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Cantwell, Pallone Urge Senate Passage of SANDy Act to Secure Communications During Weather Emergencies

September 2, 2016

With a hurricane and tropical storms hitting both the East Coast and Hawaii this week, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), ranking Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, today urged the Senate to pass the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters, or the SANDy Act when it reconvenes next week.

The SANDy Act would ensure that all communications providers—internet, phone, radio, satellite and television—receive priority access to help them repair and maintain critical communications equipment during emergencies like a hurricane or tropical storm. It also begins a process to provide 911 services over Wi-Fi hotspots during emergencies. The bill overwhelmingly passed the House in May by a vote of 389-2. It was also reported out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Cantwell and Pallone are the authors of the SANDy Act in their respective chambers.

“The hurricanes, tropical storms and wildfires of the last two years have shown us that lives depend on being able to communicate when disaster strikes,” said Senator Cantwell. “This bill will enable communications networks to quickly be restored – which will better support our first responders and protect our communities, whatever the emergency may be.”

“Hurricanes and tropical storms can destroy critical communications infrastructure that makes it impossible for residents to get the information they need during an emergency,” Pallone said. “As the east coast gets hit by a strong and powerful storm, it’s time for the Senate to bring the SANDy Act up for a vote so that residents continue to have access to potentially lifesaving communications during a weather emergency.”

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