Media Contact: Will Wiquist will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release ACTING CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL STATEMENT ON 911 STRIKE FORCE ACCOMPLISHMENT-- WASHINGTON, September 17, 2021—FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today issued the following statement after the 911 Strike Force adopted a report to Congress outlining recommendations to stop 911 fee diversion. “It’s a simple fact that when consumers pay 911 fees on their phone bills, that money should be used to fund 911,” Rosenworcel said. “But it’s a complex problem that 911 fees are too often diverted to other uses, which delays much-needed upgrades to America’s aging 911 system to keep pace with the digital age. “That's why, earlier this year, the FCC announced a 911 Strike Force composed of state, federal, local, and Tribal representatives; 911 administrators; public safety organizations; and consumer groups to study the problem of 911 fee diversion. Members of the Strike Force and its working groups worked with a steady hand and under tight deadlines all summer—amidst the wildfires, hurricanes, pandemic, and other challenges facing the public safety community—to deliver the report adopted today. Congratulations on the completion of this much-needed effort. I look forward to reviewing your work. “Thank you to Kelli Merriweather and Steven Sharpe for serving as Chair and Vice Chair of the 911 Strike Force. And thank you to all of the members of the Task Force for your expertise, dedication, and service to our country.” In May, Rosenworcel announced the appointment of members to the 911 Strike Force, charging the group with studying the problem of 911 fee diversion—that is, the practice by some states and jurisdictions of using the 911 fees consumers pay on their phone bills for non-911 purposes—and reporting to Congress on how the Federal government can end this practice. Formally known as the “Ending 9-1-1 Fee Diversion Now Strike Force,” the 911 Strike Force was established pursuant to the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act of 2020. Also pursuant to the legislation, the Commission adopted rules in June to address 911 fee diversion. Additional information about the 911 Strike Force is available at www.fcc.gov/911strikeforce. ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).