NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act
Sponsored By: Representative Babin
In Committee
Summary
Modernize a nationwide NOAA Weather Radio network. The bill would direct NOAA to build and upgrade a 24/7, resilient radio system that broadcasts weather, geological, and other hazard alerts and stays operable during power or cellular outages.
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- Families and households: People in high-risk and underserved areas would get more reliable, faster warnings for tornadoes, flash floods, tsunamis, and other rapid-onset hazards. The bill would expand transmitters into communities that lack broadband or satellite coverage and require flash flood alert standards for the 100-year floodplain.
- Emergency managers and local officials: The bill would push IP-based alerting, satellite or microwave backups, central real-time feeds, and stronger interagency standards to improve message urgency and accessibility during outages.
- National Weather Service staff and NOAA workforce: The bill would require a 120-day staffing assessment, a five-year hiring plan, and temporary direct-hire authority for meteorologists, hydrologists, computer specialists, electronics technicians, and related roles to fill critical forecast and warning positions.
*Would authorize $20.0 million per year from 2026–2031 and a one-time $100.0 million in 2026, thereby increasing federal spending.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Stronger NOAA weather radio warnings
If enacted, the bill would fund and modernize the nationwide NOAA Weather Radio network. The network would operate 24/7 and broadcast weather and other hazard warnings. It would add transmitters for high-risk and underserved areas and add satellite and internet-based dissemination. The bill would authorize $20 million per year for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031 and $100 million in fiscal year 2026, available until expended.
Faster hiring for weather staff
If enacted, the bill would require NOAA to assess critical staffing needs within 120 days. The Under Secretary would submit a five-year staffing plan within 180 days. The bill would let NOAA use direct-hire authority to fill critical Meteorology (1340), Hydrology (1315), General Physical Science (1301), Computer Specialists (2210), and Electronics Technicians (0856) vacancies until filled. It would also ask OMB to classify those series as protective service occupations and pause staffing changes for 30 days after committees receive a report unless the committees object.
New flash flood alert standards
If enacted, the bill would allow the standards office to support creating national flash flood emergency alert standards for 100-year floodplains. Any standards supported must work for communities without broadband, local warning systems, or satellite coverage. If the office supports standards, it would submit a report summarizing them to relevant congressional committees within two years.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Babin
TX • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1]
NE • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17]
IL • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
OK • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1]
RI • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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