"Yesterday, FirstNet announced that it took the next step in its competitive bidding process."
"Today we all carry devices in our pockets that allow us to communicate by voice, by text, by email, and by video."
"However, while nearly every state collects money from their citizens for 911, some states have taken monies collected for 911 and used it for other purposes."
"I thank you very much and I thank you for holding this very important hearing as we move forward in our work in this area."
"Nearly 13 years after the 9/11 commission reported highlighted grave deficiencies in the first responder communications, the most up to date communications capabilities will finally be at the fingerti..."
"Some states report that they are already NG911 capable and many others are pursuing the transition."
"Only by bringing IPbased technology to the Nation's Public Safety Answering Points... can we bring the full promise of modern technology to serve us in times of emergency."
"It is time to give them a long-overdue check-up."
"Over the last decade, the United States has undergone an energy revolution."
"So much of our Federal energy policy is designed to address an antiquated marketplace."
"The stakes could hardly be any higher."