Bill Johnson: “I thank my colleague, Mr. Latta, for recognizing me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 1353, the…”

“I thank my colleague, Mr. Latta, for recognizing me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 1353, the ALERT Parity Act. This bipartisan legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules within 18 months of enactment to establish an application process for any entities seeking to provide wireless emergency alerts for 911 services in unserved areas across America. It also requires the FCC to establish service rules whereby providers of emergency connectivity service may access spectrum held by a licensee, so long as it does not cause interference and they have express written consent from the licensee. Additionally, the bill requires the FCC to provide an annual report to Congress detailing instances where emergency connectivity service was provided by this process, and also each instance when an entity authorized to use spectrum declined to provide the consent needed by providers of emergency connectivity service to use their spectrum. This enables Congress to provide oversight of these services and ensure that this legislation is implemented as intended. First and foremost, enabling 911 calls and texts and emergency alerts in remote and unserved areas is not only common sense, it is a lifesaving measure. Every American deserves access to emergency assistance, regardless of where they live, period. This bill is very narrow in scope.…”