Hudson Celebrates House Passage of FirstNet Reauthorization to Strengthen Emergency Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, applauded the bipartisan, unanimous House passage of H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026.

This legislation will improve crisis communications with a stronger First Responder Network Authority, while prioritizing the needs of our First Responders to meet all Americans. It will strengthen oversight, improve reliability, and ensure first responders have the communications tools they need in emergencies.

"Reliable communications are essential for our first responders," said Rep. Hudson. "In drafting this bipartisan bill, we brought everyone to the table to get it right. It builds on what works, fixes what doesn't, and ensures FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable network that will keep our communities safer."

Recent oversight has underscored the urgency of these reforms. Since 2014, the Commerce Department's Inspector General has issued more than 20 reports raising concerns about oversight and network performance. Real-world failures have also shown the network has not always performed when it mattered most, including during major disasters like Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, where first responders faced outages and communication breakdowns.

The FirstNet Reauthorization Act addresses these challenges by:

Strengthening oversight and accountability of the network
Improving governance and public safety representation on the FirstNet Authority Board
Ensuring responsible reinvestment of funds into network improvements
Supporting more reliable and resilient communications during emergencies

In North Carolina, Hurricane Helene and other emergencies exposed gaps in network reliability, reinforcing the need for reforms to ensure seamless communication during hurricanes and other disasters.

Hudson worked in good faith with bipartisan colleagues, stakeholders, and public safety organizations throughout the process. The legislation is supported by more than fifteen public safety organizations.

The House also advanced complementary legislation to modernize emergency alerts and strengthen the nation's public safety communications infrastructure.

Supporters of the FirstNet Reauthorization Act include:

• AT&T

• International Association of Fire Chiefs

• Congressional Fire Services Institute

• International Association of Emergency Managers, U.S. Council

• International Association of Fire Fighters

• International City/County Management Association

• Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association

• National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

• National Association of Counties

• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

• National Association of State Chief Information Officers

• National Conference of State Legislatures

• National Emergency Management Association

• National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

• National Fire Protection Association

• National League of Cities

• National Volunteer Fire Council