Gillibrand Bill Aims To Upgrade Nation’s Security Communication System

Washington, DC (WIBX) - Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, (D-NY) says it's time to upgrade the nations security alert system by building a nationwide wireless network to enhance public safety. The democratic senator says her new bill aims to do just that, and is keeping in step with the recommendations from the 9/11 commission. During a conference call with reporters Gillibrand said, "We remain severely limited in our capability to communicate across all levels of government and between different regional agencies during an emergency."

Gillibrand says she wants the comprehensive system implemented to allow for better communication between emergency first responders to avoid what happened during the 9/11 tragedy, when emergency officials lacked the capability to communicate with each other. She says the nationwide security system, could be paid for by selling unused radio frequency spectrum, (RF) at auction to communication companies.

Gillibrand said, "Nearly a decade after the horrific attacks of 9/11 Congress has yet to implement one of the key recommendations from the 9/11 Commission Report that would help our emergency responders communicate with each other during these kinds of emergencies."

She says she's calling on Congress this week, to pass Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act before the 10th anniversary of 9/11. "From one county to the next these first responders can not all communicate with each other quickly and effectively in the event of a major emergency. In fact, right now any teenager with a smart phone can share more information than our emergency responders can," she said. She added that the bipartisan bill is supported by Congressman Peter King, (R-NY) and her staff members are working to gather more signatures from other co-sponsors.