House Urges 911 Education Month

After long consideration, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a resolution requesting President Bush to declare an appropriate month as “National 9-1-1 Education Month,” calling on a wide variety of groups to provide citizens more information about the emergency number. Among the 22 “Whereas” paragraphs in the resolution are those pointing out the history of 911, its use by seniors and children, the possible confusion with other N11 and international numbers, and the challenges of new technology including VoIP. “Whereas we as a Nation should strive to annually host at least one educational event in every school in the country every year regarding the proper use of 9 -1 -1,” the resolution states. The Senate version of the resolution is pending. The House resolution was introduced in July, 2007 and has languished in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform ever since. The resolution finally reached the floor on Feb. 26th and passed on a 381-0 vote. Neither resolution would provide funding or, in fact, anything more than a “request” that Bush issue a proclamation. Download (pdf) a copy of the House resolution here.