking recognition? Gentleman from Texas seeking recognition to speak on the amendment? You're recognized for five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In my district, FirstNet is not some abstract policy, it's a daily necessity. Local first responders rely on FirstNet every day to maintain secure, reliable communication during emergencies, natural disasters, and major incidents. In Tarrant County, FirstNet also plays an important role in supporting the District Attorney's office by ensuring smooth coordination with law enforcement and public safety partners, particularly during high-risk operations and large-scale investigations. I want to also recognize the strong role of the private sector partnering support FirstNet in our region. Their ongoing investment, local engagement, and commitment to public safety have made a meaningful difference for first responders and the broader community in North Texas. The reliability, priority, and preemption that FirstNet provides directly enhances public safety outcomes in my district. And I appreciate the continued focus on strengthening and sustaining this network for those who protect our communities. I look forward to supporting this bill for everyone back home in my district. I yield back, Mr. Chairman.

Gentleman yields back. Is there further seeking recognition? The gentleman from California recognized, Dr. Ruiz recognized for five minutes to speak on the amendment.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As an emergency medicine physician, also trained in disaster aid, I can't stress enough how FirstNet is a lifeline. It's not just a program, it's a lifeline. It's the difference between chaos and coordination when disaster strikes, especially in rural and underserved communities like those I represent in the Coachella Valley and Imperial Valleys. It's the difference between getting the information that first responders need to do their jobs safely versus people dying because they don't have the speed and the coordination and the assistance and the help from our heroes who are putting themselves in harm's way in order to save lives. In my district, we face wildfires, extreme heat, and poor air quality events that threaten lives and overwhelm local response systems. We're right on top of the San Andreas Fault, so we're always vigilant of the big one, the big earthquake that may arise. Already in the month of March, our temperatures are about 116 degrees, about 20 degrees above the average. During these type of emergencies, when traditional networks become congested or fail, FirstNet ensures that our firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement officers stay connected so that they can save lives. That's why I have consistently supported the reauthorization of FirstNet since its earliest consideration in this subcommittee. I've pushed for continued investment in network reliability, rural coverage, and deployable assets so that no community is left behind when it matters most. But our work is not done. As we look ahead, we must ensure FirstNet keeps pace with evolving threats and technologies. And we have to make sure that all of our communities have access to FirstNet and other type of programs like this where first responders can be guaranteed and feel secure and confident and they can trust in their communication systems when all hell breaks loose. That means strengthening coverage gaps, improving interoperability, and ensuring equitable access for all first responders, whether they serve in dense urban centers or in remote desert communities like mine. Reauthorizing FirstNet is about preparedness and resilience. It's about protecting the men and women who risk their lives to protect us. So I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and reaffirm our commitment to the safety of our communities and of our first responders. I yield back.

Gentleman yields back. Are there any speakers on the Republican side who wish to speak on the amendment? Seeing none, Mr. Carter from Louisiana recognized for five minutes to speak on the amendment. Mr. Carter, are you trying to get your... are you trying to call up his... Okay. [Laughter.] Go off the cuff. [Laughter.]

Move to strike the last word. I proudly represent Louisiana's Second Congressional District. And in my home state, we know all too well how devastating natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding can be to our communities. That's why having reliable public safety communications and resilient infrastructure is essential to protecting lives and ensuring effective emergency responses. Public safety stakeholders in Louisiana and across our country have called on Congress to reauthorize the FirstNet Authority so first responders have the tools they need to protect and to serve our communities effectively and efficiently. That's why I support Representative McClellan and Dunn's bipartisan First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, which would extend this critical communication resource for our first responders. We must ensure that our communities are prepared and well-equipped to respond when disasters or emergencies strike, especially our rural and underserved communities which may lack modern infrastructure and can be hard to reach during natural disasters. Reauthorizing FirstNet is good for public safety and supports the first responders, the hard work, the commitment that they do in districts like mine. I call on my colleagues to join me in voting yes for this critical bipartisan legislation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.

Thank you for yielding back and that's why I still get a paper ticket before I... That's right. Just as a backup, just as a backup. Any further recognition for speak on the amendment? Seeing none. If there's no further discussion, the vote occurs on adopting the amendment in the nature of a substitute. We'll do this by voice and then fast final passage with... So if there's no further discussion, the vote occurs on the amendment in the nature of a substitute. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed no. The ayes have it and the amendment is agreed to. The question now occurs on adopting H.R. 7386 as amended. A roll call vote has been requested and the clerk will call the roll.

Mr. Latta.

Aye.

Mr. Latta records as aye. Mr. Griffith.

Aye.

Mr. Griffith records as aye. Mr. Bilirakis.

Aye.

Mr. Bilirakis records as aye. Mr. Hudson.

Aye.

Mr. Hudson records as aye. Mr. Carter from Georgia.

Aye.

Mr. Carter from Georgia records as aye. Mr. Palmer.

Aye.

Mr. Palmer records as aye. Mr. Dunn.

Aye.

Mr. Dunn records as aye. Mr. Crenshaw. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Weber.

Aye.

Mr. Weber records as aye. Mr. Allen.

Aye.

Mr. Allen records as aye. Mr. Balderson. Mr. Fulcher.

Aye.

Mr. Fulcher records as aye. Mr. Pfluger.

Aye.

Mr. Pfluger records as aye. Miss Harshbarger.

Aye.

Miss Harshbarger records as aye. Miss Miller-Meeks.

Aye.

Miss Miller-Meeks records as aye. Miss Cammack. Mr. Obernolte. Mr. James. Mr. Bentz.

Aye.

Mr. Bentz records as aye. Miss Houchin.

Aye.

Miss Houchin records as aye. Mr. Fry.

Aye.

Mr. Fry records as aye. Miss Lee.

Aye.

Miss Lee records as aye. Mr. Langworthy.

Aye.

Mr. Langworthy records as aye. Mr. Kean. Mr. Rulli.

Aye.

Mr. Rulli records as aye. Mr. Evans.

Aye.

Mr. Evans records as aye. Mr. Goldman.

Aye.

Mr. Goldman records as aye. Miss Fedorchak.

Aye.

Miss Fedorchak records as aye. Mr. Pallone.

Aye.

Mr. Pallone records as aye. Miss DeGette.

Aye.

Miss DeGette records as aye. Miss Schakowsky.

Aye.

Miss Schakowsky records as aye. Miss Matsui.

Aye.

Miss Matsui records as aye. Miss Castor.

Aye.

Miss Castor records as aye. Mr. Tonko.

Aye.

Mr. Tonko records as aye. Miss Kelly.

Aye.

Miss Kelly records as aye. Miss Clarke.

Aye.

Miss Clarke records as aye. Mr. Ruiz.

Aye.

Mr. Ruiz records as aye. Mr. Peters.

Aye.

Mr. Peters records as aye. Miss Dingell.

Aye.

Miss Dingell records as aye. Mr. Veasey.

Aye.

Miss Barragán.

Aye.

Mr. Soto.

Aye.

Mr. Soto records as aye. Miss Schrier.

Aye.

Miss Schrier records as aye. Miss Trahan.

Aye.

Miss Trahan records as aye. Miss Fletcher.

Aye.

Miss Fletcher records as aye. Miss Ocasio-Cortez.

Aye.

Miss Ocasio-Cortez records as aye. Mr. Auchincloss.

Aye.

Mr. Auchincloss records as aye. Mr. Carter from Louisiana.

Aye.

Mr. Carter from Louisiana records as aye. Mr. Menendez.

Aye.

Mr. Menendez records as aye. Mr. Mullin.

Aye.

Mr. Mullin records as aye. Mr. Landsman.

Aye.

Mr. Landsman records as aye. And then Miss McClellan.

Aye.

Miss McClellan records as aye. Mr. Guthrie.

Aye.

Mr. Guthrie records as aye. Mr. Dr. Joyce.

Aye.

Mr. Joyce records as aye. Anyone else? Mr. James.

How am I recorded?

He is not recorded.

James aye.

Mr. James aye. Mr. Balderson.

How am I recorded?

Mr. Balderson's not recorded.

Aye.

Mr. Balderson is aye. Any on the Democrat side? Let me just confirm how Miss Clarke is recorded. How is Miss Clarke recorded? She's recorded as aye. Okay. Miss Cammack.

Aye.

Miss Cammack records as aye. I think Obernolte's right here. I think there's somebody walking in the door right now. Give about 10, 15 seconds. Are you ready? Oh yeah. We got one more. Okay. They got Mr. Veasey coming. We have Mr... How's Mr. Veasey recorded? He is not recorded. If he's not in the hallway, we'll go. Mr. Veasey is aye.

The clerk will report.

Chairman Guthrie, on that on that vote, there are 50 ayes and zero nos. Sorry, 51 ayes.

The ayes have it. The ayes have it and the bill is adopted. All right. The chair will... The chair calls up H.R. 7022 and asks the clerk to report.

H.R. 7022, a bill to provide for the transmission of emergency alerts by satellite and for other purposes. Be it en...

Without objection the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point so ordered. Does anyone seek recognition on the bill? For what purpose does the gentleman from Texas seek recognition?

Well, Mr. Chairman, I have a amendment in the nature of a substitute, so...

The clerk will report.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 7022, offered by Mr. Pfluger from Texas.

Without objection the reading of the amendment is dispensed with and gentleman is recognized for five minutes in support of the amendment.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. As many of you know, this is a personal issue for me after the July 4th flooding that swept through Central Texas, including the All Girls Camp Mystic where two of my daughters were attending. I knew that Congress had to act and had to act quickly to improve the redundancy and the reliability in the wireless emergency alert system to ensure that alerts reach families and first responders even in the most challenging circumstances. H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act, is the result of these efforts. And this legislation ensures that during natural disasters that the wireless emergency alerts can still be delivered via satellite when traditional networks go down or service is unavailable. This need for improvement was reinforced during last year's Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing titled Legislative Improvements to Public Safety Communications in the United States. There, we heard from expert witnesses about the need to strengthen the WEA systems and the risk when Americans lose access to alerts due to damaged, overwhelmed, or nonexistent cellular infrastructure, especially in rural areas. The Mystic Alert Act would close these gaps by incorporating space-based mobile broadband into the wireless emergency alert system. And this amendment in the nature of a substitute incorporates technical assistance into the Mystic Alerts Act to ensure sound implementation of the legislation with the WARN Act as well as ensure that if a provider elects to transmit emergency alerts, they may not impose a fee for that service. I'd like to thank my co-leads, Representatives Lizzie Fletcher and Marc Veasey from Texas, who are familiar with this camp and the need for this, and Representative Buddy Carter who also had grandchildren that were at the camp. And I'd like to thank them for working closely with my office, with myself, to advance this bipartisan but also common sense legislation. Their collaboration has been instrumental in advancing this effort. And I think we owe it to the families that lost their lives to continue to do the best that we can. And I think this legislation represents that effort. I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan legislation and I yield back.

Gentleman yields back and I'll speak for the committee to say our thoughts and prayers have been with you, especially after what happened last 4th of July with you and your family and with Mr. Carter and his granddaughter and her family. I believe his granddaughter lost her cousin from the other side of the family and our thoughts and prayers are with you. So, the gentlelady from Texas is recognized for five minutes to speak on the amendment.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you and Ranking Member Pallone for including the Mystic Alerts Act in today's markup. And I want to thank my friend from Texas, Congressman Pfluger, for his leadership and his commitment on this issue, as well as my other co-leads, Congressman Veasey and Congressman Carter. I'm really proud to work on this important bill in response to the devastating floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country last summer. And I think in Houston and across the state of Texas, we are still heartbroken. We are still grieving. There are still green ribbons on the trees in my neighborhood for the neighbors that we lost in the flood. There were 135 people who were killed in the floods and the destruction of communities all along the Guadalupe River last summer. And people across Texas, generations of Texans, have gone to the Hill Country in the summer for that little bit of breeze that you can get and that slightly, only slightly cooler weather. I spent my summers there growing up at a camp just down the river. And it's full of summer camps and church camps and campsites for families, family homes, just so many generations of Texans have been in this beautiful and majestic part of our state. And last summer it became the place of an unthinkable tragedy. And as I said, we're still trying to put the pieces back together. Some of those pieces will never be put back together and the loss to the families that I represent is just incalculable. But I think this bill is a small but important way to provide a meaningful response and it's a bipartisan effort to respond to these devastating floods and to learn from this tragedy and to try to mitigate some of the pain and loss that our communities felt for communities across the country so that they don't have to go through the similar challenges in moments of emergency. And while there have been great strides that have been made in telecommunications, there are still large sections of our country that lack reliable and consistent cell service. And unfortunately, that's one of the challenges that we saw last summer, whether it is in some dense urban areas to rural communities, from camping spots to hiking trails, cell coverage is not always guaranteed. And especially in the Hill Country, reception is spotty and unreliable. So, while some parts in some major towns have good coverage, others do not. And in this time of heightened connectivity, a lack of cell service can make all the difference in receiving a life-saving emergency notification. So, this bill addresses that communications gap. It requires the FCC to encourage mobile service providers to adopt satellite alerting capabilities for emergency alerts. The technology exists to notify people who lack cell service of these life-threatening emergencies, but not every carrier utilizes this technology. And everyone should be able to get these alerts, whether it's through their traditional service or through this kind of emergency alerting coverage. No one should miss a life-saving emergency alert because they don't have cell service. So, by encouraging mobile providers to adopt these capabilities, this bill helps ensure that emergency alerts can reach people no matter where they live, no matter what signal they have. And as I said earlier, this is a small but important way to learn a lesson from the tragedy in Texas last summer and to put the pain and the loss and the grief of the families that I represent and families across the state of Texas and across the country into action and to learn a lesson from what we saw. Nothing can bring back those that we lost in the flood, but we owe it to their survivors and to everyone we represent to do everything we possibly can to try to prevent another tragedy like the one that we saw last summer. And so I'm really glad to join Congressman Pfluger and Congressman Veasey and Congressman Carter in leading this effort and I hope that everyone on the committee will join us in voting in favor of this bill. Thank you and I yield back.

Thank you, the gentlelady yields back and the chair recognizes Mr. Carter from Georgia for five minutes to speak on the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Gentleman is recognized to speak on the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Mystic Alerts Act introduced by Congressman Pfluger. Public safety is one of Congress's most serious responsibilities and this bill addresses a clear and urgent gap in our emergency communications system. Like Congressman Pfluger, my family was directly impacted by the Camp Mystic flooding in Texas. It was a tragedy that demonstrated how quickly conditions can change and how devastating the consequences can be when people do not receive timely warnings. My twin granddaughters were at this camp. And for 10 hours, the longest 10 hours of my life, I didn't know what was going on. I didn't know if they were safe or if they weren't. They turned out to be safe, but unfortunately, their nine-year-old cousin, Janie Hunt, succumbed to that flood and is now in heaven. While we have made real progress in delivering wireless emergency alerts, recent disasters have shown that alerts can fail when terrestrial networks are damaged, overloaded, or unavailable, precisely when people need them the most. The Mystic Alerts Act strengthens our emergency alerting framework by directing the FCC to establish standards and requirements to allow alerts to be delivered via satellite connectivity, ensuring redundancy when traditional networks are down. By incorporating satellite-based capabilities, this bill helps ensure emergency alerts can reach rural communities, disaster zones, and other hard-to-reach areas, improving resilience and saving lives during floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and other emergencies. This legislation honors the victims of the Camp Mystic flood, like Janie Hunt, by taking meaningful action to prevent similar tragedies and by making our emergency communications system more reliable, modern, and resilient. I commend Congressman Pfluger for his leadership and the other co-sponsors of this bill and the bipartisan approach. I urge my colleagues to support the Mystic Alerts Act. I thank you for your thoughts and prayers that have been extended to my family. This is something that you don't get over and will never get over. But our family does appreciate this very much, the efforts of this Congress to address this situation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.

Thank you, the gentleman yields back and I think I can speak for the committee that our prayers are continuing for you and Mr. Pfluger's family and all the families in Mystic. Are there any further speakers on the amendment? Seeing none, no further discussion, the vote occurs on the amendment in the nature of substitute. All those in favor shall signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the amendment is agreed to. The question now occurs on adopting H.R. 7022 as amended and a roll call vote has been requested and the clerk will call the roll.

Mr. Latta.

Aye.

Mr. Latta votes aye. Mr. Griffith.

Aye.

Mr. Griffith votes aye. Mr. Bilirakis.

Aye.

Mr. Bilirakis votes aye. Mr. Hudson.

Aye.

Mr. Hudson votes aye. Mr. Carter of Georgia.

Aye.

Mr. Carter of Georgia votes aye. Mr. Palmer.

Aye.

Mr. Palmer votes aye. Mr. Dunn.

Aye.

Mr. Dunn votes aye. Mr. Crenshaw. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Weber. Mr. Allen.

Aye.

Mr. Allen votes aye. Mr. Balderson. Mr. Balderson votes aye. Mr. Fulcher.

Aye.

Mr. Fulcher votes aye. Mr. Pfluger.

Aye.

Mr. Pfluger votes aye. Ms. Harshbarger.

Aye.

Ms. Harshbarger votes aye. Ms. Miller-Meeks. Ms. Cammack.

Aye.

Ms. Cammack votes aye. Mr. Obernolte.

Aye.

Mr. Obernolte votes aye. Mr. James. Mr. Bentz.

Aye.

Mr. Bentz votes aye. Ms. Houchin. Mr. Fry.

Aye.

Mr. Fry votes aye. Ms. Lee.

Aye.

Ms. Lee votes aye. Mr. Langworthy.

Aye.

Mr. Langworthy votes aye. Mr. Kean. Mr. Rulli.

Aye.

Mr. Rulli votes aye. Mr. Evans. Mr. Goldman.

Aye.

Mr. Goldman votes aye. Ms. Fedorchak.

Aye.

Ms. Fedorchak votes aye. Mr. Pallone.

Aye.

Mr. Pallone votes aye. Ms. DeGette.

Aye.

Ms. DeGette votes aye. Ms. Schakowsky.

Aye.

Ms. Schakowsky votes aye. Ms. Matsui.

Aye.

Ms. Matsui votes aye. Ms. Castor.

Aye.

Ms. Castor votes aye. Mr. Tonko.

Aye.

Mr. Tonko votes aye. Ms. Clarke.

Aye.

Ms. Clarke votes aye. Mr. Ruiz.

Aye.

Mr. Ruiz votes aye. Mr. Peters. Mr. Peters votes aye. Ms. Dingell. Ms. Dingell votes aye. Mr. Veasey.

Aye.

Mr. Veasey votes aye. Ms. Kelly.

Aye.

Ms. Kelly votes aye. Ms. Barragán.

Aye.

Ms. Barragán votes aye. Mr. Soto.

Aye.

Mr. Soto votes aye. Ms. Schrier.

Aye.

Ms. Schrier votes aye. Ms. Trahan.

Aye.

Ms. Trahan votes aye. Ms. Fletcher.

Aye.

Ms. Fletcher votes aye. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez.

Aye.

Ms. Ocasio-Cortez votes aye. Mr. Auchincloss.

Aye.

Mr. Auchincloss votes aye. Mr. Carter of Louisiana.

Aye.

Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes aye. Mr. Menendez.

Aye.

Mr. Menendez votes aye. Mr. Mullin.

Aye.

Mr. Mullin votes aye. Mr. Landsman.

Aye.

Mr. Landsman votes aye. Ms. McClellan.

Aye.

Ms. McClellan votes aye. Chairman Guthrie.

Aye.

Chairman Guthrie votes aye.

Is there anyone seeking recognition? Gentlelady from Iowa.

Miller-Meeks votes aye.

Ms. Miller-Meeks votes aye.

Dr. Joyce.

Joyce votes aye.

Mr. Joyce votes aye.

Mr. Weber.

Weber votes aye.

Mr. Weber votes aye.

Ms. Houchin.

Houchin votes aye.

Ms. Houchin votes aye.

Mr. Evans.

Evans votes aye.

Mr. Evans votes aye.

Anyone on the Democrat side? Mr. James.

Mr. James not recorded.

James is aye.

Mr. James is aye.

Anyone on the Democrat side? You have everybody? Seeing none, and anybody else to answer the roll? Seeing none, the clerk will report.

Chairman Guthrie, on that vote, there were 52 ayes and zero nays.

The ayes have it and the bill is adopted. Without objection, the staff is authorized to make technical and conforming changes to the legislation approved by the committee today. So ordered. And without objection, the committee stands adjourned.