911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007

911 MODERNIZATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - November 13, 2007)

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Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3403, introduced by Representative Bart Gordon, is designed to ensure that a consumer calling 911 in an emergency from an Internet phone, using so-called ``Voice over Internet Protocol,'' or VoIP service, can do so with a degree of confidence matching that of traditional phone service and wireless service.

The bill seeks to achieve this goal through two key provisions: The first provision extends liability protections to VoIP service providers. The Federal Communications Commission lacks authority to grant liability protection to VoIP service providers, and, therefore, Congress must take action to achieve this policy objective. This is similar to action this subcommittee took in 1999 when such liability protection was accorded to wireless providers.

The second key provision in the bill establishes the right of VoIP providers to access the parts of the 911 infrastructure they need in order to complete 911 calls for consumers. This is an important provision because while the FCC has acted to require VoIP providers to meet enhanced 911 service obligations, the commission did not order that such VoIP providers had a legal right to the components of the 911 infrastructure they would need to fulfill their E-911 obligations under the commission's own rules.

[Time: 14:45]

I want to commend Representative Gordon for his excellent work and leadership on this bill. We have endeavored, over the last several months, to work on a bipartisan basis through several issues, and the bill we bring to the House floor this afternoon reflects the results of these discussions. It is an excellent step forward.

I also want to salute Ms. Eshoo, Mr. Shimkus and Mr. Pickering for their work on this legislation and, as always, to commend the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Dingell; the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. Barton; and my good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) for their excellent efforts as well.

At this point, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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