Washington, Jul 25 -

 
Today, Congressman Scott Garrett voted for the 21st Century Emergency Communications Act of 2006, which would provide tools and solutions to first responders who are hampered in their ability to communicate with one another during emergencies – a problem that was highlighted during emergency response to the terrorist attacks on September 11th.

"Homeland security is my top priority," said Garrett, who represents the North Jersey district across the Hudson River from New York City. "If our first responders cannot communicate with one another, their ability to work together, to look out for each other, and to save lives in a major disaster is hampered. The 9/11 Commission made finding solutions to the communications problem evidenced in the response to those attacks one of its top recommendations. This bill addresses the issue so that first responders will be able to do their jobs, keep our homeland secure, and protect themselves from harm."

Amongst other provisions, the bill would:

Create an office for emergency communications within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish accountability in the Federal oversight of interoperability issues.

Mandate a National Emergency Communications Report to recommend goals and timeframes and require a baseline assessment of emergency communications capabilities.

Require state and local governments to establish effective Statewide Interoperable Communications Plans before being able to use DHS grant funds for emergency communications.

Facilitate coordination of emergency communications by establishing regional working groups comprised of Federal, state, and local officials; first responders; and other relevant stakeholders

The House passed the bill by a vote of 414 to 2.

###