OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026

Floor Speech

By: Neal Dunn
By: Neal Dunn
Date: April 20, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DUNN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to be here in support of this bipartisan, commonsense bill to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority.

I thank Chairman Guthrie and Chairman Hudson for their work throughout this process, along with my colleague on the other side of the aisle, my friend Representative Jennifer McClellan of Virginia, for co-leading this legislation with me.

The First Responder Network Authority, known as FirstNet, was established by Congress with a clear objective in mind: to build a preemptive network for the first responders that they can rely on in any emergency.

The brave men and women who risk their lives day in and out for our communities deserve nothing less than a resilient and dependable communication system.

FirstNet has delivered on this promise, and today, it is the backbone of public safety communication in the United States.

The authority governing FirstNet is set to expire in February 2027. Without proper action, we are putting the safety of our first responders and our communities at risk.

This crucial legislation would extend that authority through September 2037, giving FirstNet the long-term certainty it needs to continue investing in our Nation's safety.

In the wake of some of the most destructive natural disasters in recent memory, the importance of this network could not be more clear.

My home State of Florida understands all too well how devastating these natural disasters can be. My district has endured literally dozens of hurricanes and tropical storms in the last 10 years, most notably Hurricane Michael in 2018.

In those moments when every second counts, when innocent lives are on the line, the question of whether or not first responders can communicate with one another should never be in doubt.

At this time, I would like to take a moment to recognize the brave men and women who step forward when others step back.

I give a special thank-you to Walton County's very own Sheriff Michael Adkinson for his leadership in underscoring the imperative nature of FirstNet.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward