House Energy and Commerce committee approves FirstNet reauthorization

The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to advance bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet, through 2037. The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

The vote came one day after a coalition of public safety and state and local government organizations drafted a letter urging congressional leaders to move quickly to reauthorize the public safety communications network, currently set to expire next February. The groups warned that delays could jeopardize critical emergency communications infrastructure.

“Every day, FirstNet provides mission-critical communications so that local public safety officers can protect and provide lifesaving assistance,” they wrote.

The coalition, representing fire, emergency management, law enforcement and local government officials, noted that FirstNet plays a central role in day-to-day operations and large-scale disaster response. The network was created in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks to make it easier for public safety officials from different jurisdictions to communicate with each other.

“The FirstNet network continues to demonstrate its effectiveness daily during both national disasters and daily calls for fire, EMS, or law enforcement assistance. It is important this national resource not be allowed to expire,” the letter reads.

Lawmakers have largely agreed that allowing the FirstNet authority to lapse would disrupt emergency response capabilities nationwide.

“Many of us have seen natural disasters up close and personal in our districts, and our constituents deserve the best version of the infrastructure and alert systems we are considering today,” Rep. Brett Guthrie, a Republican from Kentucky who chairs the committee, said in his opening statement Wednesday. 

Commerce also voted for oversight changes, adopting draft legislation that includes expanding coverage to include more than one provider and ensuring the network is keeping pace with emerging technologies.

A 2024 audit by the Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General said that FirstNet’s governance structure could use stronger oversight mechanisms. The report criticized the partnership between First Responder Network Authority, and its contracted partner, AT&T, arguing that the program has failed to “develop an adequate performance metric to accurately measure public safety use and adoption.”

Advocates this week also highlighted proposed governance updates they say would ensure stronger public safety representation on the FirstNet board. The groups argued that the network must continue evolving alongside the needs of first responders.

“The amendment would ensure that the FirstNet that was built for public safety will continue to meet public safety’s needs. … We look forward to working with you to pass this legislation in the House of Representatives,” the letter concludes.