WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement regarding ongoing efforts to create a nationwide public safety communications network:

“I’m deeply disappointed that measures to create a first responder communications network were not included in the larger year-end package,” Rockefeller said. “Our police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel across America need to be able to rely on a nationwide, interoperable communications network when the unimaginable happens.  Although we didn’t get this done within today’s agreement, I intend to push hard in the coming weeks to work out a suitable compromise with the House.  Build out of a public safety communications network is in our national interest.  We cannot afford further inaction."

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