Cortez Masto, Klobuchar, Budd Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Deploy Next Generation 9-1-1 Systems

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced bipartisan legislation to accelerate federal efforts to modernize the nation's 9-1-1 systems. Funding from this bill would ensure state and local governments can deploy next generation 9-1-1 systems.

Upgrades are urgently needed to help improve America's largely outdated 9-1-1 call centers and related technology in the digital age. This bipartisan legislation will help enable 9-1-1 call centers to handle text messages, pictures, videos, and other information sent by smartphones, tablets, and other devices when faced with an emergency. In the House of Representatives, this legislation is led by Representatives Richard Hudson (R-N.C.-09) and Troy Carter (D-La.-02).

"Recent communications technology advancements have helped us stay connected and support our first responders. Unfortunately, our 9-1-1 systems haven't kept up," said Senator Cortez Masto. "This bipartisan legislation will support updated networks that improve safe and efficient responses to Nevadans facing emergencies."

"Infrastructure is more than just roads and bridges-it also includes critical technologies. We must bring our 9-1-1 systems into the 21st century by providing state and local governments with the resources they need to update our emergency response networks and keep our communities safe," said Senator Klobuchar. "In a crisis, no one should be put in danger because of outdated 9-1-1 systems, and first responders, public safety officials, and law enforcement must be able to communicate seamlessly. This legislation will enable them to do just that."

"Our nation's 9-1-1 call centers are on the front lines of emergency response, but outdated technologies have limited the ability of operators to best assist callers in crisis and support first responders in the field. It's time to bring 9-1-1 systems into the digital age so emergency personnel can respond faster and more effectively to medical emergencies, crimes, and natural disasters in our communities. I am proud to join Senators Klobuchar and Cortez Masto in introducing practical legislation to modernize our 9-1-1 systems to meet the demands of the 21st Century and help save lives," said Senator Budd.

The legislation is endorsed by the Association of Public-Safety Communication Officials (APCO) International, the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), theNational Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA), the Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition, and Intrado.

Senator Cortez Masto has consistently worked to ensure Nevadans can get the help that they need in emergency situations. She has introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure rural communities have access to emergency ground ambulance services and to strengthen public safety in Indian Country. Cortez Masto has delivered millions in funding to law enforcement agencies across the Silver State. She has fought to protect funding for public broadcasting to deliver emergency alerts and to prevent the Trump Administration from endangering rural hospitals.

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