Radar Next Program Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 5, 2026
Bottom line
This bill mandates a comprehensive, multi-decade plan to modernize the United States' weather radar infrastructure, including exploring new technologies and private partnerships, to improve weather forecasting and warnings.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the "Radar Next Program" within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop performance requirements for, and ultimately replace, the existing Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system by September 30, 2040. It mandates the development of a comprehensive plan, including exploring phased array radar technology and establishing testbeds. The bill also authorizes NOAA to partner with external entities for "Radar-As-A-Service" to fill weather radar data gaps.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for national safety and economic well-being, ensuring the U.S. maintains a state-of-the-art weather radar network capable of detecting severe weather and providing accurate forecasts, which is vital for emergency management, aviation, and various industries. They emphasize the urgent need to replace aging infrastructure and leverage new technologies to enhance resilience against increasingly frequent and intense weather events.
Opponents contend
While acknowledging the need for modernization, critics might argue that the specific approach or rigid timeline outlined could be too prescriptive, potentially stifling innovation or leading to unforeseen costs. Some may question the extent of private sector involvement, raising concerns about data security, long-term cost-effectiveness, or ensuring equitable coverage across all regions.
The bill is very concise, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of the Radar Next Program
This section directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, in consultation with the Director of the National Weather Service, to create a new initiative called the "Radar Next Program." The program's primary purpose is to modernize the United States' weather radar network, signaling a federal commitment to upgrading critical weather infrastructure.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing a dedicated program ensures a focused and coordinated effort to address the critical need for modernizing the nation's weather radar infrastructure, which is essential for public safety and economic resilience.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the establishment of a program for weather radar modernization, as the need for updated infrastructure is broadly recognized. Potential concerns might revolve around the program's scope or funding mechanisms, rather than its existence.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is balancing the urgency of modernization with the need for thorough planning and technological evaluation to ensure the most effective long-term solution.
Section 2(b) and (c)
Development of Weather Radar Network Requirements and Replacement Plan
This section outlines the core activities of the Radar Next Program. It requires the Under Secretary to develop performance and coverage requirements for the U.S. weather radar network, collaborate with the weather enterprise for solutions, and create a detailed plan to replace the current NEXRAD system by September 30, 2040. The plan must include estimates of performance improvements, development of a phased array radar testbed, actions to implement a NOAA Science Advisory Board report, establishment of a weather surveillance radar testbed for commercial evaluations and gap-filling radars, consultation with stakeholders, and identification of deployment locations.
Section 2(d)
Authority for Radar-As-A-Service Partnerships
This provision authorizes the Under Secretary to partner or contract with external entities, outside of NOAA, to address data gaps in weather radar coverage. This "Radar-As-A-Service" model aims to supplement existing coverage, particularly at low levels and in wide areas, and improve the detection of precipitation and severe weather. The Under Secretary may consider entities that participated in testbeds or other cooperative agreements, and also evaluate weather camera systems as viable supplementary technologies.
Requires the plan to replace the NEXRAD system to include expected actions needed to implement the recommendations of a specific NOAA Science Advisory Board report titled "A NESDIS Observing System Backbone Framework."
Section 2(c)(2)(C)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to incorporate detailed technical recommendations from expert bodies without cluttering the bill text. It leverages existing scientific consensus and expertise to guide the program's strategic direction.
Case for: Supporters argue that incorporating expert recommendations ensures the modernization plan is grounded in the latest scientific understanding and strategic thinking regarding weather observing systems, providing a robust framework for future development.
Case against: Critics might contend that incorporating external reports by reference makes the bill less transparent, as the specific actions and their implications are not immediately visible within the legislative text, requiring additional research for full comprehension of the bill's full scope.
Estimated impact: The specific impact depends entirely on the recommendations of the referenced report, which could significantly shape the architecture, priorities, and potentially the cost implications of the future radar system.