U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) have reintroduced the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, a bill designed to improve the reliability and reach of emergency weather alerts across the United States. The legislation aims to update outdated weather radio equipment, ensuring that communities, particularly those in areas with limited or no cellular service, receive timely warnings during severe weather events.
The proposed law would expand coverage by adding more transmitters in regions with poor cell and broadband access. It also seeks to strengthen non-weather emergency messaging capabilities. In addition, the act instructs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create standards for flash flood alert systems within 100-year floodplains, which could help communities lacking mobile broadband or satellite coverage.
Senator Cruz emphasized the urgency of improving warning systems following recent flooding in Central Texas. He stated, “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 described NOAA Weather Radio as essential infrastructure for public safety: “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 bill is cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jerry Moran (R–Kan.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Senator Schatz noted its importance 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 why improved alert systems are needed: “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 had previously introduced similar legislation in May 2023; it passed through the Senate later that year.
NOAA operates over 750 NOAA Weather Radio stations nationwide using more than 1,000 transmitters covering all U.S. states and territories https://www.weather.gov/nwr/. These radios provide around-the-clock broadcasting of local hazard information from National Weather Service offices—information often promoted by local news as vital for preparedness during emergencies.
In many rural or remote locations where cell phones or internet connections may be unreliable or unavailable during disasters like thunderstorms or tornadoes—especially if power outages occur—radio remains a dependable source for receiving critical alerts since Americans can purchase NOAA Weather Radios at low cost.
