Sec. 2. Findings; Sense of Congress

391 words·~2 min read·/bill/114/s/2997/rs/section-2

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Congress finds the following: Severe weather and emergencies can have devastating effects on communities large and small, including rural areas and urban centers. 10,649 deaths were attributed to weather related causes during 2006 to 2010. According to the third national climate assessment, completed in 2014, microclimate weather models predict increased temperatures, and less frequent but more intense storm events. In 2015, there were 9,407,571 acres burned in wildfires and the United States Fire Administration spent $1,700,000,000 on wildfire suppression and $2,600,000,000 on all wildfire related budget costs in 2015.

Wildfire potential is expected to remain static or increase over the coming fire seasons. During times of emergencies such as a natural disaster, severe storm, or act of terrorism, communications networks serve as a vital tool for individuals, 9–1–1 centers, and first responders. During times of emergency, it is critical that consumers be able to access cell phone networks, including to contact 9–1–1, even in the event that damage or outage has occurred on their own home network.

Consumer wireless devices are becoming increasingly important to the safety and security of the public during emergencies, whether to contact 9–1–1, receive emergency alerts, communicate with loved ones, or receive vital information like shelter locations using mobile applications and social media platforms. In April 2016, major cell phone carriers announced a Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework (referred to in this subsection as the Framework ) that outlines reasonable arrangements between the networks for cell phone roaming during disasters, fosters mutual aid during emergencies, and aids in consumer readiness during times of emergency.

Voluntary agreements similar to the Framework can provide benefits to consumers by offering increased flexibility for carriers to adjust their efforts as technology and the emergency response ecosystem evolves. Although the initial Framework reflects agreement among the 5 largest carriers in the Nation, the agreement could potentially be expanded to include, or serve as a model for, other carriers especially those in underserved or rural areas. Close coordination among service providers and the public safety community is essential in advance of, during, and following emergencies.

It is the sense of Congress that the voluntary policies outlined in the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework should be adhered to, to the best of the carriers' ability, to aid consumers, 9–1–1 professionals, first responders, and local governments, in accessing communication services during times of emergency.