National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act

Hozzl · 2024-01-31T07:56:13Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1496 National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

1/31/2024, 7:56 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1496

The National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1496, 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 focuses on improving the dissemination of weather information to the public, emergency responders, and other stakeholders.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Modernizing NWS communication systems: The bill calls for the modernization of the NWS communication systems to ensure that weather information is delivered quickly and accurately to those who need it most. This includes upgrading technology and infrastructure to improve the speed and reliability of weather alerts and warnings. 2. Enhancing public outreach: The bill emphasizes the importance of public outreach and education in preparing for severe weather events. It calls for increased efforts to educate the public on how to respond to weather alerts and warnings, as well as the importance of taking appropriate safety precautions. 3. Improving coordination with emergency responders: The bill seeks to improve coordination between the NWS and emergency responders, such as law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management agencies. This includes enhancing communication channels and sharing critical weather information in a timely manner. Overall, the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act aims to strengthen the NWS's ability to communicate effectively during severe weather events, ultimately helping to save lives and protect property. By modernizing communication systems, enhancing public outreach, and improving coordination with emergency responders, the bill seeks to ensure that the public is well-informed and prepared when severe weather strikes.

Congressional Summary of HR 1496

National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act

This bill requires the National Weather Service (NWS) to replace NWSChat with a commercial, off-the-shelf communications solution that is hosted on the public cloud. (NWSChat is an instant messaging program used by NWS personnel to share, in real-time, critical warnings and other types of weather information.) The NWS shall allocate up to $3 million of its funding for FY2024-FY2027 on the replacement.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1496

Bill HR 1496 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 9, 2023. Bill HR 1496 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 9, 2023. Bill HR 1496's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 41. as of May 16, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1496

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

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Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Republican Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1496

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact Areas

Atmospheric science and weather

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1496

National Weather Service Communications Improvement ActNational Weather Service Communications Improvement ActNational Weather Service Communications Improvement ActTo upgrade the communications service used by the National Weather Service, and for other purposes.

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