DATE INTRODUCED:

H.R. 3816 - 06/06/2025
S. 3923 - 02/25/2026

The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act (Weather Act Reauthorization Act) builds off the successful implementation of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, which President Trump signed into law in 2017. The bill would reauthorize programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that strengthen weather research and forecasting to better prepare our nation against dangerous weather disasters.

WHAT:

The Weather Act Reauthorization Act would ensure NOAA stays up to date and secures the United States’ global leadership in weather forecasting, modeling and prediction. This legislation would:

• Enhance federal weather forecasting and innovation;
• Strengthen emergency preparedness by improving communication;
• Modernize critical research programs;
• Support farmers and ranchers with better tools for agriculture and water management; and
• Expand commercial data partnerships.

WHY IT MATTERS:

Reliable weather forecasting is essential for protecting lives and strengthening economic resilience. From farmers and energy providers to emergency managers and infrastructure operators, accurate weather data helps Americans plan ahead and respond quickly to severe conditions. Modernizing NOAA’s forecasting tools and capabilities ensures the United States remains at the forefront of weather prediction and modeling while supporting private-sector innovation that builds on publicly available weather data. Strengthening these systems will improve preparedness for extreme weather, safeguard communities and reinforce America’s competitiveness in the global weather enterprise.

WHAT'S NEXT:

If enacted, the legislation will enhance American severe weather forecasting tools.

ORIGINAL SPONSORS:

H.R. 3816
Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)

S. 3923
Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA)

ORIGINAL COSPONSORS:

H.R. 3816
Reps. Scott Franklin (R-FL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Randy Weber Sr. (R-TX), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Max Miller (R-OH), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Summer Lee (D-PA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Rick Crawford (R-AR), and Mike Flood (R-NE)

S. 3923
Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

SUPPORT:

American Geophysical Union, American Meteorological Society, ClearPath Action, Western Governors’ Association, University of Washington

CONGRESS.GOV LINK:

H.R. 3816

S. 3923

PRINTABLE SUMMARY:

Printable summary of H.R. 3816 & S. 3923