[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 27, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5055-S5056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mr. Durbin):
  S. 4968. A bill to create an Active Shooter Alert Communications 
Network, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Active Shooter 
Alert Act of 2022.
  This legislation recognizes the need to protect the public during 
active shooter situations while our country experiences an 
unconscionable epidemic of mass shootings.
  This legislation would establish a voluntary public safety alert 
system for use by law enforcement to notify individuals of active 
shooter situations occurring within their communities. It would also 
appoint an Active Shooter Alert Coordinator at the Department of 
Justice who would direct Federal training, technical support, and best 
practices efforts across the country.
  Additionally, this legislation would establish an Advisory Panel to 
coordinate with FEMA, the Department of Transportation, and the FCC. 
The panel would develop guidance on how alerts should be sent, how they 
should be designed, and what language should be used.

[[Page S5056]]

  Americans deserve to feel safe in their communities. The tragedies in 
Highland Park, Memphis, and Uvalde are reminders that we have to 
address the pressing issues surrounding mass shootings.
  The House has already passed this bill with strong bipartisan support 
from 43 Republicans who recognized that political affiliation should 
never jeopardize our obligation to protect Americans from harm.
  Public safety is paramount, and our country's law enforcement 
officers, first responders, and healthcare providers deserve every tool 
available as they carry out their work.
  This bill is an important step to strengthen our public safety 
infrastructure, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to 
pass the Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022 as quickly as possible.

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