Tsunami Warning, Research, and Education Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill provides $35 million every year from 2027 to 2031 to upgrade the nation's tsunami warning system. The money will be used to maintain ocean sensors, improve computer models that predict wave behavior, and fund research into tsunamis caused by landslides or volcanoes rather than just earthquakes.
• Coastal residents would receive faster and more accurate alerts. The plan requires the government to use satellite data and more water-level gauges to track waves. It also orders a study to ensure the words used in emergency alerts are easy for everyone to understand so people know exactly when to evacuate.
• The policy focuses on helping local communities prepare for a disaster before it happens. It supports building vertical evacuation structures—high platforms where people can escape rising water—and installing sirens. It also ensures that Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations are fully included in emergency planning and response.
• Government agencies must create a specific 'battle plan' for the most dangerous areas, such as the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. This includes figuring out how to handle search and rescue, protect hospitals and power grids, and clear debris after a massive wave hits.

Impact Analysis

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