[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[House]
[Pages 3497-3502]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2015

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and pass the bill (S. 1180) 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.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                S. 1180

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Integrated Public Alert and 
     Warning System Modernization Act of 2015''.

     SEC. 2. INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM 
                   MODERNIZATION.

       (a) In General.--Title V of the Homeland Security Act of 
     2002 (6 U.S.C. 311 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 526. INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM 
                   MODERNIZATION.

       ``(a) In General.--To provide timely and effective warnings 
     regarding natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other 
     man-made disasters or threats to public safety, the 
     Administrator shall--
       ``(1) modernize the integrated public alert and warning 
     system of the United States (in this section referred to as 
     the `public alert and warning system') to help ensure that 
     under all conditions the President and, except to the extent 
     the public alert and warning system is in use by the 
     President, Federal agencies and State, tribal, and local 
     governments can alert and warn the civilian population in 
     areas endangered by natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and 
     other man-made disasters or threats to public safety; and
       ``(2) implement the public alert and warning system to 
     disseminate timely and effective warnings regarding natural 
     disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters or 
     threats to public safety.
       ``(b) Implementation Requirements.--In carrying out 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       ``(1) establish or adopt, as appropriate, common alerting 
     and warning protocols, standards, terminology, and operating 
     procedures for the public alert and warning system;
       ``(2) include in the public alert and warning system the 
     capability to adapt the distribution and content of 
     communications on the basis of geographic location, risks, 
     and multiple communication systems and technologies, as 
     appropriate and to the extent technically feasible;
       ``(3) include in the public alert and warning system the 
     capability to alert, warn, and

[[Page 3498]]

     provide equivalent information to individuals with 
     disabilities, individuals with access and functional needs, 
     and individuals with limited-English proficiency, to the 
     extent technically feasible;
       ``(4) ensure that training, tests, and exercises are 
     conducted for the public alert and warning system, including 
     by--
       ``(A) incorporating the public alert and warning system 
     into other training and exercise programs of the Department, 
     as appropriate;
       ``(B) establishing and integrating into the National 
     Incident Management System a comprehensive and periodic 
     training program to instruct and educate Federal, State, 
     tribal, and local government officials in the use of the 
     Common Alerting Protocol enabled Emergency Alert System; and
       ``(C) conducting, not less than once every 3 years, 
     periodic nationwide tests of the public alert and warning 
     system;
       ``(5) to the extent practicable, ensure that the public 
     alert and warning system is resilient and secure and can 
     withstand acts of terrorism and other external attacks;
       ``(6) conduct public education efforts so that State, 
     tribal, and local governments, private entities, and the 
     people of the United States reasonably understand the 
     functions of the public alert and warning system and how to 
     access, use, and respond to information from the public alert 
     and warning system through a general market awareness 
     campaign;
       ``(7) consult, coordinate, and cooperate with the 
     appropriate private sector entities and Federal, State, 
     tribal, and local governmental authorities, including the 
     Regional Administrators and emergency response providers;
       ``(8) consult and coordinate with the Federal 
     Communications Commission, taking into account rules and 
     regulations promulgated by the Federal Communications 
     Commission; and
       ``(9) coordinate with and consider the recommendations of 
     the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Subcommittee 
     established under section 2(b) of the Integrated Public Alert 
     and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015.
       ``(c) System Requirements.--The public alert and warning 
     system shall--
       ``(1) to the extent determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator, incorporate multiple communications 
     technologies;
       ``(2) be designed to adapt to, and incorporate, future 
     technologies for communicating directly with the public;
       ``(3) to the extent technically feasible, be designed--
       ``(A) to provide alerts to the largest portion of the 
     affected population feasible, including nonresident visitors 
     and tourists, individuals with disabilities, individuals with 
     access and functional needs, and individuals with limited-
     English proficiency; and
       ``(B) to improve the ability of remote areas to receive 
     alerts;
       ``(4) promote local and regional public and private 
     partnerships to enhance community preparedness and response;
       ``(5) provide redundant alert mechanisms where practicable 
     so as to reach the greatest number of people; and
       ``(6) to the extent feasible, include a mechanism to ensure 
     the protection of individual privacy.
       ``(d) Use of System.--Except to the extent necessary for 
     testing the public alert and warning system, the public alert 
     and warning system shall not be used to transmit a message 
     that does not relate to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, 
     or other man-made disaster or threat to public safety.
       ``(e) Performance Reports.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System 
     Modernization Act of 2015, and annually thereafter through 
     2018, the Administrator shall make available on the public 
     website of the Agency a performance report, which shall--
       ``(A) establish performance goals for the implementation of 
     the public alert and warning system by the Agency;
       ``(B) describe the performance of the public alert and 
     warning system, including--
       ``(i) the type of technology used for alerts and warnings 
     issued under the system;
       ``(ii) the measures taken to alert, warn, and provide 
     equivalent information to individuals with disabilities, 
     individuals with access and function needs, and individuals 
     with limited-English proficiency; and
       ``(iii) the training, tests, and exercises performed and 
     the outcomes obtained by the Agency;
       ``(C) identify significant challenges to the effective 
     operation of the public alert and warning system and any 
     plans to address these challenges;
       ``(D) identify other necessary improvements to the system; 
     and
       ``(E) provide an analysis comparing the performance of the 
     public alert and warning system with the performance goals 
     established under subparagraph (A).
       ``(2) Congress.--The Administrator shall submit to the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives each report required under paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System 
     Subcommittee.--
       (1) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency (in this subsection referred to 
     as the ``Administrator'') shall establish a subcommittee to 
     the National Advisory Council established under section 508 
     of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 318) to be 
     known as the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System 
     Subcommittee (in this subsection referred to as the 
     ``Subcommittee'').
       (2) Membership.--Notwithstanding section 508(c) of the 
     Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 318(c)), the 
     Subcommittee shall be composed of the following members (or 
     their designees):
       (A) The Deputy Administrator for Protection and National 
     Preparedness of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
       (B) The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
       (C) The Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce.
       (D) The Assistant Secretary for Communications and 
     Information of the Department of Commerce.
       (E) The Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the 
     Department of Homeland Security.
       (F) The Under Secretary for the National Protection and 
     Programs Directorate.
       (G) The Director of Disability Integration and Coordination 
     of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
       (H) The Chairperson of the National Council on Disability.
       (I) Qualified individuals appointed by the Administrator as 
     soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act 
     from among the following:
       (i) Representatives of State and local governments, 
     representatives of emergency management agencies, and 
     representatives of emergency response providers.
       (ii) Representatives from federally recognized Indian 
     tribes and national Indian organizations.
       (iii) Individuals who have the requisite technical 
     knowledge and expertise to serve on the Subcommittee, 
     including representatives of--

       (I) communications service providers;
       (II) vendors, developers, and manufacturers of systems, 
     facilities, equipment, and capabilities for the provision of 
     communications services;
       (III) third-party service bureaus;
       (IV) the broadcasting industry, including public 
     broadcasting;
       (V) the commercial mobile radio service industry;
       (VI) the cable industry;
       (VII) the satellite industry;
       (VIII) national organizations representing individuals with 
     disabilities, the blind, deaf, and hearing-loss communities, 
     individuals with access and functional needs, and the 
     elderly;
       (IX) consumer or privacy advocates; and
       (X) organizations representing individuals with limited-
     English proficiency.

       (iv) Qualified representatives of such other stakeholders 
     and interested and affected parties as the Administrator 
     considers appropriate.
       (3) Chairperson.--The Deputy Administrator for Protection 
     and National Preparedness of the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency shall serve as the Chairperson of the Subcommittee.
       (4) Meetings.--
       (A) Initial meeting.--The initial meeting of the 
     Subcommittee shall take place not later than 120 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.
       (B) Other meetings.--After the initial meeting, the 
     Subcommittee shall meet, at least annually, at the call of 
     the Chairperson.
       (5) Consultation with nonmembers.--The Subcommittee and the 
     program offices for the integrated public alert and warning 
     system for the United States shall consult with individuals 
     and entities that are not represented on the Subcommittee to 
     consider new and developing technologies that may be 
     beneficial to the public alert and warning system, 
     including--
       (A) the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency;
       (B) entities engaged in federally funded research; and
       (C) academic institutions engaged in relevant work and 
     research.
       (6) Recommendations.--The Subcommittee shall--
       (A) develop recommendations for an integrated public alert 
     and warning system; and
       (B) in developing the recommendations under subparagraph 
     (A), consider--
       (i) recommendations for common alerting and warning 
     protocols, standards, terminology, and operating procedures 
     for the public alert and warning system; and
       (ii) recommendations to provide for a public alert and 
     warning system that--

       (I) has the capability to adapt the distribution and 
     content of communications on the basis of geographic 
     location, risks, or personal user preferences, as 
     appropriate;

[[Page 3499]]

       (II) has the capability to alert and warn individuals with 
     disabilities and individuals with limited-English 
     proficiency;
       (III) to the extent appropriate, incorporates multiple 
     communications technologies;
       (IV) is designed to adapt to, and incorporate, future 
     technologies for communicating directly with the public;
       (V) is designed to provide alerts to the largest portion of 
     the affected population feasible, including nonresident 
     visitors and tourists, and improve the ability of remote 
     areas to receive alerts;
       (VI) promotes local and regional public and private 
     partnerships to enhance community preparedness and response; 
     and
       (VII) provides redundant alert mechanisms, if practicable, 
     to reach the greatest number of people regardless of whether 
     they have access to, or use, any specific medium of 
     communication or any particular device.

       (7) Report.--
       (A) Subcommittee submission.--Not later than 1 year after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Subcommittee shall 
     submit to the National Advisory Council a report containing 
     any recommendations required to be developed under paragraph 
     (6) for approval by the National Advisory Council.
       (B) Submission by national advisory council.--If the 
     National Advisory Council approves the recommendations 
     contained in the report submitted under subparagraph (A), the 
     National Advisory Council shall submit the report to--
       (i) the head of each agency represented on the 
     Subcommittee;
       (ii) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate; and
       (iii) the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (8) Termination.--The Subcommittee shall terminate not 
     later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments 
     made by this Act such sums as may be necessary for each of 
     fiscal years 2016, 2017, and 2018.
       (d) Limitations on Statutory Construction.--
       (1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term 
     ``participating commercial mobile service provider'' has the 
     meaning given that term under section 10.10(f) of title 47, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (2) Limitations.--Nothing in this Act, including an 
     amendment made by this Act, shall be construed--
       (A) to affect any authority--
       (i) of the Department of Commerce;
       (ii) of the Federal Communications Commission; or
       (iii) provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
     and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
       (B) to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with 
     authority to require any action by the Department of 
     Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, or any 
     nongovernmental entity;
       (C) to apply to, or to provide the Administrator of the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency with authority over, any 
     participating commercial mobile service provider;
       (D) to alter in any way the wireless emergency alerts 
     service established under the Warning, Alert, and Response 
     Network Act (47 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.) or any related orders 
     issued by the Federal Communications Commission after October 
     13, 2006; or
       (E) to provide the Federal Emergency Management Agency with 
     authority to require a State or local jurisdiction to use the 
     integrated public alert and warning system of the United 
     States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Carson) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.


                             General Leave

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and 
extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1180.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has a long 
tradition of tackling FEMA and emergency management issues in a 
bipartisan manner.

                              {time}  1715

  I would like to acknowledge Chairman Barletta and Ranking Member 
Carson of the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency 
Management Subcommittee for leading efforts in the House to improve our 
Nation's Emergency Alert System.
  Public alerts save lives. And their efforts, along with this bill, 
will save even more. This committee was the first to introduce 
legislation in 2008, and every Congress since, to modernize the 
Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, also known as IPAWS, 
because we recognized the critical need to provide timely and effective 
disaster warnings to our citizens and communities. Modernizing the 
alert and warning systems will help save lives.
  At the committee's request, the GAO issued a report in 2009 detailing 
key problems with FEMA's development of IPAWS. GAO's findings supported 
the need for legislation to ensure consultation and coordination with 
key stakeholders, strategic planning, and the timely rollout of the new 
system. GAO issued a subsequent report in 2013 identifying a continued 
need for guidance and testing of the system.
  We also heard from many stakeholders, including people with 
disabilities, the elderly, and industries like the broadcasters and 
wireless industry, that FEMA was not giving them a seat at the table as 
FEMA modernized the system. Involving these stakeholders who are the 
primary users and owners of the infrastructure is key. Without them, 
alerts couldn't go out.
  I am happy to stand here and support the culmination of that work in 
S. 1180, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization 
Act of 2015. I commend the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs Committee for continuing to advocate for a 
nationwide integrated and interoperable system.
  The IPAWS Modernization Act modernizes and integrates the Nation's 
alert and warning infrastructure to provide public safety officials 
with an effective way to alert and warn the public about serious 
emergencies.
  This legislation sets a clear framework to ensure money is not 
wasted, while making certain key stakeholders are a part of FEMA's 
modernization of the system. The bill will also ensure that the ongoing 
development and modernization of our Nation's alert system is done 
effectively and efficiency.
  As technologies change, the legislation will ensure that this system 
adapts and continues to work toward the most effective alert and 
warning system possible. This system impacts everyone in America, Mr. 
Speaker. Whether it is a hurricane, tornado, flood or wildfire, unless 
we can ensure the public can be effectively alerted, lives will be at 
risk.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello); Chairman 
Barletta; and my good friend, Ranking Member Peter DeFazio.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure today. The Integrated 
Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015 directs the 
administrator of FEMA to codify the Integrated Public Alert and Warning 
System, commonly known as IPAWS.
  With IPAWS, Mr. Speaker, public safety officials are able to warn the 
public of impending hazards using multiple communications platforms, 
such as radio and television broadcasts, mobile devices, and other 
Internet services. These warnings, Mr. Speaker, can even be 
geographically targeted so that only those in harm's way will receive 
the messages. All of this leads to saving lives, Mr. Speaker, and 
reducing property damage.
  During the months of May and June, tornados are most likely to strike 
the great Hoosier State. Getting citizens to safety or even alerting 
them to shelter in place before a tornado strikes can ultimately be the 
difference between life and death. Success in that effort, Mr. Speaker, 
depends largely on access to timely and precise information.
  During 2011, a violent storm caused the sudden collapse of a concert 
stage at the Indiana State Fair. This tragic incident killed seven and 
severely injured dozens more. It could have been

[[Page 3500]]

much worse. Timely alerts enabled fair officials to clear the midway 
minutes before the storm struck, potentially saving hundreds of lives.
  Our committee has primary jurisdiction over IPAWS, and we have worked 
hard, Mr. Speaker, on this issue for several Congresses. While this 
bill is similar to another bill--H.R. 1472--that the Transportation 
Committee reported last year, I am very disappointed that regular order 
was not followed in S. 1180. It should have been referred to the 
committee of jurisdiction so that the House of Representatives can do 
the job we were elected to do: consider the details and implications of 
all the different provisions and how they impact our alert and warning 
system. Despite the lack of regular order, Mr. Speaker, I still support 
this measure greatly.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Donovan).
  Mr. DONOVAN. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's 
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I 
rise today in support of S. 1180, the Integrated Public Alert and 
Warning System Modernization Act of 2015. This important legislation 
was introduced by the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Ron Johnson.
  IPAWS provides public safety officials with a mechanism to alert and 
warn the public about emergencies using multiple communication 
platforms, including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency 
Alerts, and NOAA Weather Radio.
  The bill we are considering today authorizes the IPAWS program and 
provides it with needed direction to help ensure that we can make 
available as much information to the public as possible to get them out 
of harm's way in the event of a terror attack, natural disaster, or 
other threat to public safety.
  We know that these alerts can help to save lives. IPAWS was used 
after the Boston Marathon bombings to direct residents to shelter 
during the manhunt. In my district, IPAWS was used to warn people 
during Hurricane Sandy. Elsewhere, IPAWS has been vital to locating 
missing children through the AMBER Alert system.
  We also know that the system is not without its challenges. While I 
understand that in a recent test of the Emergency Alert System, a 
component of IPAWS, worked for stations in my home State of New York, 
there were challenges in other States. The test was canceled in several 
States due to weather concerns. However, a number of those States were 
not informed of the cancellation, leaving their broadcasters to wonder 
why the test didn't occur.
  We must ensure better communication between IPAWS and relevant 
stakeholders. That is why the IPAWS subcommittee of the National 
Advisory Council, established in this bill, is so important.
  This advisory committee will provide stakeholders with a mechanism to 
provide input into the program. Ensuring stakeholder engagement and 
feedback will serve to enhance the effectiveness of IPAWS.
  The Committee on Homeland Security has a long history of oversight of 
the IPAWS program, having held a number of hearings and briefings. 
Legislation similar to the bill we are considering today was approved 
by the Committee on Homeland Security just last year.
  Like the legislation passed out of the Committee on Homeland 
Security, this legislation is supported by the National Association of 
Broadcasters, the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Association, 
and CTIA--The Wireless Association. We thank these organizations for 
their continued engagement on this bill to improve the text and get us 
to this point.
  The enactment of legislation to authorize IPAWS has been a long time 
coming. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this commonsense 
legislation so that we can send it to the President's desk to be signed 
into law.
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), a good friend of 
mine and the ranking member of the committee.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. I thank my friend and the ranking member of the 
subcommittee for yielding to me on this important bill.
  Mr. Speaker, yes, indeed, we have spent a number of years overseeing, 
holding hearings, and working to push for a more modern public alert 
warning system. So this legislation is somewhat overdue. In fact, we 
passed similar legislation last year in the House.
  I do support the legislation. However, I will point out that it is a 
bit irregular because we passed it a year ago, and suddenly we are 
passing a version which just happens to have come from a Senator who 
just happened to be one of the most vulnerable Republicans up for 
reelection so that he can get a notch on his belt. But that is the way 
things work around here: we get good things done for sometimes the 
wrong reasons. It should have been done a year ago. The Senate should 
have taken up our version.
  That said, this will modernize the system tremendously. We are well 
past the days of CONELRAD alerts. Yet, technology has not moved as far 
as it could for the 21st century.
  In particular, I was in Japan with a congressional delegation 
observing what they have done post the dramatic earthquake and tsunami 
events. They estimated the wave heights and were able to get the 
message out, to some extent, on public broadcasts and with sirens 
before further shocks brought down the grid and silenced, for the most 
part, the sirens.
  Unfortunately, the first estimates were off. When the waves reached 
the nearshore monitoring devices, they found that they were 
considerably higher and a much more vigorous evacuation should have 
been conducted. Unfortunately, at that point they had no way to get the 
word out to the people who had gone to high ground, but not high 
enough, or those who had sheltered in place when they believed the 
height of the tsunami would be less. So they lost many lives, they 
feel, unnecessarily, because of a lack of redundancy in the system.
  This will move us toward a redundant system. They have now moved to a 
cellular-based system so that individuals can be alerted.
  I was just at a tsunami event in the town of Florence, Oregon, called 
the Blue Line, where they have evacuation routes and people say: When 
do I stop running or driving?
  And so they are painting lines on those critical routes showing what 
point where you are safe from the highest predicted tsunami. They did, 
essentially, a drill while we were there, but you couldn't even hear 
the siren. These are World War II-era raid sirens. Some work, some 
don't.
  So we need a much more robust and redundant system because we know 
that in the Pacific Northwest and northern California, it is only 
when--not if--we will have a dramatic earthquake, potentially with a 
magnitude up to 9, with a subsequent tsunami.
  We need in place both deep ocean detection to give more warning time, 
wave detection, and a robust system to inform the people where to go 
and how far they need to go in these events. This is overdue 
legislation, and I do urge its adoption.
  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1180, the 
Integrated Public Alert Warning System, or IPAWS, Modernization Act.
  Modernizing our alert and warning capabilities is essential to 
keeping us safe. We must effectively communicate important information 
to the public during national emergencies, and our warning efforts must 
evolve with the growing and emerging threats of today.
  During my time as chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on 
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, this was a top 
priority of mine. I have worked to update our alert and warning systems 
and utilize innovative new technologies.

[[Page 3501]]

  Since the 112th Congress, I have introduced and advocated for the 
passage and enactment of this important piece of legislation, which is 
very similar to my bill, H.R. 1738.
  During my work on the Integrated Public Alert Warning System 
Modernization Act, I heard from many stakeholders and experts who 
highlighted the need to ensure alert systems are available to the 
largest number of people, including individuals with disabilities and 
those living in rural areas.
  In 2006, FEMA implemented the Integrated Public Alert and Warning 
System, which improved public safety by quickly disseminating emergency 
messages and lifesaving information to the public. However, these 
systems have not been modernized in decades, which is why I have 
consistently reintroduced this bill. With congressional oversight, we 
can ensure our constituents have alert systems that work reliably, 
effectively, and efficiently.
  S. 1180 provides authorization to update our communications 
infrastructure to allow important information and alerts for 
instantaneous message delivery over cell phones, text messaging, the 
Internet, and broadcasting.

                              {time}  1730

  Additionally, this bill improves our capabilities and communications 
network by creating a national public warning working group to bring 
State and local officials together. This will ensure systems 
developers, regulators, users, and relay participants meet on a regular 
basis. This important legislation allows us to uphold our 
responsibility in the protection of the people we serve.
  I want to thank Senator Johnson for his work and advocacy on this 
issue.
  I also want to thank my colleagues: Representative Susan Brooks; 
chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Chairman McCaul; and 
Subcommittee Chairman Donovan, for their support in cosponsoring my 
bill, H.R. 1738.
  This is a great step in the right direction, and we must continue 
this progress of modernizing our capabilities with the passage of this 
bill. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of 
legislation.

                                        National Alliance of State


                                    Broadcasters Associations,

                                                   April 29, 2015.
     Hon. Michael McCaul,
     Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: The undersigned, who are the chief 
     executive officers of the fifty State Broadcasters 
     Associations in the United States, the District of Columbia, 
     and Puerto Rico, are pleased to offer our support and 
     endorsement for H.R. 1738, the Integrated Public Alert and 
     Warning System Modernization Act of 2015.
       If passed, this bill will ensure that more people receive 
     life-saving information in more parts of America, more of the 
     time, 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 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, ongoing training of state 
     and local public safety and emergency management personnel on 
     the proper 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.
       This 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 the 
     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, Cathy Hiebert; Arizona Broadcasters 
     Association, Art Brooks; Arkansas Broadcasters Association, 
     Doug Krile; California Broadcasters Association, Stan 
     Statham; Colorado Broadcasters Association, Justin Sasso; 
     Connecticut Broadcasters Association, Michael C. Rice; 
     Florida Association of Broadcasters, C. Patrick Roberts; 
     Georgia Association of Broadcasters, Bob Houghton; Hawaii 
     Association of Broadcasters, Jamie Hartnett; Idaho State 
     Broadcasters Association, Connie Searles; Illinois 
     Broadcasters Association, Dennis Lyle; Indiana Broadcasters 
     Association, Joe Misiewicz; Iowa Broadcasters Association, 
     Sue Toma; Kansas Association of Broadcasters, Kent Cornish; 
     Kentucky Broadcasters Association, Gary White; Louisiana 
     Association of Broadcasters, Polly Prince Johnson; 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 duBois; Mississippi 
     Association of Broadcasters, Karla Hooten; Missouri 
     Broadcasters Association, Mark Gordon; Montana Broadcasters 
     Association, Dewey Bruce; Nebraska Broadcasters Association, 
     Jim Timm; Nevada Broadcasters Association, Mary Beth Sewald; 
     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, White Adamson; Texas 
     Association of Broadcasters, Oscar Rodriguez; Utah 
     Broadcasters Association, Michele 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.

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, may I ask how much time is 
remaining on both sides.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Indiana has 13\1/2\ 
minutes remaining. The gentleman from Pennsylvania has 10\1/2\ minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1180, 
the ``Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 
2015.''
  I support this bill because it would address interoperability 
deficits among information technology systems and radio communications 
systems used by emergency services to exchange voice, data, disasters, 
and video in real time.
  As a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am 
intimately aware, as are many of my colleagues, of the essential and 
lifesaving role of communications during a crisis.
  S. 1180 directs FEMA to establish the Integrated Public Alert and 
Warning System Subcommittee to develop and submit recommendations for 
an integrated public alert and warning system to the National Advisory 
Council through: establishing common alerting and warning protocols, 
standards, terminology, and operating procedures for the system; 
include in such system the capability to adapt the distribution and 
content of communications on the basis of geographic location, risks, 
and multiple communication technologies and to alert, warn, and provide 
equivalent information to individuals with disabilities, access and 
functional needs, or limited English proficiency; ensure that specified 
training, tests, and exercises for such system are conducted and that 
the system is resilient, secure, and can withstand external attacks; 
and conduct public education efforts and a general market awareness 
campaign about the system.
  The bill requires the system to: be designed to adapt to and 
incorporate future technologies for communicating directly with the 
public, provide alerts to the largest portion of the affected 
population feasible, and improve the ability of remote areas to receive 
alerts; promote local and regional public and private partnerships to 
enhance community preparedness and response; provide redundant alert 
mechanisms; and protect individual privacy.
  Because the tragedies of September 11, 2001, were compounded by 
communication failures among first responders who entered

[[Page 3502]]

the burning towers that comprised the World Trade Center it has been an 
imperative of the Homeland Security Committee to address first 
responder communication interoperability challenges.
  S. 1180 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency to modernize the integrated U.S. 
public alert and warning system to help ensure that under all 
conditions the President, federal agencies, and state, tribal, and 
local governments can alert and warn the civilian population in areas 
endangered by natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made 
disasters or threats to public safety.
  Hurricane Katrina is an example of the need for emergency response 
agencies to be connected.
  After the storm the majority of the rescue operations were being 
conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard locating people who were on the roofs 
of their houses.
  The coast guard was not aware of the individuals who were stuck in 
their home calling 9-1-1, because they could not reach their roofs, 
causing about 986 Louisiana residents to perish after the storm due to 
the lack of effective communication.
  An estimated 1,836 lives were lost as a result of the hurricane.
  The City of Houston covers over a 1,000 square mile region in 
Southeast Texas. It has a night-time population of nearly two million 
people, which peaks with over three million daytime inhabitants.
  The city of Houston's 9-1-1 Emergency Center manages nearly 9,000 
emergency calls per day. The volume of emergency calls can easily 
double during times of inclement weather or special City social/
sporting events like Hurricanes Ike in September 2008; and Katrina as 
well as Rita, which occurred in September and October of 2005.
  The types and severity of potential emergencies can encompass floods, 
hurricanes, and industrial incidents which would require multiple 
emergency agencies to respond.
  On the average, EMS responds to a citizen every 3 minutes. Each EMS 
response is made by one of 88 City of Houston EMS vehicles.
  There are over 200,000 EMS incidents involving over 225,000 patients 
or potential patients annually.
  In 2013, the City of Houston's fire Department lost Captain EMT 
Matthew Renaud, Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee, Firefighter EMT 
Robert Garner and Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan when they 
responded to a hotel fire.
  Throughout the history of the Houston Police Department over 110 
officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.
  Each member of the House of Representatives knows of the loss of a 
first responder who was going to the aid of those in harm's way.
  S. 1180 will offer additional resources that can save the lives of 
first responders and those they help.
  S. 1180 will ensure that FEMA's response to a crisis is organized 
with state and local resources.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of S. 1180.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, S. 1180.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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