McCaul Examines Communications on the Border

(Laredo, Texas)- Today, U.S. Rep. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, examined the state of interoperable communications on the U.S.-Mexico Border during a field hearing on the campus of Texas A&M International University.

"I am pleased to see that Texas is taking the lead in interoperable emergency communications along the U.S.-Mexico border," McCaul said. "It will be important for this Congress to ensure that the appropriate funding is there to fulfill the 9-11 Commission recommendations and to protect Americans from man made or natural disasters."

The hearing is the first of a series designed to discuss challenges and best practices for interoperability along both the southern and northern borders. In the 109th Congress, Congressman McCaul served as a Subcommittee Chairman when the Committee on Homeland Security authored and passed the FEMA Reform Act of 2006, which established the Office of Emergency Communications within DHS and strengthened interoperability efforts and capabilities. At the hearing, members discussed cooperation and planning between International, Federal, State and local governments as mandated in the FEMA Reform Act and the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.

"Being able to communicate is a basic necessity for personnel on the border. Whether the mission is apprehending those trying to enter this country illegally, responding to man-made or natural emergencies or combating the drug cartels that threaten our communities, interoperability is essential to the security of our borders," McCaul said. "I look forward to seeing the progress of other border communities in this area."