NENA Statement on the Exclusion of 911 SAVES From the National Defense Authorization Act
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On behalf of more than 100,000 9-1-1 professionals serving communities across the United States, we are disappointed that the House and Senate conferees on the National Defense Authorization Act dropped the 911 SAVES Act (H.R. 2351) from this legislation. The 9-1-1 workforce is chronically under-funded and under-recognized, contributing to high rates of burnout and turnover. Changing their federal classification from "office support" to "protective service" would cost nothing, but it would more accurately reflect their specialized training and skills, as well as their crucial role in public safety. Ultimately it would benefit callers in crisis. We urge the bill’s sponsors and more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors to keep up the effort to enact this legislation.
