Witnesses: AI translation and next‑generation 911 could save lives but need testing and safeguards
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Summary
Experts told the subcommittee that AI translation and other AI tools could speed emergency response and improve accessibility for non‑English speakers, but urged careful testing, transparency and investment in next‑generation 911 systems.
Members raised how AI can improve emergency communications through faster translation, digital‑twin mapping for damage assessment and predictive analytics during disasters.
Asad Ramzanali described how AI translation technologies could reduce delays when callers who do not speak English contact 911, saying that automated language detection and translation can cut critical delays. A government official cited to witnesses said translation could save up to six minutes in response time in some cases.
Members warned that untested systems risk errors in life‑or‑death contexts. Witnesses and members stressed that transparency, testing, and deployment alongside human oversight are essential. Members also tied the issue to funding debates: several said next‑generation 911 and BEAD funding are priorities and criticized proposals that would repurpose auction proceeds.
Ending: The committee heard calls to accelerate funding and testing for NG‑911 and to pair any AI translation deployment with strict transparency, training and performance monitoring requirements.