Senators Eye More Oversight with FirstNet Authority Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2026 – Lawmakers appeared inclined Wednesday to increase oversight of the First Responder Network Authority as part of legislation that would reauthorize the agency.

The FirstNet Authority oversees FirstNet, the nationwide first responder network owned and operated by AT&T under a contract with the Commerce Department. FirstNet Authority will sunset in February 2027 unless Congress reauthorizes it.

There’s broad support for reauthorization, but some disagreement on whether that reauthorization should include changes to FirstNet's structure. House lawmakers circulated a draft bill Wednesday that would strengthen Commerce’s authority over the FirstNet Authority, something former board members have opposed.