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 enhance safety protocols for more than 1.4 million federal employees and members of the public who visit these facilities.
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. This move comes amid a rise in security challenges facing federal buildings, including an increase in terrorist attacks, bomb threats, and other violent incidents over the past five years.
“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 referenced a recent incident to highlight the need for improved communication. “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.”
Under the Federal Building Threat Notification Act, FPS and DHS would be tasked with establishing best practices for timely notification of tenants about violent threats such as firearm events, weapons threats, potential terrorism, or suspicious devices both inside and around federal buildings. The guidance would also include instructions on appropriate safety measures during such incidents.
Each building under FPS protection would have a designated security official responsible for carrying out these procedures. Additionally, periodic crisis preparation testing would be required by FPS leadership. Within a year of enactment, FPS must coordinate with DHS to deliver a report and briefing to Congress detailing the specific guidance implemented under this legislation.
