Energy and Commerce chair opens markup to advance FirstNet reauthorization

The chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce opened a committee markup Tuesday to consider the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, saying the measure would clarify authorities for the FirstNet program and strengthen public-safety communications. "FirstNet is a central part of that mission," the chair said, adding that "every American must be able to trust that our networks are strong and reliable."

The chair said the bill is bipartisan and aims to remove lingering legislative ambiguity in the program while preserving the role of the FirstNet board and the voices of first responders. The sponsors of the measure are Representatives Dunn of Florida and McClellan of Virginia, whom the chair thanked for their leadership.

Committee staff, the chair said, worked with first responders and public-safety officials since an earlier February hearing to incorporate technical edits and feedback intended to improve accountability, reliability and transparency in the program. The opening remarks did not include the text of any motion or a recorded vote; the markup was under way to consider amendments and final language.

The chair framed the reauthorization as a response to constituents’ experiences with natural disasters and other emergencies, arguing that clearer authorities would help ensure reliable emergency communications. The committee’s process and the bill’s oversight provisions were emphasized as central to achieving those goals.

The chair closed by thanking Ranking Member Pallone and committee staff for their collaboration as the committee advanced the measure. No formal vote or final passage was recorded in the opening remarks.