Homeland Security Committee Approves Bilirakis Legislation to Improve Emergency Communications and Alerts

Washington, DC (March 28, 2012) – The House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday approved legislation introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.

H.R. 3563 would improve public alerts and warnings during an emergency and modernize the Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System (IPAWS).

"The public alert and warning systems have not been modernized in decades and we must ensure that alerts and warnings work reliably, effectively, and efficiently so that we can make information available to the largest number of people possible, while also protecting and ensuring individual privacy," Bilirakis said.

Watch the markup here: