[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 36 (Friday, March 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E367-E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF ``THE NEXT GENERATION 9-1-1 PRESERVATION ACT OF 2010''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 12, 2010

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I am here today to introduce ``The Next 
Generation 9-1-1 Preservation Act of 2010.'' This bill represents the 
hard work of my colleague and E9-1-1 Caucus Co-Chair, Anna Eshoo, as 
well as our Senate Co-Chair counterparts, Senators Amy Klobuchar and 
Richard Burr.
  Representative Eshoo and I have worked on 911 issues for many years 
and I appreciate her reaching across the aisle to work on these issues. 
As we both sit on the Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction on 
these issues,

[[Page E368]]

it was only logical that seven years ago we would work together to 
start this Caucus. This year we welcomed two new Senate Co-Chairs, 
Senator Klobuchar and Senator Burr who are going to be shepherding this 
important legislation on the Senate side. I know they share our 
concerns with E911 service and understand the unique importance of 
ensuring this technology will expand to the areas that need it most.
  Moving forward to ``Next Generation 9-1-1'' is one of the most 
important aspects of our legislation. Encouraging rural communities 
like Illinois' 19th district to invest in these critical technologies 
is what our Caucus and this legislation are hoping to achieve. My goal, 
along with my Caucus Co-Chairs is to bring attention for the need for 
true interoperability in these call centers and ensure that all 
Americans can have access to these critical emergency services.
  Finally, one of the most important parts of our bill is to correct 
the problem of states diverting their 9-1-1 funds to support other 
programs. The Next Generation 9-1-1 Preservation Act prevents states 
that divert funds from receiving the grants in the legislation. In 
tough economic times I can see how it would be tempting for states to 
reach into 911 funds but we simply cannot allow these important tax 
dollars to be used for something other than critical 911 services.
  I am proud to be an original sponsor of this legislation and look 
forward to working with my good friend Representative Eshoo and my 
Senate Co-Chairs on getting this legislation signed into law.

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