1STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
Re: FCC Response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria
Let me begin by once again offering my thoughts and prayers to all of those impacted by 
these most recent horrific storms. It is truly unimaginable the level of devastation that has taken 
place, but times like these remind us how important it is for us to come together and help each
other to rebuild and heal.  
During my visit to South Florida last week with the Chairman, we witnessed incredible 
levels of compassion and commitment to helping neighbors be they around the corner or in other 
hard-hit sections of the state. We listened to stories from broadcasters, telecommunications 
providers, first responders, the FCC field staff, and others who worked around the clock, risking 
their own safety, leaving their own vulnerable households so that the broader community would 
have a means to stay informed, keep in touch with family and friends and have some semblance 
of normalcy.  
The integrity of our communications networks is key in the rebuilding process, and if 
there is a faint silver lining in all of this, it can be found in the lessons learned and applied in the 
rebuilding of what will be more resilient systems. Super Storm Sandy spurred the Commission 
to adopt technology transitions protections, and those remain as relevant now as they were then. 
As carriers rip out flooded copper, we must ensure that consumers are part of the process and 
have clear understanding and expectation regarding service restoration. 
I am grateful for the advanced preparations taken by the Commission staff, including 
reaching out to public safety agencies in the areas impacted, identifying necessary resources, and 
deploying teams for communication needs.
Turning the lessons from this detailed presentation into policies that ensure our nation’s 
communications networks and 9-1-1 systems remain reliable and resilient during disasters is one 
of the greatest gifts we can deliver to our neighbors in need. I am confident our staff will 
continue to do everything possible to support these communities in the days, weeks, and months 
to come.