In January 2026, winter storms Fern and Gianna swept across the southern and eastern United States, leaving millions without electricity in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Regions such as the Carolinas faced historic snowfall. 

The FirstNet Response Operations Group successfully answered more than 20 requests for support from public safety agencies. To ensure this capability is not lost, Congress must promptly reauthorize HR 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026.