US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at improving emergency communications in federal buildings. The proposed bill seeks to protect over 1.4 million federal employees and members of the public who use these facilities.
The senators noted that federal buildings face increasing security challenges, including a rise in terrorist attacks and bomb threats over the past five years. The legislation would require the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and implement guidance for emergency-related communication within one year of enactment.
“Just like every other employee, our federal employees should be able to do their jobs in safe, secure environments,” said Lankford. “Our federal buildings aren’t just offices – they’re where critical work gets done for our nation, and we must ensure they remain protected, functional, and accessible.”
Peters highlighted recent incidents underscoring the need for better communication protocols. “Federal buildings across our nation face heightened threats every day,” said Peters. “I was deeply troubled this January when I learned that folks working inside Detroit’s McNamara Federal Building weren’t informed of a shooting right outside their office until hours after it happened. My new bill would help keep employees and visitors of federal buildings informed, so they know exactly what to do in an emergency.”
The Federal Building Threat Notification Act mandates that FPS and DHS issue best practices for informing building tenants about violent threats such as firearm events, weapons threats, terrorism risks, or suspicious devices both inside and near federal properties. The guidance will also provide instructions on safety procedures during security incidents.
Every building under FPS protection will be required to have a designated security official responsible for carrying out safety procedures outlined by the new protocols. Additionally, periodic crisis preparedness testing is mandated under the bill.
Within a year after enactment, FPS must coordinate with DHS to deliver a report and briefing to Congress detailing implementation of these measures.
