Neal Dunn (R-FL)
First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This Act, known as the "First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026," seeks to amend the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. It reauthorizes the First Responder Network Authority, extending its timeline to September 30, 2037. The bill increases NTIA oversight by requiring prior approval for most actions taken by the Authority. It also establishes the position of Associate Administrator and mandates specific Board composition requirements. Finally, it introduces new requirements for business continuity plans, outage notifications, and annual reporting to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +7
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill reauthorizes the broadband network essential for public safety communications.
- Scored +6
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
The bill requires a disaster recovery plan to ensure rapid network restoration after emergencies.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates annual reports to Congress regarding cyberattacks and service outages.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Oversight and Accountability: The bill subjects the First Responder Network Authority's actions to NTIA approval, which may provide more control over the authority's operations (Section 3).
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Enhanced Board Expertise: The bill ensures that the Board includes at least five individuals who are State, local, or Tribal public safety professionals in fields such as fire response, EMS, law enforcement, or 9-1-1 services (Section 4).
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Improved Disaster Readiness: The requirement for the FirstNet contractor to submit a business continuity and disaster recovery plan every five years aims to ensure the rapid restoration of the broadband network following natural disasters or emergencies (Section 9).
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Increased Transparency: The NTIA is required to submit annual reports to Congress regarding cyberattacks, cyber defense efforts, and unscheduled service outages (Section 8).
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Faster Outage Information: In the event of an unscheduled service outage, the contractor must notify the Authority within 30 minutes and provide a status tool to the agencies using the network (Section 10).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Bureaucracy: By requiring the NTIA to provide prior approval for almost all actions taken by the First Responder Network Authority, the bill may create more administrative steps for the authority's operations (Section 3).
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Potential Delays in Network Decisions: The requirement for NTIA action on network reinvestment decisions or task orders introduces a timeline where the NTIA must act within 60 days of receiving a recommendation (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates annual reports to Congress regarding cyberattacks and service outages. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases NTIA oversight and approval requirements over the First Responder Network Authority.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill reauthorizes the broadband network essential for public safety communications.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill requires a disaster recovery plan to ensure rapid network restoration after emergencies.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill mandates reporting on cyberattacks and requires a disaster recovery plan to protect the network.
- 4/21/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 4/20/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2967-2968)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2967-2968)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7386.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2967-2970)
- Mr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 4/15/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-615.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 533.
- 3/25/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.
- 2/10/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2/5/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jennifer McClellanDemocrat · Virginia