By Ron Thaniel
October 3, 2005

The U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on September 22 approved the Assure Emergency and Interoperable Communications for First Responders Act of 2005. S.1725 would authorize $400 million in grant dollars, for fiscal year 2006, rising annually to $1 billion by 2010 to states and local governments, for first-responders to buy Interoperable communications equipment.

Sponsored by Committee Chair Susan M. Collins (ME) and Ranking Member Joseph I. Lieberman (CT), the bill establishes an Office of Emergency Communications, Interoperable and Compatibility within the Department of Homeland Security charged with promoting interoperability and emergency communications during natural or terrorist disasters.

The bill also directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to establish a program to identify and answer the policy and technology questions necessary to sustain emergency communications capabilities and achieve interoperability.

In addition, the bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish at least two pilot projects to help develop and test working emergency communications systems for first responders and government.

While seen as a substantial first step, it is estimated that $15 billion is needed to build-out a nationwide interoperable communications system. As a result, the first responder community is urging Congress to fund interoperable communications at a level of $3 billion per year over a five year period.

As U.S. MAYOR goes to press, Senate Floor consideration has not been scheduled.