[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 99 (Monday, June 16, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S5665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            911 MODERNIZATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT OF 2007

  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the Commerce 
committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3403 and the 
Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk 
will report the bill by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 3403) to promote and enhance public safety by 
     facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E-911 
     services, encourage the Nation's transition to a national IP-
     enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access 
     to those with disabilities.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.

  Mr. INOUYE. Madam President, I rise today in support of the 
substitute to H.R. 3403, the New and Emerging Technologies 911 
Improvement Act of 2008. The Senate companion, S. 428, was passed by 
unanimous consent on February 26, 2008. This bill would provide 911 
service for Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP, subscribers.
  I can think of few government initiatives that have been as 
successful as 911. Since its creation nearly 30 years ago, 911 has 
become a lifeline for people in trouble. I think it is safe to say that 
just about every American today knows that 911 is the easiest and most 
effective means to contact emergency services.
  As technology has advanced, so has 911 service. Today, many places in 
the Nation have E911. In these areas, when you call for help, your 
phone number and location are automatically transmitted to emergency 
personnel. If your call is disconnected, you are disoriented, or do not 
know your location, this information can make all the difference in 
securing your safety.
  But the E911 system was built for wireline service. So as technology 
advanced and wireless phones grew in popularity, we worked to apply 
E911 principles to wireless service. With the advent of VoIP, we are 
challenged again to ensure that our 911 policies are up to date.
  I believe that the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act 
of 2008 does an excellent job of improving 911 service and adapting it 
to the latest telecommunications technology, and I ask my colleagues to 
join me in supporting this important legislation.
  Senator Bill Nelson, the sponsor of the Senate bill, Senator Snowe, 
Senator Stevens, and I have worked with our colleagues in the House to 
develop this substitute. Once the Senate passes H.R. 3403, as amended, 
we expect the House to act expeditiously so that this bill can become 
law, allowing our 911 system to continue to save lives and ensuring 
individuals can always call for help regardless of the underlying 
technology they use.
  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask unanimous consent that an Inouye-Stevens 
substitute amendment, which is at the desk, be agreed to, the bill as 
amended be read a third time and passed, the motions to reconsider be 
laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, and any 
statements be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment (No. 4982), in the nature of a substitute, was agreed 
to.
  (The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of 
Amendments.'')
  The amendment was ordered to be engrossed and the bill read a third 
time.
  The bill (H.R. 3403), as amended, was read the third time and passed.

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