Congressman August Pfluger announced on Mar. 25 that the Mystic Alerts Act, his legislation to improve emergency alert systems, has passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill aims to integrate satellite networks into wireless emergency alerts, especially to help rural or remote areas during disasters.
The legislation comes after severe floods in Texas on July 4th highlighted weaknesses in existing communication infrastructure when it is most needed. The proposed changes would allow emergency alerts to be delivered via satellite if traditional networks fail.
Pfluger said, “When disaster strikes, communication infrastructure is often the first thing to fail, especially in rural areas. After the devastating floods of July 4th in Central and West Texas, we must ensure every American receives life-saving emergency alerts when it matters most.” He added his gratitude for bipartisan support as the bill moves forward.
Representative Buddy Carter also spoke about his personal connection to the issue: “My granddaughters were staying at Camp Mystic when the devastating floods claimed the lives of many young girls, including their cousin, Janie Hunt… Like Representative Pfluger, this issue is deeply personal to my family, and I look forward to our continued work to pass the Mystic Alerts Act so that no child or family has to endure a tragedy like this again.”
During committee discussions last year titled “Legislative Improvements to Public Safety Communications in the United States,” expert witnesses supported strengthening Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) systems due to risks posed by damaged or nonexistent cellular infrastructure—especially affecting rural Americans.
The bill includes technical assistance provisions for sound implementation alongside current law and ensures providers may not charge fees for transmitting emergency alerts if they choose to participate.
Pfluger currently represents Texas’ 11th district in Congress after replacing Mike Conaway in 2021 according to Ballotpedia. He won election over Jon Mark Hogg with nearly eighty percent of votes as reported by Ballotpedia. Pfluger was born in Houston and lives in San Angelo according to his campaign website.