Blackburn, Duckworth Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Life-Saving Emergency Communication Technology

"First responders in Tennessee need access to reliable technology that will help them locate trapped individuals in confined spaces where radio signals fail," said Senator Blackburn. "Our bipartisan ITS Codification Act would drive the development of advanced communication technologies to help first responders save more lives when every second counts."

"When people are in crisis and find themselves trapped in confined spaces, how quickly our first responders can locate and rescue them often depends on these workers' access to modern, reliable technology that helps save precious time," said Senator Duckworth. "Our bipartisan legislation helps codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration so we can continue to develop that emergency communication and tracking technology to help save lives."

BACKGROUND

• Tennessee has the highest share of nighttime tornadoes in the United States, with 31% touching down between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This window dramatically increases the likelihood that victims are caught asleep in residential structures, complicating immediate rescue efforts.

ITS CODIFICATION ACT

• The legislation would help expedite recovery efforts for those impacted by events such as tornadoes, who may get trapped in rubble left from fallen buildings. The technology provided by the ITS Codification Act would help locate tornado victims, along with other victims of natural disasters or crises.

Click here for bill text.