The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
June 26, 2026 - WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R‑Ala.) is celebrating a major bipartisan victory after President Donald Trump signed her legislation, Lulu’s Law (S. 1003), marking the second bill she has successfully shepherded into law during the 119th Congress. The Senate passed the measure unanimously on July 8, 2025, and the House followed with overwhelming support, underscoring broad national agreement on improving beach safety.
The achievement places Senator Britt among a small group of lawmakers — just nine in Congress — who have had multiple bills signed into law this term. Her first, the Laken Riley Act, became the inaugural piece of legislation signed by President Trump upon taking office as the 47th President of the United States.
“This bill signing is the result of two years of working around the clock to help ensure we protect beachgoers across our nation. The timing of this law couldn’t be better as countless Americans are enjoying our nation’s beaches this summer,” Senator Britt said.
A Law Born From Tragedy and Courage
Lulu’s Law is named for 16‑year‑old Lulu Gribbin, who survived a nearly fatal shark attack on June 7, 2024. Her injuries occurred just 90 minutes after another attack nearby involving Elizabeth Foley. More recently, a man was critically injured in a shark attack in St. Andrews Bay — a reminder, Britt said, of why swift warnings are essential.
Under the new law, shark attacks will be formally recognized by the Federal Communications Commission as events eligible for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). This means local, state, tribal, and federal authorities will be able to immediately notify beachgoers of dangerous conditions following an attack.
Supporters argue that if such alerts had existed in 2024, beachgoers might have been warned to exit the water, potentially preventing subsequent injuries.
Senator Britt emphasized that the law’s passage is inseparable from Lulu’s personal strength.
“We would not be here today without Lulu’s courage, perseverance, and advocacy to protect future beachgoers. She conquered an insurmountable challenge head‑on, choosing to advocate for a worthy cause. Because of her strength, lives will be changed. We should all be inspired by her,” Britt said.
Lulu’s parents, Ann Blair and Joe Gribbin, echoed that sentiment.
“Ever since that fateful day at the beach, our daughter Lulu has worked to spare other families from going through what we experienced, or worse. We feel so lucky that Lulu is here, and we couldn’t be prouder of her for using her platform in such an impactful way,” they said. “This is a commonsense law that makes everyone safer, and it passed with incredible bipartisan support because nearly every elected representative came together to protect families at the beach.”
Broad Bipartisan Support
Lulu’s Law drew an unusually wide coalition of Senate cosponsors, including:
Brian Schatz (D‑Hawaii)
Shelley Moore Capito (R‑W.Va.)
Bill Cassidy (R‑La.)
Tommy Tuberville (R‑Ala.)
Deb Fischer (R‑Neb.)
Tim Kaine (D‑Va.)
Pete Ricketts (R‑Neb.)
Raphael Warnock (D‑Ga.)
Chris Coons (D‑Del.)
Senator Britt specifically praised Senator Schatz for helping lead the bill through the Senate and Representative Gary Palmer (R‑AL‑06) for championing the House version.
“I’m incredibly grateful to President Trump for recognizing the importance of this law and swiftly signing it into law,” Britt said. “I’m also thankful to all my colleagues who cosponsored this legislation, including Senator Schatz, who helped me lead this through the Senate, and to Congressman Palmer, who ushered Lulu’s Law through the House.”
A New Tool for Coastal Safety
With the bill now signed, federal agencies will begin implementing the new alert system — a change that coastal communities, first responders, and safety advocates say will help prevent future tragedies.
For Senator Britt, the law represents not only a policy win but a deeply personal mission inspired by a young survivor whose story moved the nation.
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