Full Committee Markup of Two Bills to Reauthorize FirstNet and Modernize the Emergency Alert System

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup on March 26, 2026, to consider two bipartisan bills focused on enhancing public safety communications infrastructure. The primary legislation discussed was the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act (HR 7386), which extends the FirstNet Authority's mandate for ten years through 2037, aiming to improve accountability, transparency, and public safety representation on the FirstNet board. The committee also considered the Mystic Alerts Act (HR 7022), which facilitates the use of satellite technology to deliver emergency alerts in areas lacking reliable cellular service. Both bills received broad bipartisan support, with members emphasizing the critical role of FirstNet in disaster response and public safety communications, especially in rural and underserved areas. The committee adopted amendments to strengthen public safety oversight and operational flexibility and approved both bills by voice and roll call votes. The meeting concluded with authorization for staff to make technical and conforming changes to the legislation.