On the recordJuly 11, 2019
Mr. Chair, I stand today in strong support of this bipartisan amendment which includes language from the 911 SAVES Act, H.R. 1629. Public safety telecommunicators play a pivotal role in coordinating effective responses to crises affecting our communities. By directing the urgent concerns of the public to law enforcement officials, public safety telecommunicators work to ensure emergency services are delivered where needed. Today, there are nearly 100,000 public safety telecommunicators serving in over 6,000 call centers across the United States. Their diligence, dedication to public well-being, and steady demeanor in the presence of turmoil is needed now more than ever. I am proud to partner with my colleague from California, a former 911 dispatcher herself, Mrs. Torres, to ensure these dedicated public servants receive the ``protective service occupations'' classification from OMB which they deserve. We owe this to those who are often the first to respond to emergencies in our communities each and every day.
