Members of the U.S. Senate were recently offered satellite phones that will allow them to communicate
in the case of a “man-made” or natural disaster, according to a report.
Citing numerous people familiar with the matter, CBS News reported all 100 senatorswere recently
offered the phones.
More than 50 took Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson up on the offer.The network reported Gibson
said the phones were offered last month as a means “to ensure a redundant and secure means of
communication during a disruptive event.”
Gibson reportedly demonstrated the phones.
Senators who agreed to take the devices were urged to keep them close by during travel.
It is not known exactly what type of satellite phones the lawmakers were given.
It was also not reported which lawmakers accepted the phones. Each device was paid for with federal
funding, and service will be offered at no expense to those who are in possession of them.
CBS News reported the availability of the technology was one part of a broader effort to bolster security
for members of Congress following the January 2021 incursion at the U.S. Capitol.
However, Gibson implied the devices could come in handy in the event of some sort of disaster.
CBS reported: “Gibson said the phones are a security backstop in the case of an emergency that ‘takes out communications’ in part of America. Federal funding will pay for the satellite airtime needed to utilize the
phone devices.
“A Department of Homeland Security advisory said satellite phones are a tool for responding to and
coordinating government services in the case of a ‘man-made’ or natural disaster that wipes out
communication.”
It is unclear if Gibson or others in top leadership positions within the federal government have reason to
anticipate such an event.
Gibson has been in her role since March 2021 and spent more than three decades in the U.S. military
prior to that.
Senators issued satellite phones, part of new security measures
Scott MacFarlane
Amid growing concerns of security risks to members of Congress, more than 50 senators have been issued satellite phones for emergency communication, people familiar with the measures told CBS News. The devices are part of a series of new security measures being offered to senators by the Senate Sergeant at Arms, who took over shortly after the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The satellite phone technology has been offered to all 100 senators. CBS News has learned at least 50 have accepted the phones, which Senate administrative staff recommend senators keep in close proximity during their travels.
In testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee last month, Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson said satellite communication is being deployed "to ensure a redundant and secure means of communication during a disruptive event."
Gibson said the phones are a security backstop in the case of an emergency that "takes out communications" in part of America. Federal funding will pay for the satellite airtime needed to utilize the phone devices.
A Department of Homeland Security advisory said satellite phones are a tool for responding to and coordinating government services in the case of a "man-made" or natural disaster that wipes out communication.
Gibson has also opened an office "demonstration space" in the basement of the Russell Senate Office Building to offer senators and staff an exhibition of new home state office security upgrades. The demonstration room offers exhibitions of "duress buttons," mail screening devices and safety glass to reduce the risk of attacks.
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