Congress has failed first responders by not acting on legislation to establish a nationwide public safety network, Tom Ridge said Friday.
The nationâs first Homeland Security Secretary told AOL Government it is unlikely anything will pass before the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
“It’s wrong. It’s really wrong for them to have failed these first responders,” Ridge said. “There have been a lot of speeches praising the courage and the sacrifice and the commitment of our first responders. I’m tired of speeches.”
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) hoped to have legislation for the public safety network passed before the anniversary.
The White House planned to hand over a portion of wireless spectrum to first responder agencies. Wireless companies objected and are pressuring Congress to hold a public auction.
Congress is not scheduled to reconvene until after Labor Day.
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