Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra has introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize the National Weather Service’s outdated communications network, NWS Chat, which disseminates critical, time-sensitive information to broadcasters, emergency managers, and the general public during severe weather events.
The Hull Republican says In light of recent storms across Iowa and the Midwest, the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act would direct the NWS Director to review and select an off-the-shelf commercial alternative to NWS Chat, that prioritizes reliability and security.
Feenstra says the National Weather Service must have a functional and reliable emergency communications system that keeps people informed and out of harm’s way during severe storms.
Cosponsors of this bipartisan legislation include all four of Iowa’s representatives in the House, Democrat Cindy Axne, along with Republicans Marianette Miller-Meeks and Ashley Hinson, along with Florida Republican Carlos Gimenez.
