S1416-118

Passed Senate

To provide guidance for and investment in the upgrade and modernization of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards network, and for other purposes.

118th Congress Introduced May 3, 2023

Legislative Progress

Passed Senate
Introduced Committee Passed
May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023

Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following …

May 3, 2023 (inferred)

Passed Senate (inferred from es version)

Summary

What This Bill Does

This bill requires NOAA to upgrade existing Weather Radio systems and modernize the network infrastructure. It emphasizes expanding coverage to rural and underserved areas, National Parks, and areas with poor cellular service.

Who Benefits and How

Rural and underserved communities gain improved weather warning coverage. National Park visitors receive better hazard alerts. Areas with poor cellular maintain critical emergency communications.

Who Bears the Burden and How

NOAA must implement upgrades and modernization including new transmitters, infrastructure improvements, and backup capabilities.

Key Provisions

  • Upgrade existing Weather Radio systems for expanded coverage and reliability
  • Modernize telecommunications infrastructure (transition from copper)
  • Implement partial county notifications and alerts
  • Develop satellite backup and commercial partnerships for service continuity
  • Expand coverage to rural communities, National Parks, and Recreation Areas
  • Prioritize areas with poor cellular service
Model: claude-opus-4
Generated: Jan 9, 2026 04:49

Evidence Chain:

This summary is derived from the structured analysis below. See "Detailed Analysis" for per-title beneficiaries/burden bearers with clause-level evidence links.

Primary Purpose

Directs NOAA to upgrade and modernize the Weather Radio All Hazards network to expand coverage, improve reliability, and ensure service to rural and underserved communities.

Policy Domains

Weather Services Emergency Management Rural Access

Legislative Strategy

"Modernize legacy weather warning infrastructure to maintain public safety coverage"

Bill Structure & Actor Mappings

Who is "The Secretary" in each section?

Actor Mappings
"the_under_secretary"
→ Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
Domains
Weather Services
Actor Mappings
"the_under_secretary"
→ Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
Domains
Weather Services Emergency Management
Actor Mappings
"the_under_secretary"
→ Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere

Key Definitions

Terms defined in this bill

1 term
"NOAA Weather Radio" §2_nwr

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards network

We use a combination of our own taxonomy and classification in addition to large language models to assess meaning and potential beneficiaries. High confidence means strong textual evidence. Always verify with the original bill text.

Learn more about our methodology