2012 PRESS ROOM
 

February 17, 2012 - Washington, DC

The Congressional NG 9-1-1 Caucus achieved a significant legislative victory today (February 17, 2012).  Legislation sponsored by the Co-Chairs of the Caucus, Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Sen. Richard Burr (R-SC), The NG 9-1-1- Advancement Act, passed as part of a tax reduction bill that President Obama is expected to sign.  

The NG 9-1-1 legislation would prove $115 million in funding for 9-1-1 services and technology as well continue operations of the National 9-1-1 office.  

This legislation provides the most significant level of federal funding to advance 9-1-1 services in memory.  The leadership of the Co-Chairs and their Caucus colleagues who helped to fight for this important
9-1-1 legislation will be applauded throughout the public safety community and the general public.  

This is a fitting success near the 44th anniversary of the birth of 9-1-1.

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The Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     For Shimkus: Steve Tomaszewski
                                                                                          618-344-3065

February 17, 2012                                        For Eshoo:  Casey Fromson
                                                                            202-225-8104

CONGRESSIONAL NEXT GEN 9-1-1 CAUCUS CELEBRATES

Washington, DC….As House co-chairs of the Next Gen 9-1-1 Caucus, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois) and Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (D, California) are pleased to announce the inclusion of the Next Generation 9-1-1 Advancement Act (HR 2629) in the Conference Report to extend the payroll tax holiday that passed both the House and Senate on Friday.

The language will allow for matching grants to eligible entities that will enable the delivery of voice, text, photos, video, and other data to 9-1-1 call centers.

Shimkus said, “This will help 9-1-1 agencies bring advanced equipment into their call centers.  Rep. Eshoo and I have worked on 9-1-1 technology for some time; this brings us closer to allowing more information to get into the hands of emergency responders.”

Eshoo, ranking member on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee: “For over a decade, Rep. Shimkus and I have been working to bring our 9-1-1 call centers into the 21^st century. Today we did by giving them the tools to better protect citizens in every community across our country.”

The grants are paid for by the sale of broadcast spectrum also
outlined in the legislation.

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