Subcommittee opens markup on FirstNet reauthorization, proposes two public-safety board seats

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce subcommittee opened a markup on the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, with the chair saying the bill would preserve the FirstNet board and add new public-safety representation.

"Good morning, and welcome to today's subcommittee markup on the first responder network authority reauthorization act," the chair said, opening the session and framing the legislation as a step toward reauthorizing and strengthening the public-safety communications network known as FirstNet.

The chair told members the committee had heard a panel of witnesses the previous week who provided expertise and recommended improvements to ensure FirstNet operates "in the best interest of public safety." He said NTIA informed the committee that the FirstNet board is "protected in statute" and that NTIA "has no intention of dismantling or casting aside the FirstNet board," adding that the agency "relies on the board to provide crucial expertise and direction on the needs of public safety."

The proposal before the subcommittee would keep the current board structure and "strengthens public safety's voice by requiring 2 additional seats on the board be dedicated to public safety," the chair said. He emphasized that the measure was not final and that the panel expects to continue gathering feedback from public-safety groups and other stakeholders.

The chair also cited reliability concerns raised by first responders in his home state, saying, "In my home state of North Carolina, first responders have shared their frustrations about FirstNet not working in the immediate aftermath of hurricane Helene." He said the reforms in the bill are intended to ensure FirstNet "delivers a reliable interoperable communications network to our first responders."

The chair warned members that a procedural vote did not close negotiations: "I wanna note this vote today does not signify we're done working on this legislation. We're continuing to gather feedback from public safety groups and stakeholders," he said, adding that committee members would continue bipartisan work before any measure reaches the House floor.

The chair concluded his opening remarks by thanking colleagues on both sides of the aisle and then said, "I now yield 5 minutes to my colleague ranking member Matsui for her opening statement."