Interop Money Legislation Passed

The U.S. Senate has passed S. 4, the “Improving America’s Security by Implementing Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007,” which among other things would create a dedicated interoperable grant program within FEMA to help state, local and tribal governments build communications systems. The bill passed Tuesday on a 60-38 voice vote. The legislation also includes over $3 billion in federal grant funding for various first responder programs. The bill must be passed by the House and signed by the president before it becomes law. Download (pdf) a copy of the communications portion of the bill here. Download (pdf) two press releases from U.S. Senatory Ted Stevens (R-Alas.) about the legislation and its Senate passage.