National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act

National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act

This bill directs the National Weather Service (NWS) to improve the instant messaging service used by NWS personnel by implementing a commercial, off-the-shelf communications solution hosted on the public cloud to serve as a replacement for the communications system in use, commonly referred to as NWSChat.

Bill 117 hr 7361, also known as the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act, aims to enhance the communication capabilities of the National Weather Service (NWS) in order to better inform and protect the public during severe weather events.

The bill includes provisions to modernize the NWS's communication infrastructure, such as upgrading weather forecasting equipment and technology, improving the dissemination of weather alerts and warnings, and enhancing coordination with local emergency management agencies.

Additionally, the bill seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of weather-related risks and preparedness measures through educational outreach programs and partnerships with media outlets. Overall, the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act is designed to strengthen the NWS's ability to provide timely and accurate weather information to the public, ultimately helping to save lives and protect property during extreme weather events.