FEDERALhearing transcript

Hearing on Strengthening Communications Networks for Emergencies

Original title: STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS TO HELP AMERICANS IN CRISIS

January 1, 2023

emergency communications telecommunications public safety disaster response infrastructure suicide prevention

Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.

The Frame

What this does

This hearing reviewed five specific bills that could change how emergency alerts are distributed, how wireless networks are maintained during disasters, and how suicide prevention services are accessed nationwide.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Emergency responders

These groups rely on the communication networks and alert systems discussed in the proposed legislation.

Telecommunications providers

The proposed bills include requirements for wireless infrastructure resiliency and emergency alert distribution.

General public

Residents are the end-users of emergency alert systems and suicide prevention hotlines.

What changed

Last recorded activity January 1, 2023.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing on February 27, 2020, to discuss improving communication networks during crises. The session focused on legislative proposals aimed at enhancing emergency alert systems, wireless infrastructure resiliency, and the designation of a national suicide hotline.

Key Facts

The hearing was held on February 27, 2020, by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
The committee reviewed H.R. 451, the Don't Break Up the T-Band Act of 2019.
The committee reviewed H.R. 1289, the Preserving Home and Office Numbers in Emergencies Act of 2019.
The committee reviewed H.R. 3836, the Wireless Infrastructure Resiliency during Emergencies and Disasters Act.
The committee reviewed H.R. 4194, the National Suicide Hot-line Designation Act of 2019.
The committee reviewed H.R. 4856, the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement Act of 2019.
Witnesses included representatives from behavioral health services, emergency number associations, utility companies, fire departments, wireless industry groups, and public interest organizations.

Why It Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of this hearing?

To discuss legislative proposals aimed at strengthening communication networks to better assist Americans during crises and emergencies.

Which specific bills were discussed?

The committee reviewed H.R. 451, H.R. 1289, H.R. 3836, H.R. 4194, and H.R. 4856.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Focus on Emergency Resiliency

The committee consolidated multiple bills focused on infrastructure and emergency communication, indicating a coordinated legislative push for disaster preparedness.

H.R. 3836 H.R. 4856

Connected Entities

personAnthony Gossner“Fire Chief, City of Santa Rosa, California”Map →

personDaniel Henry“Regulatory Counsel for National Emergency Number Association”Map →

personJoseph Torres“Senior Director, Free Press”Map →

personAllen Bell“Distribution Manager, Georgia Power Company”Map →

personSue Ann Atkerson“CEO of Behavioral Health Link”Map →

personMatthew Gerst“VP of Regulatory Affairs, CTIA”Map →

personMike Doyle“Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology”Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance65
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy20
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment5
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz10
Current news / social attention level

Publisher tools