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United States House
of Representatives Passes HR. 2898
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"The E9-1-1
Implementation Act of 2003"
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Today, under a
unanimous vote, the United States House of Representatives passed the
"The E9-1-1 Implementation Act of 2003."
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In a brief but
passionate debate, HR. 2898 received strong praise and bi-partisan
support on the House floor from the authors, co-sponsors and chairs of
the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus, Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL), and Anna
Eshoo (D-CA).
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Providing
additional support in the debate were the respective chairs of the
House Commerce Committee and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications
and the Internet; Reps. Billy Tauzin (R-LA) and Fred Upton (R-MI).
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As the leading
advocate of 9-1-1 issues, NENA praised the Members of Congress for
their outstanding efforts in approving a measure that promises to
improve the capabilities of the 9-1-1 system.
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Specifically the
legislation;
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* Authorizes $100
million in grants over five years to upgrade enhanced 9-1-1 service;
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* Establishes a
federal E9-1-1 Coordination Office to improve coordination among
federal, state and local
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public safety
officials;
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* Penalizes states
for redirecting E-911 funds collected from consumer's cell phone
bills;
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* Directs the FCC
to study E-911 implementation in rural areas of our country.
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By passing the
House of Representatives, the bill now awaits Senate approval, of
which E9-1-1 Caucus leaders, Senators Conrad Burns and Hillary Clinton
will lead companion legislation in the United States Senate.
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Stephen Seitz
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Director,
Government Affairs
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