Full Committee Markup of the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act

The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a markup session on March 19, 2026, to consider H.R. 7813, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act. The bill aims to modernize the NOAA Weather Radio system by repairing or replacing aging transmitters, digitizing broadcasts, and migrating operations to secure cloud-based systems. It also includes provisions to enhance flood warning capabilities and address staffing shortages at the National Weather Service through direct hire authority. Several bipartisan amendments were adopted, including prioritizing modernization efforts in high-risk severe weather areas, ensuring employee consultation during implementation, and prohibiting purchases of equipment from foreign countries of concern to protect national security. The committee voted to favorably report the bill as amended to the House, authorizing staff to make technical changes. The legislation is intended to improve emergency communication infrastructure and save lives by ensuring reliable and timely weather alerts.