Members Seek Update on Next Generation 911 Implementation and Solutions to Patchwork 911 Systems

Press Release

Today, Reps. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) requested an update from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the implementation of next generation 911 (NG911) systems across the country and the impact diverting local and state 911 fees has had on emergency services.

NG911 systems use IP-based technology to receive data from a wider range of devices and mediums and provide more accurate locating capabilities than the older 911 infrastructure. The National 911 Program, housed within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Emergency Medical Services, is providing federal leadership in supporting the nationwide adoption of NG911. However, the implementation of NG911 has been inconsistent and many jurisdictions lack adequate funding to make the technological investments and provide the training necessary.

"As we saw with this week's release of the Orlando shooter's 911 transcripts, in times of crisis, dispatchers are a key resource and often act as important witnesses. Unfortunately, their ability to perform their duties effectively is being hampered by underfunded 911 emergency telecommunications systems that have failed to keep up with changing technology," said Rep. Torres, a former 911 dispatcher. "In order to efficiently respond to emergencies, dispatchers must be able to obtain as much accurate information as quickly possible. However, under our current patchwork system, calls are being delayed or misdirected and vital information may never reach emergency personnel."

"Upgrading our nation's 911 system is a critical investment for the safety of every American," said Rep. Eshoo, co-founder of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus. "With over 70 percent of the 240 million 911 calls each year coming from wireless devices, it is clear we need to take immediate action to modernize how our PSAPs answer these calls. For years, Congress and members of the NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus have pushed for a nationwide transition to a NextGen 9-1-1 system to bridge this divide, but more progress is needed. I'm hopeful the GAO can shine a light on the challenges we face and provide policymakers at all levels of government with a path forward."

In their letter, Reps. Torres and Eshoo ask GAO to provide an update on the nationwide implementation of NG911 and ask how the federal government can further assist in those efforts. They also request additional information on how the diversion by some states of 911 emergency fees to other programs has affected the ability of communities to provide emergency services.

Rep. Torres is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Rep. Eshoo is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

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