Amid escalating concerns regarding the security of Congress members, over 50 senators have been equipped with satellite phones to facilitate emergency communication, according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by CBS News.

These devices are part of a comprehensive set of security measures offered to senators by the Senate Sergeant at Arms, who assumed office shortly after the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, CBS News reported.

The provision of satellite phone technology has been extended to all 100 senators, and it has been revealed that at least 50 senators have accepted these phones, as recommended by Senate administrative staff, to keep them within close reach during their travels.

During her testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee last month, Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson explained that the deployment of satellite communication aims to establish a secure and redundant means of communication in the event of a disruptive incident.

She further emphasized that these phones serve as a security backup in case of an emergency situation that disrupts communication infrastructure in certain parts of the United States. The funding for satellite airtime required to utilize these phones will be covered by federal funds.

The Department of Homeland Security advisory underscores that satellite phones are valuable tools for coordinating government services and responding to both “man-made” and natural disasters that render conventional communication channels ineffective.

Written by staff