Legislation to expand and modernize emergency alert access during natural disasters is headed to President Donald Trump’s desk after the U.S. Senate unanimously passed it on Thursday.
The Mystic Alerts Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R–Midland), would allow wireless carriers to partner with satellite communications providers to deliver Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) when traditional cellular networks are damaged or unavailable.
Wireless Emergency Alerts are used to notify the public about emergencies such as severe weather, evacuation orders, and threats to public safety. The alerts are typically broadcast through cell towers to compatible mobile devices in affected areas, meaning service disruptions can create challenges when cellular infrastructure is damaged.
The act is named after Camp Mystic, where dozens of young girls drowned during historic flooding. The July 4, 2025, floods in Central Texas claimed more than 130 lives.
According to Pfluger’s office, multiple reports identified emergency alerts that were not delivered in affected areas after the storm damaged cellular infrastructure.
“The July 4th floods of 2025 were a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed lives across our state,” Pfluger said. “My legislation will ensure that Americans in rural areas receive life-saving alerts when disaster strikes and traditional networks fail.”
The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to establish rules and policies governing the integration of satellite communications into the existing Wireless Emergency Alert system. It would create an additional pathway for delivering alerts in areas where traditional communications infrastructure has been damaged or taken offline.
The legislation, introduced as H.R. 7022, passed the House in April before advancing through the Senate by unanimous consent on October 1.
Pfluger introduced the legislation alongside U.S. Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (D–Houston), Buddy Carter (R–GA), and Marc Veasey (D–Fort Worth). U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R–TX) and Jon Ossoff (D–GA) led companion legislation in the Senate.
The bill’s passage marks a step toward expanding the nation’s emergency alert capabilities. It now awaits President Trump’s signature to become law.
