Interoperability Push Falters, But Backers Stay Hopeful

INTEROPERABILITY PUSH FALTERS, BUT BACKERS STAY HOPEFUL
[SOURCE: Technology Daily 9/15, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
Senate and House proposals to bolster communications across jurisdictions for fire, police and other rescue personnel were dealt major setbacks. But sources said lawmakers may have more opportunities before Congress adjourns to secure additional money for the effort. Democrats are crying foul over a decision by House Republicans to reject $3.1 billion over five years for new communications equipment for "first responders." But a Republican aide with the House Homeland Security Committee said there is ample funding in the pipeline for that purpose. In the upper chamber, Sens. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and John McCain (R-AZ) both failed in their attempts to add to a port security bill language reserving $1 billion for emergency interoperability. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) was unsuccessful in adding a $5 billion emergency communications grant program to the legislation. The Senate passed the bill, but their amendments were declared non-germane.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-PEIA1158694990412.html