Key Takeaways
- •The committee unanimously approved H.R. 7386 to reauthorize FirstNet through 2037 and H.R. 7022 to enable satellite-based emergency alerts during cellular outages.
- •Rep. Neal Dunn (R, FL-2) stated FirstNet is the backbone of public safety, while Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D, VA-4) noted the bill increases first responder representation.
- •Rep. August Pfluger (R, TX-11) and Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D, TX-7) explained how H.R. 7022 uses satellite technology to reach areas where traditional cellular networks fail.
- •Rep. Brett Guthrie (R, KY-2) and Rep. Frank Pallone (D, NJ-6) celebrated the bipartisan process, despite Rep. Russ Fulcher (R, ID-1) highlighting the need for accountability.
- •These bills move to the House floor to prevent FirstNet's 2027 expiration and to provide redundant, life-saving alert systems for rural and disaster-prone communities.
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Hearing Analysis
Overview
The House Energy and Commerce Committee met on March 25, 2026, for a full committee markup of two bipartisan bills designed to modernize and secure the nation’s public safety communications infrastructure. The hearing, led by Chairman Brett Guthrie (R, KY-2) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D, NJ-6), focused on the reauthorization of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and the creation of a satellite-based emergency alert system. Both leaders emphasized the committee's commitment to bipartisan cooperation in ensuring that first responders and citizens have reliable communication tools during natural disasters and emergencies.
Policy Proposals
The first piece of legislation considered was H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act. Introduced by Rep. Neal Dunn (R, FL-2) and Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D, VA-4), the bill addresses the upcoming February 2027 sunset of FirstNet by extending its authority for ten years through September 30, 2037. FirstNet was established following the September 11 attacks to provide a dedicated, high-speed broadband network for public safety officials. Rep. Dunn noted that the network is currently the backbone of communications for over 7 million connections across the country, particularly in disaster-prone areas like Florida’s Panhandle.
Overview
The committee adopted an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) offered by Rep. McClellan, which introduced several governance reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. These reforms include increasing the number of public safety professionals on the FirstNet Board to five and staggering their terms to ensure leadership continuity. The bill also clarifies the oversight role of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), requiring the agency to respond to FirstNet’s reinvestment recommendations within 60 days while allowing FirstNet to maintain operational flexibility. Rep. Russ Fulcher (R, ID-1) highlighted that these oversight measures were necessary to address past concerns regarding waste and mismanagement identified by the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Key Testimony
The second bill, H.R. 7022, the MYSTIC Alerts Act, was introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R, TX-11) and Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D, TX-7). The legislation was prompted by a tragic flash flood at Camp Mystic in Texas during the summer of 2025, which resulted in significant loss of life due to a lack of cellular service and timely emergency alerts. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish standards for transmitting wireless emergency alerts (WEA) via satellite. This redundancy ensures that alerts reach individuals in rural or remote areas where traditional cellular infrastructure is damaged or non-existent. Rep. Earl "Buddy" Carter (R, GA-1) provided emotional testimony regarding the loss of his nine-year-old relative in the Camp Mystic flood, underscoring the life-saving potential of satellite-based alerts. The bill also prohibits service providers from charging fees for the transmission of these emergency alerts.
Overview
The following organizations were discussed during the hearing: - First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet): The primary subject of H.R. 7386; the committee voted to reauthorize the authority for 10 years while implementing governance reforms to increase public safety representation on its board. - National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): Discussed as the primary oversight body for FirstNet; the legislation clarifies NTIA’s role in approving reinvestment funds and task orders. - House Committee on Energy and Commerce: The convening body for the markup, praised by members for maintaining a bipartisan process on public safety issues. - Camp Mystic: A summer camp in Texas that served as the catalyst for H.R. 7022 following a deadly 2025 flood that exposed gaps in emergency alerting. - AT&T Inc. (AT&T): Identified as the private-sector partner for FirstNet; members discussed the importance of transparency regarding AT&T’s contract and its obligations for rural network build-out. - Communications and Technology Subcommittee: Referenced as the venue for previous legislative hearings that shaped the current bills. - United States Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General (OIG): Cited regarding past audits that identified structural deficiencies and mismanagement within FirstNet. - Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Tasked under H.R. 7022 with establishing technical standards for satellite-based wireless emergency alerts. - Shade Gap Volunteer Fire Company: Referenced by Rep. John Joyce (R, PA-13) as a success story for FirstNet, noting the elimination of dropped 911 calls in rural Pennsylvania. - University of Michigan: Mentioned by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D, MI-6) as a major entity in her district that relies on FirstNet for daily public safety operations. - Walton County Sheriff's Office: Referenced by Rep. Dunn for its reliance on FirstNet during hurricane recovery efforts.
The markup demonstrated strong bipartisan consensus, with both bills passing unanimously. H.R. 7386 was adopted by a roll call vote of 51-0, and H.R. 7022 passed 52-0. Members noted that the legislation strikes a balance between preserving the independent voice of first responders and ensuring responsible federal oversight. The bills will now proceed to the House floor for further consideration.
Transcript
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.
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