Why Are US Senators Being Given Satellite Phones?
"Disruptive Event"
This is a quickie—it’s getting late, and I’m short on time.
CBS News reports that all 100 U.S. Senators are being offered satellite phones.
So far, 50 Senators have taken the offer.
Why now?
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. (source)