CONGRESSWOMAN LUZ RIVAS INTRODUCES BILL TO STRENGTHEN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE DURING NATURAL DISASTERS

Washington, Sept. 3 -- Congresswoman Luz Rivas issued the following press release:

Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) introduced the Telecommunications Gaps in Accountability and Performance (GAP) Act to ensure effective communications during natural disasters. During the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst wildfires in January 2025, connectivity failures directly affected evacuations, emergency response coordination, and public safety communications. These disruptions emphasized the need for congressional oversight of existing disaster response frameworks, including the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI). The Telecommunications GAP Act requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a report to Congress evaluating the effecti...