House Homeland Security Signs Off on Emergency Alerts Bill
The House Homeland Security Committee cleared the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Modernization Act, HR-3283, Wednesday by unanimous voice vote. A version of the bill had cleared the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Subcommittee last month. The committee considered an amendment in the nature of a substitute, used as the base text going into the discussion (http://1.usa.gov/1o3TSS5).
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The legislation sets several requirements for the IPAWS system, such as what instances must compel alerts, the need for common alert protocols and standards, and the appropriate training and tests. There must be “redundant, diverse modes to disseminate homeland security information and other information in warning messages to the public so as to reach the greatest number of individuals in the intended area or location,” it said. The bill would also authorize $13.4 million for each of the fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Within 90 days of the bill’s enactment, the legislation would direct the secretary of Homeland Security to create an IPAWS Advisory Committee, consisting of the FCC chairman, the administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the assistant Commerce secretary for Communications and Information, the U.S. Geological Survey director, the undersecretary for science and technology of the Department of Homeland Security, the undersecretary for cybersecurity and communications of the DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate, and the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, or their designees. There would also be members, for terms not more than five years, representing state and local governments, emergency management agencies, Indian tribes and organizations, emergency response providers and emergency communications providers and technical experts with skill in broadcasting, cable, satellite, privacy and other areas. That group would meet at least once a year, beginning within 150 days of the bill’s enactment. They're expected to submit an annual report of recommendations and assessment.
Committee Chairman Mike McCaul, R-Texas, emphasized the importance of the legislation in his opening statement. Effective communication with the public is vital before, during and after crises, McCaul said, saying such communication has been crucial in events such as the Boston bombing and recent tornados: “I urge those still being impacted to be safe and vigilant."
Subcommittee Chairwoman Susan Brooks, R-Ind., said the legislation was cleared from committee by voice vote in the previous Congress. “One need only look at recent events to see the benefits of timely alerts and warnings,” Brooks said, saying they can save lives and citing IPAWS system warning people of recent tornadoes. The legislation has backing from CTIA and NAB, she said. The amendment in the nature of the substitute has several changes from the subcommittee and a modification that ensures IPAWS training is integrated into the National Incident Management System, she said. “This legislation seeks to ensure that the system works reliably, effectively and efficiently to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayer funds,” Brooks said. “It provides the IPAWS program with needed direction.”
"I am wholeheartedly in support of” the legislation, committee ranking member Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said, citing recent weather disasters and the need for such alerts. “I've seen the pictures of the wreckage and it’s heartbreaking."
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, spoke at length of the terror of disasters and the importance of preparation. She added an amendment that compelled the creation of a privacy impact assessment of IPAWS every five years. DHS also would be compelled, according to a second Jackson Lee amendment, to produce a report to Congress on any innovations or changes that may affect the collection of any personally identifiable information in the IPAWS system.
Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, received approval of an amendment focused on enhancing IPAWS’ ability to reach Americans with limited English proficiency and on enhancing congressional oversight he judged necessary: “The IPAWS system has been affected by shifting goals, lack of continuity and planning, staff turnover and poorly organized program information from which to make management decisions.” The amendment would compel a report to Congress on what recommendations from the IPAWS Advisory Committee have been implemented and if not, why not.
Brooks “understands that any modernization of the IPAWS program must not upset the investment the wireless industry has made to make the Wireless Emergency Alert program a success,” CTIA Vice President-Government Affairs Jot Carpenter said in a statement. “The bill reported today achieves that balance.”