Congresswomen Norma Torres and Kat Cammack Tour D.C. 911 Dispatch Center
Launch Bipartisan and Bicameral NextGen 911 Caucus
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) visited the District of Columbia's Office of Unified Communications to meet with public safety telecommunicators and officially launch the Congressional NextGen 911 Caucus for the 119th Congress.
As the only bipartisan, bicameral organization in Congress focused exclusively on 911 emergency communications, the NextGen 911 Caucus plays a critical role in educating lawmakers, constituents, and communities on the importance of modern, reliable, and responsive emergency response systems.
"Public safety telecommunicators are the unsung heroes on the frontlines of every emergency," said Congresswoman Norma Torres "As a former 911 Dispatcher for 17 years, I know there is a lot of work needed to highlight and strengthen our 911 systems nationwide. That’s why I am proud to be the co-chair of the NextGen 911 Caucus. As we work to modernize our emergency response systems, it’s imperative that we give these professionals and the systems they rely on the support they deserve."
“When you call 911, it’s often one of the worst moments of your life. That’s why it’s critical that our response system is fast, reliable, and built for the 21st century. The ability to text 911, send video, and deliver critical information to first responders before they arrive saves lives,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “As Co-Chair of the NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, I’m committed to ensuring that all Americans—whether they live in a rural town or a major city—have access to a modern, responsive system.”
Public safety telecommunicators (PSTs) serve in more than 6,000 call centers nationwide. They are often the first voice a person hears in an emergency—coordinating responses from law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services. Beyond their daily lifesaving efforts, they often serve as critical witnesses in court proceedings and high-profile investigations.
However, America's 911 systems are facing unprecedented challenges: from outdated technology and staffing shortages to increasing call volumes and evolving threats. The NextGen 911 Caucus is committed to ensuring federal support keeps pace with these demands by promoting advanced communication technologies, including text-to-911, real-time data sharing, and improved interoperability between agencies.
Members of the caucus include: Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) Richard Hudson (R-NC), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Brandon Gill (R-TX), James Comer (R-KY), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Jim Himes (D-CT), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John B. Larson (D-CT), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Mike Rogers (R-AL), John Rutherford (R-FL), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Joe Wilson (R-SC)
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