Mike Flood
03/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/05/2026 18:24
Congressman Flood Co-Leads NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act to Strengthen Emergency Alert Coverage
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood joined House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin in introducing the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, legislation directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to modernize and expand the NOAA Weather Radio network to strengthen nationwide emergency alert coverage. The bill incorporates key provisions of the Weather Workforce Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation previously introduced by Rep. Flood to grant the National Weather Service (NWS) temporary direct hiring authority for positions relating to public safety.
Millions of Americans-particularly those in rural or remote communities-lack reliable access to emergency alerts due to weak or nonexistent cell service. Recent disasters, including the deadly floods in Texas in July 2025, highlight the consequences when warnings fail to reach those in harm's way.
NOAA Weather Radio, known as the "Voice of NOAA," is the nation's only 24/7 federal warning system for weather, natural disasters, and public safety hazards. However, much of the system's infrastructure is aging or underpowered, and public awareness of the service remains limited.
"NOAA Weather Radio remains one of the most reliable ways to deliver lifesaving warnings when other systems fail," said Chairman Babin. "When cell networks go down or internet service is unavailable, Americans still need a dependable way to receive emergency alerts. This bill strengthens that capability and helps ensure communities are not left without critical warnings during severe weather and other disasters."
The legislation would modernize transmitters and broadcasting systems, expand coverage in areas with limited cell service, improve flash flood alert standards for high-risk regions, and support staffing for NOAA forecasting and warning operations.
In addition to modernizing NOAA Weather Radio, the act further reinforces the public safety mission of the NWS and grants NWS direct hiring for the following positions: Meteorologists, general physical scientists, hydrologists, computer specialists, and electronic technicians. The bill would also authorize a report on staffing levels as well as health and wellbeing.
"The National Weather Service has long provided critical weather data and forecasts used by the media and public across the United States. Granting them direct hiring authority will ensure that previous and future workforce shortages can be addressed quickly, helping to minimize disruptions. Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this legislation and I look forward to working together to ensure that the agency continues to deliver the forecasts Americans rely on every day," said Congressman Flood.
In recent years across both the Biden and Trump administrations, the NWS has experienced staffing shortages.
Original cosponsors of the legislation include Reps. Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), and Gabe Amo (D-RI).
To view the bill text, please click here.
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