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H.R.1251 / 109th Congress

Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2005

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H8143-8144)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 10, 2005

Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in cooperation with State and local governments, Federal agencies, public safety agencies, and the private sector, to develop a national strategy to achieve communications interoperability and to report to Congress annually on progress toward achieving such interoperability.

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create an interoperable communications technology grant program for eligible States (those States lacking adequate interoperability that have submitted a communications interoperability plan to the Secretary) and local governments and public safety agencies within such States. Sets forth considerations for awarding grants, including the nature of the threat to the eligible State or local jurisdiction and the location, risk, or vulnerability of critical infrastructure and key national assets.

Limits the Federal share of costs associated with grant-funded activities to 75 percent of the total.

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Prohibits the award of grants to reimburse recipients for past expenditures, except that public safety agencies may be reimbursed for funds expended after September 11, 2001, and before the date of enactment of this Act if such expenditures support an approved agency plan.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18] · D–NY

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Homeland Security Committee
36 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H8143-8144)

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology.

  4. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  6. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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