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▶ 0:13:21Thank folks. Good morning. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will come to Uh without objection, the chair is authorized to declare recesses of the committee at any time, and I'd like to recognize our ranking member, Ms. Lofgren from California.
▶ 0:13:39Well, thank you uh very much, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to uh take this opportunity to welcome the newest member of our committee, uh Congressman Christian Menefee, uh who was recently elected. Uh he takes the seat caused by the death of our former member, Sylvester Turner. He's a distinguished uh representative, uh former uh attorney, county attorney in Harris County.
▶ 0:14:06Uh we know that he will make a tremendous uh contribution to our committee, and we're happy to have him here. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I would yield back. Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much. Well, pursuant to committee rule, and we we had uh are delighted to have you here. Uh pursuant to committee rule 2F the House Rule 11, recorded votes may be postponed. Today, we meet to consider H.R. 7813, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act.
▶ 0:14:35I now recognize myself for an opening Well, thank you all for joining us this uh today's markup. Uh we're here to consider H.R. 7813, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, a bill that will strengthen and revitalize one of the most important public safety communication systems in the United States.
▶ 0:14:57For decades, the National Weather Service has carried out a mission that is both simple and profound, the protection of life and property. Accurate forecasts save lives,
▶ 0:15:09but only when the information reaches the people who need it, and when they need it. Over several Congresses, this committee held hearings highlighting the importance of weather forecasting and the broader US weather enterprise. Through these hearings, we received testimony from a wide range of experts and examined both the strengths and the shortcomings of our forecasting and warning systems.
▶ 0:15:35Our concern surfaced the gap between producing accurate forecasts and reliable communication of the critical warnings to local emergency managers and everyday citizens. Forecasting alone is not enough. And that is where NOAA Weather Radio plays a vital role.
▶ 0:15:56The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Network is comprised of more than 1,000 stations across all 50 states, covering approximately 95% of the US population, including coastal and adjacent waterways. It remains an essential source of information for communities across the country, including districts like mine, where the network currently operates in Port Houston.
▶ 0:16:21When power fails, cell service drops, or internet connectivity disappears, NOAA Weather Radio often remains one of the reliable ways to receive life-saving Excuse me. The tragic flooding at Camp Mystic in my home state of Texas on July the 4th last year serves as a very painful reminder of why reliable warning systems matter.
▶ 0:16:48Even with substantial lead time for flood warnings, too many lives were lost when crucial information did not effectively reach those making evacuation decisions. Events like these underscore the need to improve how warnings are delivered, and ensure that systems behind them are modern, resilient, and accessible. The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act addresses that need.
▶ 0:17:14This legislation will modernize critical technology by repairing or replacing aging and broken transmitters, digital digitizing broadcasts, and migrating certain operational functions to secure cloud-based systems. It also directs NOAA to consult with private sector partners and end users to ensure that next generation of weather radio remains efficient and reliable.
▶ 0:17:41Simply put, when it comes to life-saving alerts, anything short of complete and reliable coverage is just unacceptable. This bill also enhances flood warning capabilities by directing NOAA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, to develop flash flood emergency standards for people living in high-risk flood zones.
▶ 0:18:04These commu- communities serve uh deserve clearer information about rainfall intensity and how quickly the floodwaters may rise. NOAA must also ensure that it has personnel needed to maintain a world-class weather forecasting Staffing shortages at the National Weather Service have been a challenge for many decades.
▶ 0:18:28This bill addresses that issue by providing direct hire authority, allowing the agency to recruit and onboard essential scientists and forecasters much more quickly. With these tools, the NWS, National Weather Service, will be better positioned to fill critical roles and sustain the expertise required to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.
▶ 0:18:52That capability is also important for national security, as weather forecasting supports military operations, aviation, maritime commerce, and disaster response. Building on the strong foundation established by this committee through the Weather Act, the devastating Texas floods of 2025 made clear that further improvements are needed to ensure life-saving weather information reaches those tasked with safeguarding our communities.
▶ 0:19:22This legislation equips NOAA with the tools necessary to carry out carry out its core mission, and further enhances our nation's ability to protect lives and property through improved emergency I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I look very much forward to working with Senator Cruz on advancing this bill and the broader Weather Act reauthorization package to ensure that communities like mine in Texas, and communities across the United
▶ 0:19:52States are better prepared for severe weather and future tragedies that can be prevented. And now I'd like to recognize the ranking member for 5 minutes and appreciate her cooperation. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I am excited that we are considering the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act today. As you've mentioned, the weather radio is a valued service that's used by Americans across the country.
▶ 0:20:20Countless lives and immeasurable property have been saved by the timely and accurate reporting provided by NOAA Weather Radio. And now we're going to modernize it and make it even more remarkable and accessible. This bill has been a long time in the making and it will help the public prepare for all sorts of inclement weather as well as floods and other serious natural hazards.
▶ 0:20:44Just on Monday here in Washington, we had numerous storm systems that brought dangerous weather to some parts of the area. During these types of storms, NOAA Weather Radio provides life-saving warnings to alert people to take shelter. Uh this is something that is critical for all areas of our country. In the district I represent, just a few years ago, we had widespread flooding from so-called atmospheric rivers that dumped huge amounts of rain in California.
▶ 0:21:13This led to a failure of a local levee which caused devastating flooding to the community of Pajaro which I represent. And as you've mentioned, Mr. Chairman, uh the flash floods in Central Texas which tragically took at least 135 people's lives, many of them children, could perhaps have been uh prevented had this system been in place. Now, I support this bipartisan bill.
▶ 0:21:41I would be remiss, however, uh if I did not bring up that this bill is Republican led much like the Weather Act and the NASA making the third markup in a row without any Democratic member led bill.
▶ 0:21:56So, I know we work in a bipartisan way and I'm hoping that uh uh since the last Democratic member led bill was marked up last June, that we can uh work together to have uh some uh bipartisan Democratic member led bills added to the agenda. I would note that we have in our audience today some first responders and we welcome their presence here and uh it's to give you better tools to do your job and we're glad that you're here.
▶ 0:22:26I would just mention to our members that we've worked hard uh to uh get consensus on this bill and also we have several amendments that have been offered from members on both sides of the aisle that I believe we worked out so that there is no controversy about any of them either. And I would remind members that concise comments can be just as persuasive as lengthy ones. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 0:22:56Gentlewoman yields back. Uh other members are invited to submit opening statements into the record and Mr. Van Epps, I think these gentlemen are from your state of the great state of Tennessee.
▶ 0:23:09And I've been told many times there would be no Texas without Tennessee. So, we certainly want to recognize them. If you'd like to say something, you certainly may. Uh yeah, thanks, Mr. Chairman. Uh it is Should I talk about the amendment now? Is that No.
▶ 0:23:23Not yet. Not yet. Well, let me let me just say to uh to the the the the team that's here, we just just appreciate that so much. We just had a great meeting and um and I said that this is an exceptional committee and uh this the work that we're doing today is important to first responders and please come and join and and see how how this is all done and they are truly amazing representatives from from Tennessee who are at the the tip of the spear in protecting our communities. So, thank you, gentlemen, so much for being here. Appreciate it a lot. All right, thank you very much.
▶ 0:23:54Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 7813, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act. The clerk will report the bill. HR 7813, a bill to amend the Weather Research and
▶ 0:24:08Without objection, the bill is considered as read and open for amendment at any point. And if any member wishes to be recognized to speak on the underlying bill, I would like to recognize uh our our new member, Representative Menefee. Well, I I can yield to Ms. Ross. No, no, no. Uh I was We'll let you go first. It's what happens when you're new. All right. Uh that's good. Thank you, uh Mr. Chairman.
▶ 0:24:35I support the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act and my district knows exactly why this matters. I represent parts of Houston, Texas. My constituents know all too well what dangerous weather looks like. Hurricane Harvey swept just a few years ago and dropped more than 50 inches of rain on us in 4 days. We've had 500-year storm after 500-year storm. And I think about my own experience being trapped in a car with my father as the floodwaters raced through.
▶ 0:25:04And it was only because of his experience in the United States Coast Guard that we were able to make it out of that vehicle. So many people throughout our communities have a similar story where they've lost their property, their stability, and sometimes their
▶ 0:25:17I think that about the people who drowned in their cars because the waters The people who saw the water racing faster than anyone could get to them. I think about my neighbors who lost their lives trying to save others. Those people deserved every possible second of warning. And that's what this bill is about. This is not ancient history. Right now, forecasters are warning of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across Southeast Texas. Houston is already under a severe weather risk.
▶ 0:25:47In a place where heavy rain and flash flooding are a regular part of life, every minute of warning matters. The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act builds out and upgrades a nationwide weather alert network that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The network is built to stay on when the power goes out and when cell service goes down. This bill adds more transmitters, expands coverage for underserved communities, and creates satellite and internet-based backup options. For Houston, this is not nice to have. This is life and death.
▶ 0:26:18I'm talking about the families in my district whose loved ones depend on oxygen machines. The seniors who rely on breathing equipment at night. The diabetics who need their insulin refrigerated. When the power goes out and the warning stop, those are the people who pay the price. Early warnings save lives. Reliable communication saves lives. Resilient infrastructure saves lives. This is a common sense bipartisan bill. I'm proud to support it and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Thank you, and Mr.
▶ 0:26:48Chairman, I yield back. Gentlewoman uh yields. Uh Anyone else wish on the Republican side? Then I'd like to recognize the gentlewoman from uh North Carolina, Ms. Ross. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And I also am pleased to speak in support of the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act. This bill will play an important role in improving how we warn Americans about hazardous weather to ensure lives are saved and not lost.
▶ 0:27:19At a time when we have seen devastating weather events in Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, displacing families, damaging infrastructure, and costing lives, we're reminded of how necessary non- and non-negotiable our emergency communication networks are. This legislation ensures that we build upon current National Weather Radio infrastructure.
▶ 0:27:46The NOAA Weather Weather Radio Modernization Act expands coverage of the Weather Radio network and ensures that NOAA and the National Weather Service have the staff on hand to carry out this critical work. North Carolina faces severe weather events throughout the year from the coast to the mountains.
▶ 0:28:08In September of 2024, Western North Carolina experienced firsthand how important the NOAA Weather Radio system is is. When their power, television, and cell service cut out during Hurricane Helene, the NOAA Weather Radio was there to provide critical updates and warnings to people in danger.
▶ 0:28:30And very importantly, to combat disinformation about what was going on during one of the worst disasters in 100 years in Western North Carolina. When we invest in this infrastructure, we save lives and livelihoods.
▶ 0:28:49If the US fails to reform the Weather Radio network and continues to cut the workforce of NOAA and the National Weather Service, we will be needlessly risking lives and sacrificing valuable institutional knowledge.
▶ 0:29:04I urge my colleagues to speak out against federal funding cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service because each dollar that's stripped away from these agencies removes safeguards for our constituents who may be in harm's way. I support the underlying bill and urge my colleagues to do the same and I yield back. Gentlewoman uh yields.
▶ 0:29:31I now recognize the gentlewoman from uh Ms. Bonamici.
▶ 0:29:36Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the ranking member. And I I just wanted to say a few words in support of the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act. I've worked on the underlying bill, the uh research and forecasting innovation act since probably back to 2013 or so and I'm very grateful that this has bipartisan support as did that bill. NOAA is especially important in the district I represent in Northwest Oregon.
▶ 0:30:04We have the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the coast and tsunami warnings are incredibly important to the district. I'm I'm grateful that this bill and the amendments appear to be very bipartisan. I just want to strongly encourage bipartisan support as well for NOAA appropriations so NOAA has the resources it needs and the staff it needs to do all of the important work it does to keep our communities safe. I'm grateful again for this bipartisan bill and I yield back.
▶ 0:30:33Representative yields back. If there's no further discussion on the underlying bill, we will now proceed with amendments in the order listed on the The first amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Van Epps of Tennessee. The clerk shall report Van Epps amendment 002. Amendment to HR 7813 offered by Mr. Van Epps of Tennessee.
▶ 0:30:56Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative [clears throat] Van Epps of Tennessee for 5 minutes to explain his amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Similar to the deadly floods in the Texas Hill Country in July 2025, Tennessee's 7th District experienced catastrophic flooding in August 2021 that tragically claimed the lives of 20 Tennesseans in Humphreys County.
▶ 0:31:20The 2021 floods also damaged key communication infrastructure leaving the NOAA weather radio transmitter in the county as an essential channel for weather alerts. This bill takes an important step in the right direction improving NOAA's outdated weather radio equipment and expanding coverage to rural communities where severe weather events disrupt access to timely weather My amendment ensures NOAA's weather radio modernization prioritizes areas at elevated
▶ 0:31:50risk of severe weather. The amendment focuses on the maintenance of NOAA's weather radio transmitters in areas where catastrophic weather events are common and directs the under secretary to establish minimum continuity of service standards for these transmitters.
▶ 0:32:05It also amends the assessment of critical staffing at the National Weather Service to consider the vacancies at weather forecast offices and center weather service units that are at highest risk of severe weather NOAA generally broadcasts alerts at the county level but major weather events typically occur in smaller portions of a NOAA has taken steps to target target alert messaging to at-risk populations through its partial county alerting initiative
▶ 0:32:36and my amendment seeks to expand the research and development of this program to weather forecast offices across the country. By passing this amendment, we make it clear that the under secretary should prioritize high-risk communities first ensuring Americans receive reliable timely warnings when it matters most. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and I yield back.
▶ 0:32:59Gentleman yields. I'd like to recognize the ranking member, Ms. Lofgren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We thank Mr. Van Epps for this amendment to ensure that the NOAA's weather radio capabilities are expanded to specifically include areas that experience an elevated risk of severe weather events. We support this amendment and I yield back the balance of my time. gentleman yields. I'd like to recognize myself.
▶ 0:33:24Thank you, Congressman Van Epps for offering this thoughtful and valuable amendment to this legislation. The language in this amendment ensures that NOAA's modernization efforts are particularly sensitive to geographic areas that are most at risk from severe weather. Our nation relies on NOAA weather radio as a life-saving tool especially in remote areas.
▶ 0:33:50It sometimes serves as the only channel between forecasters and those facing imminent harm to lives and property. Prioritizing high-risk communities helps us use our taxpayer dollars wisely while strengthening public safety. I support this amendment and encourage its Any further discussion on this Hearing none, all those in favor we will the question is on the adoption of the Van amendment 002.
▶ 0:34:20All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is adopted. We're going to skip over to the Foushee amendment 041 on the roster as offered by Ms. Foushee of North Carolina.
▶ 0:34:50The clerk shall report Foushee amendment 041. Amendment to HR 7813 offered [clears throat] by Ms. Foushee of North Carolina. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read and I recognize Representative Foushee of North Carolina for 5 minutes to explain her amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word.
▶ 0:35:11My amendment ensures that the dedicated and hard-working civil service at NOAA and the National Weather Service have a voice in the modernization initiatives authorized in this bill by including consultation with employees and employee representatives throughout the implementation process. This is important for many reasons, none more than the way we have seen this administration treat federal employees and the scientific workforce.
▶ 0:35:39This includes actions affecting the Office of Research and Development at EPA in my district and others across the country. Without involving employees in major decisions like those contemplated in this bill, both the workforce and the quality of their work could suffer ultimately weakening the mission of these agencies. My amendment helps ensure that these voices have a seat at the table and that these workers' voices are represented.
▶ 0:36:08Chair Babin, I want to express my gratitude for your leadership and collaboration including for the work of your staff in working with mine to come to agreement on this language. I hope you will commit to working with me during conference with the Senate to ensure that this language remains intact in the final bill and that federal employee voices are included throughout this modernization process.
▶ 0:36:34I thank the chair again and ranking member for their leadership and I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense amendment to ensure that those closest to the mission are part of its implementation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and I yield back. Thank you. Now gentleman yields. Uh Ms. Lofgren, would you like to speak on that as well?
▶ 0:36:55I'd just say that I think we worked out the language on this and so far as I'm aware, everybody on both sides of the aisle is satisfied. Absolutely and I I want to also note that I support Congresswoman's amendment. It encourages NOAA to consult with its employees as the agency carries out the NOAA weather radio modernization plans.
▶ 0:37:17The workforce that maintains this system has invaluable operational knowledge and that perspective will help ensure a smoother, more effective transition to the updated platform. I believe its inclusion signals the trust that we have in the experts at our National Weather Service who work to help keep us all safe. I support this amendment. Anyone else wish to speak on this amendment? If there's no further discussion on the amendment, the question is on the adoption of the Foushee amendment 041.
▶ 0:37:47All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it the amendment is Okay. We're going to go back to Webster's amendment. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Webster of Florida.
▶ 0:38:16The clerk shall report Webster amendment 033. Amendment to HR 7813 offered by Mr. Webster of Florida.
▶ 0:38:25Without objection, the amendment is considered as read and I recognize Representative Webster of Florida for 5 minutes to explain the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate My amendment uh prohibits the purpose purchase of equipment for upgrades for the NOAA weather radio uh for companies or entities based in the foreign country of concern such as And this ensures our national security
▶ 0:38:55is protected while we modernize our weather alert system. Urge my colleagues to support this Yield back. Thank you. Gentleman yields. I now recognize the ranking member, Ms.
▶ 0:39:09Thank you. I want to thank Mr. Webster for his amendment. I I must be clear that I was there certain concerns that this type of one-off rule restricting Chinese-made technologies could prove to be unmanageable. However, we sought technical assistance from NOAA and they indicated that the agency has no concerns with this amendment or the requirement. So on their word, I will support this amendment and I yield back the balance of my time. Gentlewoman yields.
▶ 0:39:39Thank you and I'd like to for Mr. Webster's amendment as well, which prohibits [clears throat] NOAA from purchasing equipment for the purpose of modernizing weather radio from companies based in foreign countries of concern. NOAA weather radio is the backbone of our national readiness, broadcasting not only emergency weather warnings and watches, but also geological hazards such as earthquakes and landslides, and other non-weather hazardous information.
▶ 0:40:07Uh to guarantee the safety of all Americans, it is critical that we ensure its components are sourced only from trusted partners. Uh this amendment reinforces our security posture and protects against vulnerabilities in the supply chain. I believe this is a prudent safeguard, and I support its inclusion uh in the bill. Is there further discussion on this Seeing none, uh the question is on adoption of Webster amendment 033.
▶ 0:40:38All those in favor, say I. I. All those opposed, no. The eyes have it. The amendment is We'll go to the second Webster Next amendment on the roster is the the amendment offered by Representative Webster of Florida as well. The clerk shall report Webster amendment 034. Amendment to HR 7813 offered by Mr. Webster of Florida.
▶ 0:41:06Without objection, the amendment is considered as read, and I now recognize uh Representative Webster of Florida for 5 minutes to explain his Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um my amendment clarifies that the report to Congress must indicate whether the standards used were developed through a voluntary consensus-based method.
▶ 0:41:26This will help ensure the United States, not Beijing, is remains the global leader by advancing consensus-based standards that allow American innovation to thrive and put our country first. Urge my colleagues to support the amendment. I yield back. Gentleman yields. Any further discussion on the amendment? I would like We have one down here. I I'll just say that we want to thank Mr.
▶ 0:41:52Weber for the amendment that does fine-tune the bill's reporting requirements, and we support it. Absolutely. Thank you, and I would like to also um support this amendment. The language requires NOAA to report to Congress whether the standards used were developed through a voluntary consensus-based method. Such clarity helps Congress evaluate the modernization effort and ensures the best the use of best practice standards, and this is a good governance amendment.
▶ 0:42:19I appreciate the gentleman's amendment and support its passage. Uh if there's no further discussion on the amendment, I don't think there is. Uh the question is on the adoption of Webster amendment 034. All those in favor, say I. I. Uh all those opposed, say no. Hearing none, the eyes have it. The amendment is adopted. All right.
▶ 0:42:48There are no additional amendments on the amendment roster. Are there any further amendments coming from the Hearing none, a reporting quorum being present, I move that the committee report HR 7813, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, as amended, to the House with the recommendation that the bill be favorably approved. The question is on favorably reporting HR 7813 as amended to the House.
▶ 0:43:18All those in favor, say I. I. All the I. All those opposed, say nay. The eyes have it. The bill as amended is ordered favorably reported, and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.
▶ 0:43:34Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make any necessary technical and conforming changes to the bill. So ordered. Members will have two calendar days to submit supplemental, minority, or additional views on these measures, and so with no no further business before the committee, this committee stands adjourned. Thank you.