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119-s-3858119th CongressWALLET

SIREN Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Introduced

Summary

Redirects leftover BEAD broadband funds to build emergency warning systems and related detection and IT infrastructure. This bill would set rules for how states propose and use remaining BEAD allocations to create competitive subgrant programs for sirens, sensors, and supporting technology.

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  • States and eligible entities could submit proposals to use "remaining amounts" from their BEAD allocation to fund one or more eligible projects. Approval by the Assistant Secretary would allow establishment of competitive subgrant programs to support those projects.
  • Local governments, emergency agencies, and communities could receive funding for audible warning sirens, rapid notification tech, wind, flood, fire, and earthquake sensors, and the IT equipment and software those projects need. Projects where the eligible entity or a political subdivision contributes at least 25 percent of the cost receive priority and subgrant funds may not pay for operating or maintenance costs.
  • The bill permits interstate cooperation through memoranda of agreement so projects that cross jurisdictional lines can qualify for subgrants. It also defines eligible project types, clarifies when remaining BEAD funds may be used, and makes a technical wording change to the IIJA.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Use leftover broadband funds for sirens

If enacted, eligible entities with leftover BEAD broadband funds would be able to propose using those remaining amounts for emergency warning projects. The Assistant Secretary would have to approve the proposal before any funds are used. Eligible projects would include audible warning sirens, wind/flood/fire/earthquake sensors, and related IT, software, and equipment. The bill would let an approved entity run a competitive subgrant program. Subgrants could not pay operating or maintenance costs and must prioritize projects where the entity or a local government pays at least 25% of the cost. Two or more eligible entities could sign a memorandum of agreement to fund projects across jurisdictions. "Remaining amounts" would mean funds left after approval of the entity's final BEAD proposal.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cornyn, John [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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