The bipartisan Mystic Alerts Act, led by Rep. August Pfluger (R), advanced through the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, moving the legislation designed to allow emergency alerts to reach Americans by satellite when traditional cellular networks fail. The House bill, H.R. 7022, was advanced by voice vote with an amendment.
"The devastating floods that swept through Central Texas and Camp Mystic, where two of my daughters were staying, exposed a critical gap in how we warn Americans when disaster strikes," said Rep. Pfluger. "The Mystic Alerts Act ensures that emergency alerts can reach families and first responders by satellite, even when traditional networks fail."
Rep. Pfluger introduced the legislation with Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (D), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Marc Veasey (D). Sens. John Cornyn (R) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced the Senate companion in July.
"Last year's devastating July 4th flooding at Camp Mystic and across Central Texas showed how quickly a disaster can occur and reminds us that critical warnings matter," said Cornyn. "The Mystic Alerts Act would help ensure communities receive timely alerts without having to use a cellular connection."
Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Cruz (R) said the 2025 floods demonstrated the consequences of communication gaps during disasters.
"When disaster strikes, every second matters," said Cruz. "Americans should be able to trust that critical, life-saving alerts will reach them when and where they most need them."
Cruz said the legislation would move the country closer to a stronger emergency alert system.
Fletcher said the bill provides a response to the 2025 flooding that could help communities avoid similar communication failures.
"This bill is a small but important way to provide a meaningful response to the devastating floods and to learn from the tragedy," said Fletcher.
Carter said his granddaughters were at Camp Mystic when the flooding occured, while Veasey said the legislation would ensure alerts can be disseminated by satellite when commercial cellular service is unabailable.
"When disaster strikes, every second matters, and no family should be left without critical information simply because the power or cell service is down," said Veasey.
