Senator Maria Cantwell emphasized the need for a national overhaul of weather warning systems following the devastating floods in Texas. Speaking on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," she stated that the federal government must take responsibility for investigating the failures in flood warnings during the recent storms. "It's not community to community. It's a national system," Cantwell said.

The floods, which struck Kerr County, Texas, around July 4, have resulted in at least 129 confirmed deaths, with over 170 individuals still reported missing as of Sunday morning. Search and recovery efforts faced interruptions over the weekend due to new flood threats, as the National Weather Service issued fresh warnings amid rising water levels and additional rainfall.

Cantwell, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, plans to send a letter to President Trump outlining bipartisan recommendations aimed at enhancing the country’s forecasting infrastructure. Key proposals include upgrading Doppler radar systems, increasing the use of ocean buoys to monitor sea temperatures, and improving data analytics and computing capabilities for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"What the real question is, is what can we do to improve the weather forecasting of this nation," Cantwell remarked. She highlighted the importance of utilizing scientific advancements and better resources to make a significant investment in the forecasting system.

The senator pointed to the success of improved tornado forecasts in the Midwest, where residents received two hours of advance warning, as evidence that federal investment in weather science can save lives. "We should be the smartest government in the world using technology, analyzing the data, and putting a forecast system into place that gives people that kind of system," she added.

Cantwell also expressed concern over proposed budget cuts and privatization efforts under the Trump administration, which she believes could jeopardize NOAA's mission. During the Texas floods, the National Weather Service faced staffing shortages, with key forecasting and IT positions unfilled, raising questions about the impact on emergency alert timeliness.

Despite these challenges, Cantwell argued that the funding needed for improvements is minimal compared to the costs associated with disaster recovery. She noted that small businesses and first responders depend on government-issued alerts for safety.

Regarding the nomination of Dr. Neil Jacobs as NOAA administrator, Cantwell has not yet decided how she will vote. She expressed satisfaction with Jacobs' commitments during a recent Senate hearing to support the Organic Act, which aims to establish NOAA as an independent agency. Before making her decision, she intends to further explore Jacobs' views on maintaining the scientific mission amid increasing storm-related expenditures.