Oklahoma Congresswoman Stephanie Bice is hoping her bill to modernize the National Weather Radio system is approved and signed into law this year.
Along with Representatives Max Miller (R-OH), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), she reintroduced her National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio Modernization Act. It would direct NOAA to replace the outdated technology currently used throughout the weather radio system.
“Oklahomans are no stranger to severe weather, which is why the NOAA weather radio system is essential to keeping those in every part of our state and across the nation safe,” Rep. Bice said.
“My legislation would modernize this lifesaving service and ensure every citizen has reliable and effective access. This bipartisan bill passed the House last year, and I’m hopeful it will be signed into law in the 118th Congress.”
This bill is vital for stations that serve areas with little or no reliable quality cell phone service by ensuring they receive adequate upgrades for existing systems relating to weather alerts, such as tornadoes, earthquakes, avalanches, or chemical releases.
It also establishes an initiative for broadcasts to transition to IP-based communications and develop options for backup capabilities and enhanced signal transmission. This legislation paves the way for future development and provides failsafe options, so the National Weather Radio (NWR) is never down for an extended period and outages will be less frequent.