Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, when things go wrong, when disaster strikes, the first call most of us will make is 911. On August 8, 2023, dispatchers at Maui's 911 call center were the ones that answered over 4,500 callers as they called in about the wildfires that were tearing through the island. Through it all, our Maui dispatchers were the first responders who answered the call. Many of them were desperately waiting to hear from their own loved ones, some of whom did not make it. They operated under incredible stress, absorbing the panic and terror of the callers, providing comfort and direction. There is no doubt in my mind that on that fateful day they saved lives. Last week, Maui's call center team received the 2023 Outstanding Call Center Award from the Next Gen 911 Institute. They are ``Maui Strong,'' and they represent the very best of us. All those who answer the call when we need them most deserve to be recognized for what they truly are--first responders. That is why I am proud to cosponsor the bipartisan 911 SAVES Act led by Representatives Norma Torres and Brian Fitzpatrick. In honor of all of our dispatchers, it is our turn to answer the call and pass the 911 SAVES Act. ____________________”