Congresswoman Luz Rivas Introduces Bill to Strengthen Telecommunications Infrastructure During Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 effectiveness of the MDRI.
“During the January 2025 wildfires, families across Los Angeles experienced firsthand how quickly communications can fail when they need them most,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “When an evacuation order comes, people must be able to rely on their phones and wireless networks to get alerts, reach loved ones, and hear from first responders. My Telecommunications GAP Act ensures Congress has a clear, independent assessment of what worked during last year’s wildfires across L.A. County, as well an analysis to close any gaps in disaster communications systems to better protect people and their homes. A resilient and reliable telecommunications infrastructure is key to keeping our communities safe, especially as wildfires and climate-driven disasters become more intense.”
Background:
The Telecommunications Gaps in Accountability and Performance (GAP) Act will require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a report to Congress evaluating the effectiveness of the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI), including an analysis of the January 2025 Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires in Los Angeles.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) operates the MDRI as a mandatory framework for wireless providers during disasters. While the MDRI outlines commitments such as roaming assistance and mutual aid, it has not been comprehensively evaluated by Congress following a large-scale disaster.
The Telecommunications GAP Act would require the GAO to submit a report to Congress evaluating:
- MDRI’s overall effectiveness;
- MDRI’s performance during the January 2025 wildfires;
- Gaps in coverage, roaming, or coordination; and
- Recommendations on whether the MDRI should be improved, modified, or expanded.
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