H.R. 10285: Telecommunications Gaps in Accountability and Performance Act

This bill would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO), through the Comptroller General, to review a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule known as the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative and send Congress a report within 180 days of the bill becoming law.

What the report would cover

• How well the initiative works overall for emergency and disaster situations.
• How well it worked during the January 2025 California wildfires specifically.
• Any problems with coverage, roaming, or coordination among wireless providers under the initiative.
• Recommendations for improving the initiative.

What the “Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative” means

The bill defines this as certain FCC requirements in federal regulations that apply to facilities-based mobile wireless providers during emergencies or disasters. In plain terms, it refers to rules that affect how mobile phone network operators are expected to help maintain service and coordination when disasters disrupt communications.

Practical effect

The bill does not itself change the FCC rules or create new disaster-response requirements. Instead, it orders an independent review of how the current system is working, including whether it has gaps in service, roaming access, or provider cooperation, and whether changes should be considered.

Relevant Companies

None found