"Since the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and then again with the September 11 terrorist attacks, the National League of Cities has asked Congress to clear the frequencies for public safety emergency communication. The SAVE Lives Act would set December 31, 2008 as the date," said Don Borut, executive director of the National League of Cities.
"Our first responders must have the communication tools they need to play a leading role in preventing and responding to emergencies. Unfortunately, because emergency responders don't share common broadcast frequencies, lives are at risk," said Charles Hughes, chair of the National League of Cities' Public Safety and Crime Prevention Steering Committee and president of the Gary, Indiana City Council.
In 1997, Congress promised first responders that the radio frequencies would be available to them by December 31, 2006. The 9/11 Commission's Final Report concluded that the inability of these first responders to talk with each other and their commanders on September 11th resulted in the significant loss of life. The Commission also identified the need for more spectrum as crucial to assist police, fire fighters and emergency responders in communicating during an emergency such as a terrorist attack or a hurricane.
"This is a crucial step -- but not the only one that Senator McCain's bill addresses. The SAVE Lives Act recognizes that setting a firm date to return the frequencies for public safety use will not eliminate obstacles to improved communications -- funding for equipment is also important," said Chairman Hughes.
NLC supports the SAVES Lives Act because it would authorize funding for enhanced interoperable communication equipment and training for emergency responders. "Senator McCain's bill also provides a realistic and workable plan to free up spectrum for public safety purposes and a workable subsidy plan to ensure that consumers will continue to have access to over the air broadcast television," Hughes said. "We commend him for his leadership on this significant issue."
