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 senators were 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.
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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