C&T Subcommittee Holds Hearing on FirstNet Reauthorization

The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology has held a hearing to evaluate the performance, accountability, and future reauthorization of FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network.

The hearing was led by Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee, who emphasized the urgency of renewing the program before its authorization expires early next year.

“FirstNet’s authorization expires at the beginning of next year, and it is this Committee’s duty to reauthorize the program before it expires,” Chairman Hudson said. “In the process, we should examine FirstNet’s activities since its creation 15 years ago and make any changes necessary to improve its performance. The future of public safety relies on safe resources like FirstNet.”

Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) highlighted the original mission of FirstNet and its impact since the contract was awarded in 2017.

“When Congress created the First Responder Network Authority, there was a clear mandate to build a public safety, preemptive network used exclusively by first responders,” Dunn said. “Our nation’s heroes who put their lives on the line need robust communications. What we’ve seen since 2017 has been a tremendous success story, though continued oversight and accountability remain critical.”

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) reflected on the communications failures during the September 11 attacks and the importance of ensuring such breakdowns never happen again.

“On 9/11, everything was down. You couldn’t communicate,” Latta said. “With FirstNet, we want to make sure that never, ever occurs again — not only to protect the public, but also the first responders themselves.”

The hearing underscored bipartisan support for strengthening FirstNet as Congress considers its reauthorization and long-term future.