House Passes Payne, Jr. Bill to Improve Interoperable Emergency Communications for First Responders

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, applauded U.S. House of Representatives passage of his legislation to improve interoperable communications for state and local first responders.

“Lack of interoperable communications impedes the ability of first responders to carry out effective responses to emergency situations,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “When first responders can’t communicate with one another, their ability to coordinate life-saving activities becomes jeopardized. The SWIC Enhancement Act enables coordinated communication between emergency personnel and ensures first responders have the training and capabilities needed to keep themselves and our communities safe.”

In recent years, states have been able to rely on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program to support their communications governance structures and their Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWIC), who work with emergency personnel across all levels of government, guiding the education and training of first responders and communications staff. SWICs are also responsible for leading all coordination efforts, including statewide planning, and developing a strategic vision for interoperability.

However, due to the elimination of the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program and reduced funding for other state and local homeland security grant programs, some states are eliminating SWICs. As a result, activities critical to maintaining and advancing interoperable emergency communications policies are not being effectively coordinated.

The State Wide Interoperable Communications Enhancement Act or SWIC Enhancement Act (H.R. 2206) requires states to have a Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) or to delegate activities related to achieving interoperability to other individuals.