Capitol Insights: From the Desk of Government Affairs

Monday, August 3, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Nicole McGinnis, Chief Counsel and Director of Government Affairs, APCO International
Yesim Karaman, Director of Government Affairs, National Sheriffs' Association
John Drummond, Director of Government Affairs, Congressional Fire Services Institute
Harriet Rennie-Brown, Executive Director, National Association of State 911 Administrators

This panel brought together experts in government affairs from four leading 9-1-1 and public safety organizations to discuss current federal policy issues that could shape the future of 9-1-1 and emergency communications.

Panelists were Nicole McGinnis, APCO's Chief Counsel and Director of Government Affairs; Yesim Karaman, Director of Government Affairs for the National Sheriffs' Association; John Drummond, Director of Government Affairs for the Congressional Fire Services Institute; and Harriet Rennie-Brown, Executive Director of the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA).

Panelists discussed how their organizations engage with Congress and federal agencies, particularly the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to help their members carry out their lifesaving missions.

The transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 was a major focus. Panelists discussed the FCC's recently adopted reliability standards for 9-1-1 service providers and its proceeding on promoting nationwide interoperability. They also addressed the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act under consideration in Congress, which would establish a federal framework for the nationwide transition to NG9-1-1. Next Generation 9-1-1 "has been a priority for over 10 years now. I hope to close out that chapter with a win," said Karaman.

The panelists explained how their organizations are collaborating with one another and other stakeholders to inform the FCC's decisions and encourage Congress to pass the legislation.

Attendees left with a clearer understanding of the major emergency communications issues under consideration in Washington and the opportunities available to help shape federal decisions affecting emergency communications centers.

Written by Doug Klein, Senior Counsel, APCO International