[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2549-S2551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Brown of 
        Massachusetts, Mr. Akaka, and Mr. Carper):
  S. 2316. A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct 
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to 
modernize the integrated public alert and warning system of the United 
States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today, I rise to introduce the Integrated 
Public Alert and Warning System, IPAWS, Modernization Act of 2012. I am 
pleased to be joined by Senators Lieberman, Scott Brown, Akaka, and 
Carper in introducing this bill. It will ensure that more people 
receive life-saving information in more parts of America, more of the 
time, through current and future technologies.
  Effective communication with the public before, during, and after a 
disaster is vitally important and can literally mean the difference 
between life and death. Since the 1950's, the U.S. Government has had a 
system in place to ensure that citizens can be warned in times of 
crisis. This system can also be used for local authorities to warn 
citizens of impending severe weather or other hazards to public safety.
  Most people know the Emergency Alert System, EAS, as the crawling 
text on their television screens, and although this system remains the 
backbone of our national alerting capability, times have changed, and 
so must the way we communicate with the public during times of crisis.
  This bill will strengthen the IPAWS system and ensure that as many 
Americans as possible receive these alerts in a timely and useful 
manner. The bill ensures that the integrated public alert and warning 
system incorporates multiple communications technologies, including new 
technologies such as smart phones and social networking sites;
  The bill is designed to adapt to and incorporate future technologies;
  The bill is designed to provide alerts to the largest portion of the 
affected population, including remote areas;
  The bill promotes local and regional public and private partnerships; 
and
  The bill provides redundant alert mechanisms in order to reach the 
greatest number of people possible.
  The bill also requires the FEMA Administrator to ensure the inclusion 
of those with disabilities in the alert and warning system; ensure that 
the system is included in future exercises conducted through DHS's 
National Exercise Program, including the annual National Level 
Exercises; and requires FEMA to coordinate with DHS's National 
Terrorism Advisory System office. The bill provides for periodic 
nationwide tests of the system, and establishes a training program to 
instruct federal, state, tribal and local government officials in 
system use.
  The bill also establishes an IPAWS Advisory Committee composed of 
federal, State and local representatives, as well as members who 
represent relevant industry groups and a consumer/privacy advocate. The 
committee would meet at least once a year and issue a yearly report on 
improvements to IPAWS. The bill also states that the administrator may 
not transmit a message from the President that does not relate to a 
natural disaster, act of terrorism, other man-made disaster, or other 
hazard to public safety.
  This bill has been endorsed by the National Emergency Management 
Association, NEMA, the National Association of Broadcasters, NAB, the 
National Federation of the Blind, and the Hearing Loss Association of 
America. Additionally, we have received a letter of support from the 
CEOs of all 50 State broadcast trade associations.
  I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to pass this bill 
and have it signed into law.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that letters of support be 
printed in the Record.

[[Page S2550]]

  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                           National Association of


                                                 Broadcasters,

                                   Washington, DC, April 16, 2012.
     Hon. Susan Collins, Ranking Member,
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, 
         Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Ranking Member Collins: I write in support of your 
     bill, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) 
     Modernization Act of 2012, which will modernize the public 
     alert and warning system of the United States to ensure that 
     the president, under all conditions, can effectively alert 
     and warn citizens during times of disaster. America's 
     broadcasters strongly support this legislation.
       Broadcasters serve our local communities during emergencies 
     by providing life-saving information, important news and 
     weather reports. We have proudly worked with local and 
     federal governments for more than six decades, airing alerts 
     issued by the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and continue to 
     do so today. Working hand in hand with law enforcement, 
     broadcasters have helped to successfully recover more than 
     540 abducted children to date through the use of AMBER 
     Alerts.
       The IPAWS Modernization Act of 2012 is an important step 
     towards expanding the nation's public warning system by 
     integrating multiple communications systems and future 
     technologies. This legislation promotes local and regional 
     public and private partnerships and provides redundant alert 
     mechanisms to reach the largest number of people during an 
     emergency.
       Additionally, this legislation establishes a training 
     program to instruct federal, state, tribal and local 
     government officials in system use. Broadcasters are very 
     supportive of such a training program and view this as a 
     critical component to successful alerting. Strengthening 
     coordination among the different levels of government, the 
     legislation will set up an IPAWS Modernization Select 
     Advisory Committee composed of federal, state and local 
     representatives as well as members from various industry 
     groups. We look forward to participating in this Advisory 
     Committee and continuing our partnership with the federal 
     government.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Gordon H. Smith,
     President and CEO.
                                  ____

                                          Hearing Loss Association


                                                   of America,

                                     Bethesda, MD, April 12, 2012.
     Hon. Susan Collins,
     U.S. Senate, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Collins: The Hearing Loss Association of 
     America is pleased to endorse the Integrated Public Alert and 
     Warning System Modernization Act of 2012. We applaud your 
     efforts to update the integrated public alert and warning 
     system, and are particularly pleased to see that this 
     legislation would require specific steps to ensure 
     individuals with disabilities are not forgotten.
       One of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 
     core responsibilities is to keep Americans informed about 
     threats to public safety, and yet the current public alert 
     and warning system is not always accessible to people with 
     hearing loss. In fact, the November 9, 2011 testing of EAS 
     proved to be problematic: some cable stations did not provide 
     the needed text to properly inform people with hearing loss 
     that it was only a test; some did not provide the needed 
     audible alerts; others did not provide the emergency alert at 
     all.
       The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System 
     Modernization Act of 2012 updates the system to incorporate 
     multiple communication technologies and adapt to emerging 
     technology, and it requires the system to reach people with 
     hearing loss and other disabled people. The bill also ensures 
     that organizations representing people with hearing loss will 
     sit on an advisory committee that will make recommendations 
     on modernization of the system, keeping people with hearing 
     loss engaged with Federal agencies during this process.
       By requiring the system to incorporate new technologies but 
     still reaching people with hearing loss and other people with 
     disabilities, FEMA will be supporting technology that is 
     accessible to all. The modernization will also ensure that 
     people with hearing loss are provided with the same critical 
     information at the same time as the rest of the country, 
     allowing everyone to make independent, educated decisions 
     during emergencies. On behalf of Americans with hearing loss, 
     we thank you again for taking the initiative in this matter 
     and sponsoring this important legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Brenda Battat,
     Executive Director.
                                  ____

                                                National Emergency


                                       Management Association,

                                    Washington, DC, March 7, 2012.
     Hon. Susan Collins,
     Ranking Member, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
         Committee, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Collins: On behalf of the National Emergency 
     Management Association (NEMA) representing the emergency 
     management director of all 50 states, Territories, and the 
     District of Columbia, we are pleased to endorse The 
     Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act 
     of 2012.
       The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) was 
     designed to bring together different and emerging 
     communication technologies into a fully coordinated network 
     so comprehensive communication may occur in the event of an 
     emergency or disaster. Created by a 2006 Executive order, 
     IPAWS represents a step forward from outdated systems which 
     relied on radio and television alone to reach the population 
     at-large when there is an incident.
       Since the 2006 Executive Order, IPAWS has languished 
     without a true direction, appropriate authorization, or 
     codified organization. Your legislation brings about all 
     these needed aspects to the program that we have supported in 
     recent years. In 2008, NEMA unanimously approved a position 
     paper regarding IPAWS. One aspect of the program in which we 
     felt needed improvement was greater coordination with state 
     and local governments. Since last year, outreach to state 
     officials has certainly improved, but we believe your 
     recommendation of the IPAWS Advisory Committee will help 
     bring about even more coordination with the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency.
       Alert systems represent critical components of local and 
     state emergency operations plans, so it remains essential the 
     IPAWS system is integrated, coordinated, and comprehensive. 
     We must remain careful, however, that these components to not 
     come at the expense of already stressed state budgets.
       We greatly appreciate your leadership on this issue and 
     look forward to working together with you, Chairman 
     Lieberman, and the rest of the committee to ensure passage of 
     this bill. Please feel free to utilize our membership as a 
     resource as The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System 
     Modernization Act of 2012 moves through the legislative 
     process. You may also call upon our Director of Government 
     Relations, Matt Cowles any time.
           Sincerely,
     Jim Mullen,
       NEMA President, Director, Washington Military Department 
     Division of Emergency Management.
                                  ____

                                               National Federation


                                                 of the Blind,

                                    Baltimore, MD, April 18, 2012.
     Hon. Susan Collins,
     U.S. Senate, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Collins: The National Federation of the Blind 
     (NFB), the nation's largest and oldest organization of blind 
     people, endorses the Integrated Public Alert and Warning 
     System Modernization Act of 2012. We thank you for sponsoring 
     a bill that updates the integrated public alert and warning 
     system to require inclusion of individuals with disabilities, 
     and we encourage the U.S. Senate to pass this legislation 
     promptly.
       One of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 
     core responsibilities is to keep Americans informed about 
     threats to public safety, and yet many aspects of the current 
     public alert and warning system are not accessible to blind 
     people. This inaccessibility is perpetuated by misconceptions 
     about blindness and the ever-growing popularity of 
     inaccessible digital technology. As a result, blind people 
     are regularly denied access to critical public information. 
     The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization 
     Act of 2012 updates the system to incorporate multiple 
     communication technologies and adapt to emerging technology, 
     and it requires the system to reach blind and other disabled 
     people. The bill also ensures that a representative from a 
     blindness advocacy group will sit on an advisory committee 
     that will make recommendations on the modernization, keeping 
     the blind engaged with Federal agencies during this process.
       By requiring the system to incorporate new technologies but 
     still reach blind and other disabled people, FEMA will be 
     encouraging manufacturers and carriers to make their 
     communication technologies accessible by nonvisual means. The 
     modernization will also ensure that blind people are provided 
     with the same critical information at the same time as the 
     rest of the country, allowing blind people to make 
     independent, educated decisions during emergencies. On behalf 
     of blind Americans, we thank you again for taking the 
     initiative in this matter and sponsoring this legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                John G. Pare, Jr.,
     Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives.
                                  ____

                                        National Alliance of State


                                    Broadcasters Associations,

                                                   April 16, 2012.
     Hon. Susan M. Collins,
     U.S. Senator,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Collins: The undersigned, who are the chief 
     executive officers of the named State Broadcasters 
     Associations, are pleased to offer our support and 
     endorsement for your proposed bill authorizing the Integrated 
     Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).
       If passed, this bill will ensure that more people receive 
     life saving information in more parts of America, more of the 
     time,

[[Page S2551]]

     through current and future alert and warning technologies, 
     while strengthening broadcasters' role as the backbone of 
     America's public alerting system.
       Many of us serve as chairs or members of our respective 
     State Emergency Communications Committees, which are charged 
     with managing the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in our states. 
     We have all worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that a 
     robust, reliable alerting system is available when it is 
     needed.
       We have observed over the years that the system needs a 
     higher level of coordination among the various federal, state 
     and local public safety and emergency management agencies as 
     ``message originators,'' on the one hand, and the broadcast, 
     cable and satellite ``message relayers'' on the other hand; 
     and that the absence of any formal, on-going training of 
     state and local public safety and emergency management 
     personnel on the use of EAS has hampered state and local 
     officials' willingness and ability to use it efficiently in 
     times of emergency, thus putting lives and property at risk.
       Your bill will address these problems and will make giant 
     strides toward improvement of alert and warning capability in 
     our states and across our nation. We look forward to working 
     with you toward successful passage of this important measure.
           Very truly yours,
       The Undersigned CEOs of the Fifty State Broadcast Trade 
     Associations.
       Alabama Broadcasters Association, Sharon Tinsley; Alaska 
     Broadcasters Association, Darlene Simono; Arizona 
     Broadcasters Association, Art Brooks; Arkansas Broadcasters 
     Association, Doug Krile; California Broadcasters Association, 
     Stan Statham; Colorado Broadcasters Association, Byron 
     Grandy; Connecticut Broadcasters Association, Mike Rice; 
     Florida Association of Broadcasters, Pat Roberts; Georgia 
     Association, of Broadcasters, Jere Pigue; Hawaii Association 
     of Broadcasters, Jamie Hartnett; Idaho State Broadcasters 
     Association, Connie Searles; Illinois Broadcasters 
     Association, Dennis Lyle; Indiana Broadcasters Association, 
     Linda Compton; Iowa Broadcasters Association, Sue Toma; 
     Kansas Association of Broadcasters, Kent Cornish; Kentucky 
     Broadcasters Association, Gary White; Louisiana Association 
     of Broadcasters, Lou Munson; Maine Association of 
     Broadcasters, Suzanne Goucher; Maryland/D.C./Delaware (MDCD) 
     Broadcasters Association, Lisa Reynolds; Massachusetts 
     Broadcasters Association, Jordan Walton; Michigan Association 
     of Broadcasters, Karole L. White; Minnesota Broadcasters 
     Association, Jim du Bois; Mississippi Association of 
     Broadcasters, Jackie Lett; Missouri Broadcasters Association, 
     Donald Hicks; Montana Broadcasters Association, Greg 
     MacDonald; Nebraska Broadcasters Association, Marty 
     Riemenschneider; Nevada Broadcasters Association, Robert 
     Fisher; New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters, Jordan 
     Walton; New Jersey Broadcasters Association, Paul Rotella; 
     New Mexico Broadcasters Association, Paula Maes; New York 
     State Broadcasters Association, David Donovan; North Carolina 
     Association of Broadcasters, Wade Hargrove, Esq.; North 
     Dakota Broadcasters Association, Beth Helfrich; Ohio 
     Association of Broadcasters, Chris Merritt; Oklahoma 
     Association, of Broadcasters, Vance Harrison; Oregon 
     Association of Broadcasters, Bill Johnstone; Pennsylvania 
     Association of Broadcasters, Rich Wyckoff; Radio Broadcasters 
     Association of Puerto Rico, Jose A. Ribas Dominicci; Rhode 
     Island Broadcasters Association, Lori Needham; South Carolina 
     Broadcasters Association, Shani White; South Dakota 
     Broadcasters Association, Steve Willard; Tennessee 
     Association of Broadcasters, Whit Adamson; Texas Association 
     of Broadcasters, Ann Arnold; Utah Broadcasters Association, 
     Dale Zabriskie; Vermont Association of Broadcasters, Jim 
     Condon; Virginia Association of Broadcasters, Doug Easter; 
     Washington State Association of Broadcasters, Mark Allen; 
     West Virginia Broadcasters Association, Michele Crist; 
     Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Michelle Vetterkind; 
     Wyoming Association of Broadcasters, Laura Grott.

                          ____________________