U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) have reintroduced the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, aiming to update weather radio equipment to improve emergency communications during severe weather events. The bill seeks to increase coverage in areas with limited or no cellular service, enhance non-weather emergency messaging, and add transmitters where cell and broadband coverage is weak or absent.
The legislation also instructs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to set standards for flash flood emergency alert systems within 100-year floodplains. This measure is intended to improve preparedness in communities lacking mobile broadband access, local warning systems, or satellite coverage.
Senator Cruz highlighted recent flooding in Central Texas as a reason for the bill’s urgency. “The flooding in Central Texas has been absolutely heartbreaking,and we continue to lift up all those affected in prayer,” said Sen. Cruz. “Texans are strong and resourceful, but when disaster is about to strike, there has to be multiple, reliable ways to notify those who are in harm’s way. While the Hill Country flood investigation continues, we do know that some people did not receive the warnings because of a lack of cell phone coverage. I am grateful to join Ranking Member Cantwell in introducing this legislation to modernize early warning systems and ensure that every American, especially those in areas with poor or no cellular service, aren’t kept in the dark when it matters the most. This legislation is about protecting our communities and saving lives, and I urge Congress to pass it quickly.”
Senator Cantwell emphasized the importance of upgrading infrastructure: “NOAA Weather Radio is our nation’s weather infrastructure that broadcasts 24/7 to keep people informed with immediate, reliable weather information, including timely weather alerts,” said Sen. Cantwell.“This bill helps to upgrade the system with the best technology and communications systems, replacing copper with fiber to reach more people, especially in rural areas. It also directs NIST to develop standards for better warning technology and makes sure NOAA keeps its weather scientist and forecast jobs fully staffed.”
The act is cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jerry Moran (R–Kan.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Senator Schatz noted the significance for remote regions: “The Weather Radio Network’s ability to broadcast emergency warnings across remote areas, even when power or cell networks fail, is essential to protecting lives in Hawai‘i,” said Sen. Schatz.“This bill will help modernize the system so that communities in Hawai‘i and across the country have access to reliable, timely, and accurate emergency information.”
Senator Moran added that recent severe weather highlights the need for improved alert systems: “Recent severe weather across the country is a grave reminder of the need for a modernized emergency weather alert system,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would improve alert systems in rural parts of the country with limited access to mobile broadband service, emergency warning systems or satellite coverage. It incorporates part of my legislation, the FORECAST Act, to protect critical National Weather Service employees from federal hiring freezes. It is essential that weather forecasting offices in every corner of the nation remain staffed so Kansans and all Americans have access to accurate, life-saving, 24/7 forecasting coverage.”
Cruz and Cantwell first introduced this bill in May 2023; it advanced out of the Senate later that year.
NOAA operates over 750 NOAA Weather Radio stations nationwide using more than 1,000 transmitters covering all states and U.S territories. These radios provide continuous broadcasts from local National Weather Service offices on hazards such as storms or floods—information often recommended by local news outlets as part of standard preparedness plans.
In many rural areas where internet or cellular signals are unreliable or unavailable during emergencies—and even urban centers facing power outages—radio remains one of few dependable communication tools for hazard warnings.
