September 8, 2005

HARMAN TO CONGRESS: OUR FIRST RESPONDERS HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH

WASHINGTON D.C.- Today, Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), member of the Homeland Security Committee, joined Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA), Steve Souder, Director of the Montgomery County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, Chief Harlin McEwen of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Chief Bill Killen, President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and other local first responders, including some who just returned from the Gulf Coast region, at a press conference asking Congressional leaders to take action on legislation to improve communications for first responders. The text of her prepared remarks is below.

"As the flood waters recede in New Orleans and recovery efforts accelerate throughout the region, I couldn't be prouder to stand here with some of the local heroes who helped save lives and restore sanity to New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf Region.

"The failure to fix the lack of dedicated radio spectrum for first responders in the four years since 9-11 - and the almost ten years since the Telecommunications Act was passed - is a black eye for Congress.

"Just yesterday, I spoke with some California volunteers, who are all assisting rescue and recovery efforts.

"I spoke to Joe Chidley, Vice President of McCormick Ambulance Company in Hawthorne, California. He and some colleagues drove their ambulances from the West Coast to New Orleans - they drove all day and night - sleeping on the gurney when they weren't driving - to be there to provide EMT services.

"Joe described the first few days as chaotic, with - quote - 'lots of winging it going on' - end quote - due to ineffective communications.

"Kevin Creasy, a Coast Guard helicopter pilot from Hermosa Beach in my district, has rescued 200 people from rooftops and balconies. Beckoned by waving tee shirts and pillowcases by day, he searched for the pin prick of flashlights at night.

"He told me, 'Ma'am this is our bread and butter, it's what we were trained to do.'

"I learned of an air rescue team from LA County that was given a state radio upon their arrival in New Orleans. But the helicopter crew and ground crew couldn't communicate because their gear operated on different radio frequencies.

"And I know of others, including - literally - Hero, one of three LA Metropolitan Transportation Authority search-and-rescue dogs. She's in New Orleans, and I've been trying to reach her and her handler, Deputy Susan Vodrazka, but cell phone problems have prevented us from talking.

"It's great they're down there. They're making a huge difference. But it also means there's one less dog and trainer now for LA County's transit system.

"And we learned just this morning that FEMA's one-stop shop 800 number has been backlogged and people can't get through. We've got to do better.

"Back-up call centers exist. Why weren't they used? We've learned these lessons, and FEMA did these things under Republican and Democratic administrations in earlier disasters.

"It's time - way past time - to pass the bill that finally gives all our heroes critical tools to do their jobs - and survive in the process.

"We cannot wait for another disaster to snap us out of our stupor. Police, firefighters and other emergency personnel from different jurisdictions don't have a dependable way to communicate during emergencies or disasters.

"They cannot talk at the most critical times.

"The lack of dedicated frequency is a public safety and national security hazard that we must fix. Lives are literally at risk.

"Congress made a promise in 1997, with a law requiring that the spectrum designated for emergency personnel be returned to the government for use by first responders by the end of 2006. I voted for that law and I want to keep that promise.

"The bipartisan bill Curt and I introduced in December 2001 simply asks Congress to keep its word.

"First responders are waiting on Congress to keep our word, and I think they've waited long enough.

"We cannot wait for another Oklahoma City, another 9-11 or another Hurricane Katrina.

"As Curt said, we are sending a letter today to the Speaker Hastert asking that the HERO Act be brought to the floor for a vote. I believe that Leader Pelosi is supportive of this request.

"Majority Leader Frist and Speaker Hastert met yesterday to announce a bicameral, bipartisan inquiry into Hurricane Katrina response efforts. We are asking that the Leadership act now to move this legislation - legislation that was recommended by the 9-11 Commission.

"But don't just take my word for it.

"I'd like to ask Steve Souder, Director of the Montgomery County's 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, to say a few words."

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