Iowa lawmakers propose bill to update weather communications network

U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) on April 1 joined fellow Iowan lawmakers in introducing a bipartisan bill to upgrade the communications service used by the National Weather Service (NWS).

“I am proud to partner with the entire Iowa delegation to support our state and better prepare for future tornadoes,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks.

The National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act, H.R. 7361, would modernize NWS Chat, which disseminates time-sensitive information to broadcasters, emergency managers, and the general public during severe weather events. Rep. Hinson and Rep. Miller-Meeks are original cosponsors of the bill alongside U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA).

“In early March, south-central Iowa saw the deadliest storm to hit our state in more than a decade. The storm-ravaged communities like Chariton in my district, leaving many without homes, power and access to water,” Rep. Miller-Meeks said. “We need to make sure that the Weather Service has all the tools they need to support communities across the U.S. and help them prepare for potentially disastrous storms.”

If enacted, H.R. 7361 would direct the NWS director to review and select an off-the-shelf commercial alternative to NWS Chat that prioritizes reliability and security, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“As an on-air reporter, I saw first-hand how important timely alerts are during severe weather – every second counts for saving lives,” said Rep. Hinson. “After the National Weather Service communications breakdown during last month’s storms, I’m proud to work across the aisle to help modernize the NWS chat system to ensure Iowans have the information they need to stay safe when severe weather strikes.”