H.R. 1496 would authorize the appropriation of $3 million annually over the 2024-2027 period for the National Weather Service (NWS) to replace its current instant messaging system with an updated, cloud-based system. The NWS uses instant messages to share its expertise on making critical warning decisions and other types of significant weather information with public safety officials, emergency personnel, and the media.
Based on spending patterns for similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1496 would cost $11 million over the 2023-2028 period and $1 million after 2028, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.
The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).
