WASHINGTON—The Senate unanimously approved an amendment to integrate mobile phones and other wireless devices into the emergency alert system, but passage of the port security bill to which it is attached suddenly has become uncertain because of election-year differences between Republicans and Democrats.
The Senate Tuesday passed the Warning, Alerts and Response Network Act by a vote of 95-0. Meantime, debate continues on the WARN Act’s legislative vehicle—port security legislation—in advance of an expected final vote Thursday.
“The WARN Act is an important step to help secure America’s homeland in the event of a disaster,” said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), the bill’s lead sponsor. “It’s only a matter of time before the next hurricane, tornado, earthquake, chemical spill or terrorist attack threatens the safety of our families, and we must be prepared. We know that when disaster strikes, every minute counts. This will help first responders save lives by keeping people out of impacted areas and providing them with timely, accurate information.”
At a Senate hearing yesterday on the nomination of Kevin Martin to a second term as chairman of Federal Communications Commission, DeMint won assurances from the FCC chief to postpone ruling on new EAS rules until Congress completes work on the WARN bill. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) is backing a companion measure in the House.
“Sprint Nextel has a strong history of commitment to public safety, and we will continue to work with government agencies at all levels to develop wireless emergency alerts. We continue to believe that voluntary, opt-in, SMS-based solutions are the best choice for delivery of emergency alerts in the short term,” the No. 3 mobile phone carrier said. “As the WARN Act recognizes, additional study of future technologies is needed before the industry can begin to implement the next generation of wireless emergency alerts.”
The Telecommunications Industry Association urged lawmakers to approve the WARN ACT before Congress adjourns for midterm elections.
“The American public must have the secure delivery of coordinated messages through as many communication pathways as practicable. The WARN Act will facilitate this important national security priority. We urge passage of the bill so that it can be passed out of conference and sent to the President’s desk for his signature,” said TIA President Matthew Flanigan.
