Bilirakis Applauds Passage of Legislation to Improve Public Alerts and Warnings

Washington, D.C. – The House Homeland Security Committee this week passed legislation introduced by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).

H.R. 1738, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act, would improve public alerts and warnings during an emergency and modernize the Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System (IPAWS).

"During an emergency, it is crucial that alerts and warnings are both reliable and effective. The public alert and warning systems have not been modernized in decades. My bill makes great strides in achieving that goal," Bilirakis said.

The legislation provides Congressional authorization and the framework needed to help provide timely public alerts and warnings in the events of emergencies and natural disasters. It seeks to ensure that those alerts and warnings are available to the largest number of people, including individuals with disabilities and those living in rural areas, while also placing an emphasis on protecting and ensuring individual privacy.