Subcommittees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.

“Reliable communications are absolutely essential for our first responders in emergencies. While a lot has been done to stand up this first-of-its-kind public safety communications network, there is more work to do to ensure the promise of FirstNet is fulfilled. In my home state of North Carolina, first responders have shared their frustrations about FirstNet not working during Hurricane Helene,” said Chairman Hudson. “The reforms included in the legislation before us today are intended to ensure that FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable communications network to our first responders and the FirstNet Authority acts in the best interests of the public safety community it serves.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

• H.R. 7386, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.

Watch the full markup here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s markup:

Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02): “We are continuing to hear from public safety groups and other stakeholders about ways to improve certain provisions in this legislation, and we will continue to work with them in good faith to improve the bill. We want to ensure that our first responders have the most reliable communications network when they need it most.”

Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02): “When Congress created the First Responder Network Authority, there was a clear mandate to have a public safety preemptive network that would be used exclusively for first responders on the ground. Our nation's heroes and public servants alike, who are the first to respond, the first people to put their lives on the line, deserve a robust communication system. This is a very clear mandate to give our local communities the resources they need to respond to tragedies.”

Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12): “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.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.

Subcommittee Chairman Hudson’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee markup on the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act. I’m excited about our progress and taking this next step towards reauthorizing this important program.

“Last week we heard from a great panel 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.

“We heard directly from NTIA that not only is the FirstNet Board protected in statute, but they have no intention of dismantling or casting aside the FirstNet Board. It’s actually quite the opposite. NTIA relies on the Board to provide crucial expertise and direction on the needs of public safety. This legislation not only keeps the Board, but strengthens public safety’s voice by requiring 2 additional seats on the Board be dedicated to public safety.

“I want to note this vote today does not signify we’re done working on this legislation. We are continuing to gather feedback from public safety groups and stakeholders about certain provisions in this legislation, and we have a lot of work in the coming weeks to ensure that this bill is the best possible version it can be before it reaches the House floor.

“Reliable communications are absolutely essential for our first responders in emergencies. While a lot has been done to stand up this first-of-its-kind public safety communications network, there is more work to do to ensure the promise of FirstNet is fulfilled. In my home state of North Carolina, first responders have shared their frustrations about FirstNet not working during Hurricane Helene. The reforms included in the legislation before us today are intended to ensure that FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable communications network to our first responders and the FirstNet Authority acts in the best interests of the public safety community it serves.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their continued commitment to this issue and for their work developing this proposal. I look forward to reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of twelve bills to strengthen automotive safety, affordability, and leadership.

Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Today we will be advancing legislation aimed at modernizing and ensuring motor vehicle safety, promoting innovation, and ensuring affordability.

“The Members of this subcommittee understand better than anyone that there is no partisan way to save lives. In 2024, nearly 40,000 people died on our roadways. That number is staggering—but what matters most is what it represents: families forever changed, milestones never reached, and seats left empty around kitchen tables. That reality should drive our work here today.

“Meeting this moment requires practical solutions to strengthen motor vehicle safety and empower NHTSA to succeed in its mission. I would like to highlight three solutions to bolster motor vehicle safety.

“First, we must address the growing risks that electric vehicle battery fires present to vehicle occupants, firefighters, and the public at large. These fires have led to serious fatalities and created dangerous conditions for firefighters, made worse by inconsistent vehicle designs and a lack of standardized response protocols. This is an area where Congress can and must bring together first responders, safety experts, NHTSA, and industry to develop real solutions.

“This issue has had tragic consequences, and I want to again thank Florida State Rep. Meg Weinberger for her leadership in bringing attention to this problem and working with me on potential solutions. I’m grateful to the Chairman for partnering with me to include a new provision in the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act that strengthens fire rescue capabilities and improves safety for first responders on the front line.

“Second, we are considering the SELF-DRIVE Act, which establishes a federal framework for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles. I want to commend Mr. Latta for his years of dedication to this issue.

“Autonomous vehicles hold enormous potential, not just as a technological advancement, but as a tool to save lives. By reducing human error, which is responsible for most crashes, AVs can prevent accidents before they happen. They also offer new mobility and independence for seniors and people with disabilities.

“Finally, accessibility must remain central to our approach to mobility. Today, millions of wheelchair users rely on outdated and non-standardized securement systems that are often unreliable. This has led to preventable injuries, restricted travel, and unnecessary dependence on caregivers.

“The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act takes an important step forward by directing NHTSA to prioritize research into automated wheelchair securing systems. I thank the Chairman for recognizing the importance of this issue and including this impactful provision.

“I am confident that, working together, we can advance legislation that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and American automotive leadership. I look forward to our discussion today on how we can achieve these goals by moving these bills to the next stage of the legislative process.”