Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) secured passage of her bill, the Mystic Alerts Act, H.R. 7022.  The Mystic Alerts Act improves Americans’ access to wireless emergency alerts by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to encourage mobile service providers to adopt satellite alerting capabilities—technology that allows more people to receive life-saving alerts even if they lack cellular service.  The bipartisan effort follows the devastating floods in Central Texas last summer and seeks to address communication gaps to prepare communities.

“In Houston and across the state of Texas, we are still heartbroken and grieving the loss of 135 people and the destruction of communities along the Guadalupe River last summer, a disaster made worse by communication gaps and failures,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “This bill is a small but important way to provide a meaningful response to the devastating floods and learn from the tragedy so that communities across the country do not have to experience the same pain and loss that Texans did last year.  Nothing can bring back those that we lost in the flood, but we owe it to their survivors and to everyone we represent to do everything we can to try to prevent another tragedy like the one that we saw last summer.  I am glad to partner with Congressman Pfluger, Congressman Veasey, and Congressman Carter in this effort and the work to get this legislation signed into law.”

"Disaster doesn't wait, and neither can we. The devastating July 4th floods that tore through Central and West Texas, including Camp Mystic where two of my daughters were staying, were a powerful reminder of the stakes, said Congressman August Pfluger.  The Mystic Alert Act steps up where our systems often fall short, ensuring Wireless Emergency Alerts can still be delivered via satellite when traditional networks fail. This means life-saving information can reach families and first responders when it matters most. Today's passage is a major, commonsense win to strengthen emergency communications preparedness and protect our communities from facing a tragedy like this again."

“I am proud of the passage of the Mystic Alerts Act through the House today—this bill will ensure that emergency alerts are disseminated through satellites even if commercial cell providers are unable to provide service,” said Congressman Marc Veasey. 

“My granddaughters were staying at Camp Mystic when the devastating floods claimed the lives of many young girls, including their cousin, Janie Hunt,” said Congressman Buddy Carter.  “No child or family should have to endure a tragedy like this again.  This bill will strengthen communication infrastructure during emergencies by implementing satellite-enabled alerts that can mean the difference between life and death.  I am proud to see the Mystic Alerts Act pass the House, look forward to the Senate taking it up, and to its eventual signing into law.”

Congresswoman Fletcher joined Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) in introducing this legislation.  The bill now moves to the United States Senate, where it is one step closer to becoming law.