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119-hr-2646119th CongressWALLET

Radar Gap Elimination Act

Sponsored By: Representative Moore, Tim [R-NC-14]

Introduced

Summary

Modernize the U.S. weather radar network to close coverage gaps and improve severe-weather detection. This bill would create a Radar Next Program at NOAA and require a plan to replace the current NEXRAD system, including a phased-array proof-of-concept, a weather surveillance radar testbed, and a Radar-as-a-Service option.

Show full summary
  • Communities and emergency managers would get better radar data for forecasts and warnings, improving detection of heavy rain and severe storms across a larger population area.
  • NOAA would need to estimate performance and coverage improvements, identify prioritized and expected deployment sites including locations more than 75 miles from existing NEXRAD stations, and plan to implement the replacement by September 30, 2040.
  • Private industry, academia, and local partners could be contracted under a Radar-as-a-Service model to fill low-level and wide-area gaps, test commercial and small gap-filling radars, and deploy weather cameras with FAA consultation.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Better weather radar and warnings

If enacted, this bill would create a Radar Next Program at NOAA, in consultation with the National Weather Service. NOAA would set performance and coverage needs for U.S. states and territories and plan to replace today’s NEXRAD. The plan would build a proof-of-concept phased array radar and a testbed to try commercial and small gap‑filling radars. It would follow a 2023 NOAA advisory report to shape a national radar backbone and estimate measurable gains in coverage and accuracy. NOAA could use Radar‑as‑a‑Service and partner outside the government, including mesonet and CRADA partners, and consider weather cameras with the FAA. The plan would pick priority sites, including places more than 75 miles from current NEXRAD stations, and give regular updates to the House Science Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The full plan would need to be fully implemented by September 30, 2040. If passed, this could improve storm and flood warnings for most households.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Moore, Tim [R-NC-14]

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 4/3/2025

  • Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 4/3/2025

  • Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4]

    IA • R

    Sponsored 4/9/2025

  • Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 10/17/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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