Bill > S3795

This bill, titled the Radar Next Program Act of 2026, establishes a new initiative to modernize the United States' weather radar network. The program, to be overseen by the Under Secretary (defined in the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere) in collaboration with the Director of the National Weather Service, will develop requirements for an improved radar system and explore solutions with the "weather enterprise," which refers to organizations and individuals involved in weather forecasting and research. A key component is a plan to replace the existing Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system, which will include assessing improvements in performance and accuracy, developing new radar technologies like phased array radar, and incorporating recommendations from a 2023 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report. The plan will also involve creating a testbed to evaluate commercial radars and provide technical assistance for smaller, "gap-filling" radars to improve coverage in challenging geographical areas or where large systems are not cost-effective. The bill emphasizes consulting with various stakeholders, including academics, meteorologists, and emergency managers, and will prioritize deployment locations, aiming for full implementation by September 30, 2040. Additionally, the Under Secretary is authorized to use a "radar-as-a-service" model, contracting with external entities to supplement radar data and improve detection of severe weather, potentially including weather camera systems. Regular updates on the program's progress will be provided to relevant Congressional committees.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3795/all-info