Rep. Waxman Statement on Announcement of the FirstNet Board

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman released a statement in response to the announcement of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board of Directors: 

 

“With today’s appointment of the remaining twelve members to FirstNet’s Board of Directors, our nation moves one important step closer to completing unfinished business from the attacks of 9/11.

 

“Acting Secretary Blank and Assistant Secretary Strickling – as well as their hard working colleagues at the Department of Commerce – should be commended for putting together such an impressive and diverse board, with deep private sector and public safety experience.  Together, the FirstNet Board members bring the necessary expertise to address the technical, operational, and financial challenges in building and operating a nationwide interoperable broadband public safety network.  

 

“I am especially pleased that public safety is so well represented on the FirstNet Board.  Through the ongoing engagement of leaders like Jeff Johnson, Chuck Dowd, and Paul Fitzgerald, the FirstNet Board will benefit from critical real-world public safety experience, as well as detailed knowledge about the new law and what it took to achieve this milestone.  

  

“Now that FirstNet has been established, even more critical work begins.   I look forward to assisting FirstNet in its efforts to provide our first responders with the reliable, state-of-the-art communications network they need and deserve.”