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Washington D.C.
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Emergency Communications Bill Goes to President for Signature

Following Homeland Security Today’s report this week that the House passed the final version of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Interoperable Communications Act (HR 615) earlier passed by the Senate, author Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ), the ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Subcommittee, said he’s elated to see the amended version of his legislation go to the President for his signature.

The legislation is the first bill of 2015 to pass out of the Committee on Homeland Security and sent to the President for his signature.

“Interoperable communications is essential to emergency response and homeland security operations,” Payne said. “But almost 14 years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security still does not have in place the policies and procedures necessary for successful communication among its components. I am pleased the House of Representatives has passed the amended version of my bill, which will finally put DHS on the path to achieving department-wide interoperable communications. This will enhance the safety of DHS’ boots on the ground and the communities they serve.”

The DHS Interoperable Communications Act which was amended and passed by the Senate earlier this month, charges DHS’ Under Secretary for Management with maintaining interoperable communications among the components of the department. DHS is required to create and submit to Congress a strategy to achieve department-wide interoperable communications that includes known interoperability challenges and gaps and projected milestones. Payne introduced the legislation in response to DHS’ ongoing lack of a robust and comprehensive interoperable communications strategy.

In a November 2012 audit of DHS’ oversight of interoperable communications, DHS’s Office of Inspector General (IG) found that over 10 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, only 0.25 percent of the radios uses by DHS components could access and communicate over the specified common channel. Additionally, only 20 percent of the radios had the correct settings for the common channel.

In a May 2015 verification review of its 2012 audit, theIG found that although DHS had begun initiating corrective actions, the plans have not been finalized and there is no timetable to do so. Consequently, DHS is underprepared for emergencies and lacks proper communications capabilities for daily operations and planned events.

Emergency Communications Bill Goes to President for Signature Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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