Senators Cruz, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Modernize Federal Weather Radios After Deadly Texas Floods

In response to the deadly July 4 flash floods in Texas that claimed over 130 lives, including 27 campers at an all-girl summer camp, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Radio All Hazards network. The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act seeks to upgrade radio infrastructure to improve emergency communications, particularly in rural areas with poor internet and cell service, by expanding transmitter coverage and developing new transmission methods such as satellite or cloud alerts. The bill also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish standards for flash flood emergency alert systems within 100-year floodplains, addressing gaps highlighted by Kerr County officials who reported inadequate warnings during the floods. While NOAA issued alerts hours before the flooding, breakdowns in communication between federal, state, and local agencies, exacerbated by staffing cuts under the Trump administration, limited the effectiveness of warnings reaching vulnerable communities. The legislation, first introduced in 2023 and previously passed by the Senate, carries added significance as Cruz chairs the Senate Commerce Committee and Cantwell is the ranking member, enhancing its prospects for passage. The lawmakers emphasize that modernized, reliable early warning systems are critical for saving lives and protecting communities during severe weather events.