Bills · HR 2296
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2296Science, Technology, Communications
National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act
INTRO MAR 24· LAST ACTION MAR 24
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
22BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because reliable and quick communication within the National Weather Service (NWS) is crucial for public safety. When forecasters can share information more efficiently, it helps them issue timely and accurate warnings for events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, directly impacting how quickly and effectively communities can respond and protect themselves. If the current "NWSChat" system is outdated or unreliable, it could slow down the flow of vital information, putting lives and property at greater risk.
If this bill becomes law, NWS personnel would have a more modern and likely more robust tool for their daily operations, potentially improving their ability to collaborate and disseminate critical weather data. If it doesn't pass, the NWS would continue to rely on an older system that might struggle with current demands or future growth, potentially hindering its mission to protect life and property through accurate weather forecasts and warnings.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the National Weather Service (NWS) Director to replace the current NWSChat instant messaging service.
This ensures the NWS moves away from an outdated system, potentially improving internal and external communication efficiency.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that the new communications solution be a commercial off-the-shelf product and implemented by October 1, 2027.
Using a commercial solution can leverage modern technology and best practices, while the deadline ensures timely modernization.
PROVISION 03
Stipulates that the new system must be hosted on a public cloud and meet requirements for scalability, user capacity, ease of use, and commercial similarity.
These requirements ensure the new system is robust, adaptable, user-friendly, and capable of handling future demands.
PROVISION 04
Allocates up to $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 for the system upgrade.
This funding provides the necessary financial resources for the NWS to acquire and implement the new communication system.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 22
R· Iowa
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
35
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 90%
DEM 12 REP 10 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 24
Introduced in House
MAR 24
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2296
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 24, 2025
Last actionMar 24, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 24, 2025
House BillHR 2296Science, Technology, Communications
National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act
INTRODUCED MAR 24, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 24, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
22
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
