[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3816 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3816
To improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and
prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of
weather data, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 6, 2025
Mr. Lucas (for himself, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Scott Franklin of Florida, Ms.
Bonamici, Mr. Weber of Texas, Ms. Stevens, Mr. Miller of Ohio, Ms.
Ross, Mrs. Bice, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Mr. Fleischmann, Mr. Frost,
Ms. Tenney, Mr. Feenstra, Mr. Crawford, and Mr. Flood) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources,
Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and
prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of
weather data, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Weather Research
and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2025'' or the
``Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING
INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
Sec. 101. Public safety priority.
Sec. 102. United States weather research and forecasting.
Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes
Experiment-United States of America
(VORTEX-USA).
Sec. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program.
Sec. 105. Tsunami Warning and Education Act reauthorization.
Sec. 106. Observing system planning.
Sec. 107. Observing system simulation experiments.
Sec. 108. Computing resources prioritization.
Sec. 109. Earth Prediction Innovation Center.
Sec. 110. Satellite architecture planning.
Sec. 111. Improving uncrewed activities.
Sec. 112. Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services.
Sec. 113. Ocean observations.
Sec. 114. Consolidation of reports.
Sec. 115. Precipitation forecast improvement program.
TITLE II--ENHANCING FEDERAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND INNOVATION
Sec. 201. Weather innovation for the next generation.
Sec. 202. Radar Next Program.
Sec. 203. Data voids in highly vulnerable areas of the United States.
Sec. 204. Atmospheric rivers forecast improvement program.
Sec. 205. Coastal flooding and storm surge forecast improvement
program.
Sec. 206. Aviation weather and data innovation.
Sec. 207. NESDIS partnership program, transition program, and
operational planning.
Sec. 208. Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System.
Sec. 209. Reanalysis and reforecasting.
Sec. 210. National Weather Service workforce.
Sec. 211. Artificial intelligence for weather forecasting.
Sec. 212. Composition of the atmosphere and atmospheric observations.
Sec. 213. Project to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog.
TITLE III--COMMERCIAL WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS
Sec. 301. Commercial Data Program.
Sec. 302. Commercial Data Pilot Program.
Sec. 303. Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication.
Sec. 304. Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices.
Sec. 305. Clerical amendment.
TITLE IV--COMMUNICATING WEATHER TO THE PUBLIC
Sec. 401. Definitions.
Sec. 402. Hazardous weather or water event risk communication.
Sec. 403. Hazard communication research and engagement.
Sec. 404. National Weather Service communications improvement.
Sec. 405. NOAA Weather Radio modernization.
Sec. 406. Post-storm surveys and assessments.
Sec. 407. Government Accountability Office report on alert
dissemination for hazardous weather or
water events.
Sec. 408. Data collection management and protection.
TITLE V--IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER
MANAGEMENT
Sec. 501. Weather and climate information in agriculture and water
management.
Sec. 502. National integrated drought information system.
Sec. 503. National Mesonet Program.
Sec. 504. National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network.
Sec. 505. National Water Center.
Sec. 506. Satellite transfers briefing.
TITLE VI--HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AND CONTROL
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Amendments to the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research
and Control Act of 1998.
Sec. 603. Other harmful algal bloom matters.
TITLE VII--PREVENTING HEALTH EMERGENCIES AND TEMPERATURE-RELATED
ILLNESS AND DEATHS
Sec. 701. Short title.
Sec. 702. Definitions.
Sec. 703. National Integrated Heat Health Information System
Interagency Committee.
Sec. 704. National Integrated Heat Health Information System.
Sec. 705. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE VIII--NATIONAL LANDSLIDE PREPAREDNESS ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Sec. 801. Short title.
Sec. 802. Certain definitions under Flood Level Observation,
Operations, and Decision Support Act.
Sec. 803. Reauthorization of National Landslide Preparedness Act.
TITLE IX--OTHER AUTHORITIES
Sec. 901. Meteorological observations in the Arctic region.
Sec. 902. Unfunded priorities list, reports, and plans.
Sec. 903. Miscellaneous authorities.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General.--In this Act, the terms ``seasonal'', ``State'',
``subseasonal'', ``Under Secretary'', ``weather enterprise'', ``weather
data'', and ``weather industry'' have the meanings given such terms in
section 2 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501).
(b) Weather Data Defined.--Section 2 of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new
paragraph:
``(5) Weather data.--The term `weather data' means
information used to track and predict weather conditions and
patterns, including forecasts, observations, and derivative
products from such information.''.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING
INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
SEC. 101. PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.
Section 101 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act
of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8511) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 101. PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall--
``(1) ensure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration focuses on providing accurate and timely weather
forecasts that protect lives and property and enhance the
national economy;
``(2) through the Director of the National Weather Service,
coordinate and implement observational infrastructure, weather
forecasting, communications, and impact-based decision support
services; and
``(3) work to improve operation weather forecasts,
products, and services through nimble, flexible, and mobile
methods.
``(b) Research.--In conducting research, the Under Secretary shall
prioritize improving weather data, modeling, computing, forecasting,
and warnings for the protection of life and property and for the
enhancement of the national economy.''.
SEC. 102. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING.
Section 110 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act
of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8519) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to carry
out this title the following:
``(1) $163,794,000 for fiscal year 2026, of which--
``(A) $91,058,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $39,491,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
``(C) $21,125,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $12,120,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(2) $165,432,000 for fiscal year 2027, of which--
``(A) $91,968,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $39,886,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
``(C) $21,336,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $12,241,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(3) $167,086,000 for fiscal year 2028, of which--
``(A) $92,888,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $40,285,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
``(C) $21,550,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $12,364,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(4) $168,757,000 for fiscal year 2029, of which--
``(A) $93,817,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $40,688,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
``(C) $21,765,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $12,487,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(5) $170,444,000 for fiscal year 2030, of which--
``(A) $94,755,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $41,094,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
``(C) $21,983,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $12,612,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(b) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to carry out
this title or the amendments made by this title.''.
SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN TORNADOES
EXPERIMENT-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (VORTEX-USA).
(a) In General.--Section 103 of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8513) is amended to read
as follows:
``SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN TORNADOES
EXPERIMENT-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (VORTEX-USA).
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry and academic partners, shall maintain a
program for rapidly improving tornado forecasts, predictions, and
warnings, including forecaster training in radar interpretation and
information integration from new sources.
``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall be
to develop and extend accurate tornado forecasts, predictions, and
warnings in order to reduce the loss of life or property related to
tornadoes, with a focus on the following:
``(1) Improving the effectiveness and timeliness of tornado
forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
``(2) Optimizing lead time and providing actionable
information beyond one hour in advance.
``(3) Transitioning from warn-on-detection to warn-on-
forecast.
``(c) Innovative Observations.--The Under Secretary shall ensure
the program under subsection (a) periodically examines, tests, and
evaluates the value of incorporating innovative observations, such as
novel sensor technologies, observation tools or networks, crewed or
uncrewed systems, and hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts,
vessels, and satellites, with respect to the improvement of tornado
forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
``(d) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall award grants for
research, including relating to the following:
``(1) Implementing key goals and achieving program
milestones to the maximum extent practicable as outlined by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2019 report,
`Tornado Warning Improvement and Extension Program Plan'.
``(2) In coordination with the National Science and
Technology Council's Social and Behavioral Sciences
Subcommittee, improving the social, behavioral, risk,
communication, and economic sciences regarding vulnerabilities,
risk communication, and delivery of information critical for
reducing the loss of life or property related to tornadoes.
``(3) Improving the physical sciences, computer modeling,
and tools related to tornado formation, the impacts of
tornadoes on the built and natural environment, and the
interaction of tornadoes and hurricanes.
``(e) Priority Institutions.--
``(1) In general.--In awarding grants under subsection (d),
the Under Secretary may prioritize awarding grants to minority-
serving institutions.
``(2) Definition of minority-serving institution.--In this
subsection, the term `minority-serving institution' means--
``(A) a part B institution (as defined in section
322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1061));
``(B) a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in
section 502(a) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)));
``(C) a Tribal College or University (as defined in
section 316(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)));
``(D) an Alaska Native-serving institution (as
defined in section 317(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
1059d(b)));
``(E) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as
defined in section 317(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
1059d(b)));
``(F) a Predominantly Black Institution (as defined
in section 318(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)));
``(G) an Asian American and Native American Pacific
Islander-serving institution (as defined in section
320(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059g(b))); or
``(H) a Native American-serving, nontribal
institution (as defined in section 319(b) of such Act
(20 U.S.C. 1059f(b))).
``(f) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under
Secretary, in coordination with the program established under section
403(a) of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, shall--
``(1) conduct and transition to operations the research
necessary to develop and deploy probabilistic weather forecast
guidance technology for tornadoes and related weather
phenomena;
``(2) incorporate into tornado modeling and forecasting, as
appropriate, social, behavioral, risk, communication, and
economic sciences;
``(3) enhance workforce training on radar interpretation
and use of tornado warning systems; and
``(4) expand computational resources, including cloud
computing, to support higher-resolution modeling to advance the
capability for warn-on-forecast.
``(g) Tornado Rating System.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration
with local communities and emergency managers, shall--
``(1) evaluate the system used as of the date of the
enactment of this section to rate the severity of tornadoes;
``(2) determine whether updates to such system are required
to ensure such ratings accurately reflect the severity of
tornados; and
``(3) if determined necessary, update such system.
``(h) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less
frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget
corresponding with carrying out this section.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Under Secretary to carry out this section
$11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, of which not
less than $2,000,000 each fiscal year shall be used for prioritized
grants awarded under subsection (e).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended
by amending the item relating to section 103 to read as follows:
``Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes
Experiment-United States of America
(VORTEX-USA).''.
SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
Section 104 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act
of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8514) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry and academic partners, shall maintain a
program to improve hurricane forecasting, predictions, and warnings.
``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall be
to develop and extend accurate hurricane forecasts, predictions, and
warnings in order to reduce the loss of life or property related to
hurricanes, with a focus on the following:
``(1) Improving the understanding, prediction, and
communication of rapid intensity change and projected path of
hurricanes, including probabilistic methods for hurricane
hazard mapping.
``(2) Improving the forecast and impact-based communication
of inland flooding, compound flooding, and storm surges from
hurricanes, in coordination with the progra