Outdated 911 Systems Leave U.S. Exposed, Experts Warn as ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Moves Forward

As Congress moves quickly to pass the massive “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” public safety leaders are warning that lawmakers are overlooking a serious risk: America’s outdated 911 system.

Mel Maier, executive director and CEO of APCO International the nation’s largest organization for public safety communications says the failure to include funding for Next Generation 911, or NG911, is a major national security concern.

“This bill does many good things,” Maier told Fox News Digital. “But it leaves out something vital. Failing to modernize that first call for help is a serious mistake.”

NG911 is designed to replace the current 911 system, which still relies on technology from the 1960s and 70s. The updated system would allow emergency centers to receive text messages, photos, videos, and precise location data.

“It’s not just about updating technology,” Maier said. “It’s about keeping Americans safe.”

The need for improvements has grown urgent as the U.S. faces rising threats from cyberattacks and foreign adversaries. Ransomware has already disrupted 911 centers, police departments, and emergency services in multiple states.

“Cybercriminals are targeting 911 right now,” Maier said. “This is happening today, and it’s putting lives at risk.”

Congress has considered proposals to support NG911. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s bill contains language crafted with input from public safety experts, which Maier praised. But he stressed that the bill still does not include funding, which is essential to making the system a reality.

“The bill has strong language that we support,” he explained. “But without a funding source, it will not move forward.”

Federal estimates have put the cost of nationwide NG911 upgrades at about $15 billion. So far, no one has committed to funding it.

Maier warned this will leave the country divided into areas that have modern emergency services and those that do not.

“We are creating a nation of haves and have-nots,” he said. “Every community deserves the same level of protection, whether it’s a big city or a small town.”

While President Trump is urging Congress to pass the spending package by July 4th, Maier says leaving NG911 out of the bill could be its biggest failure.

“Next Generation 911 will save lives if we act now,” Maier said. “Delaying this any longer is simply too dangerous.”