Bills · S 3795
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3795Science, Technology, Communications
Radar Next Program Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 5· LAST ACTION FEB 5
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because the current national weather radar system (NEXRAD) is aging, with many units over 20 years old. Reliable and up-to-date weather radar is crucial for detecting severe storms, providing early warnings, and informing critical decisions by emergency services and the public. If this bill passes, it would ensure a clear, long-term strategy and a definite timeline to upgrade this vital infrastructure, leading to more accurate forecasts and better protection against increasingly extreme weather events.
If the bill doesn't pass, the country risks continued reliance on an aging system that may not be able to provide the best possible data for forecasting and warnings. This could mean less accurate information during critical weather events, potentially putting more lives and property at risk. The bill's focus on incorporating new technologies and addressing coverage gaps would ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of weather prediction capabilities, directly impacting public safety and economic resilience.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the "Radar Next Program" to create and implement a plan for replacing the current NEXRAD weather radar system.
This initiates a comprehensive effort to modernize critical weather infrastructure.
PROVISION 02
Requires the development of new performance standards for the weather radar network and mandates a plan to improve coverage, particularly in underserved areas and U.S. territories.
This ensures the new system will be more effective and cover a wider geographical area.
PROVISION 03
Directs the creation of a weather surveillance radar testbed to evaluate commercial radar technologies and provide support for smaller, gap-filling radars.
This promotes innovation and allows for cost-effective solutions to address specific coverage needs.
PROVISION 04
Allows the government to partner with outside entities to use their weather radars and data to fill gaps in existing coverage.
This leverages private sector resources to enhance national weather monitoring capabilities without solely relying on government infrastructure.
PROVISION 05
Sets a deadline of September 30, 2040, for the full implementation and execution of the plan to replace the NEXRAD system.
This provides a concrete timeline to ensure the modernization effort is completed in a timely manner.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Washington
YRS IN OFFICE
33
BILLS LED
25
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 5
Introduced in Senate
FEB 5
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3795
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 5, 2026
Last actionFeb 5, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2026
Senate BillS 3795Science, Technology, Communications
Radar Next Program Act of 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 5, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
