National Broadband Emergency Network Extension Passes House (1)

The House on Monday passed bipartisan legislation that would extend operations for the nation’s emergency wireless network, FirstNet, until 2037.

Lawmakers passed the measure (H.R. 7386) by voice vote. It now heads to the Senate for consideration, where it appears it’s likely to pass. Congress is seeking to reauthorize the program before it expires early next year.

Public safety personnel—including police officers, medical professionals, and firefighters—rely on the broadband network, deployed by AT&T Inc., during emergencies and disasters across the country. The program launched 15 years ago in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The legislation would ...