Public safety group stages recess lobbying blitz

The Public Safety Alliance (PSA) held a series of meetings this week at district offices to advocate for the organization's top telecom goal: Reallocation of the D Block of airwaves to public safety agencies.

That's their position on how the government should build a broadband network for emergency agencies, a goal with virtually universal support that has spawned polarized views on how it should be funded. This week, PSA met with House Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), as well as Reps John Shimkus (R-IL), John Dingell (D-MI) Mike Rogers (R-MI), Sandy Adams (R-FL), and House Homeland Security Communications subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). Sean Kirkendall, spokesman for PSA, said the meeting blitz comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. He said the group is reaching out to members to "provide the facts, answer their questions and ultimately secure their support for legislation."