[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3923 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3923
To improve the weather research of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, support improvements in weather forecasting and
prediction, and expand commercial opportunities for the provision of
weather data.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 25, 2026
Mr. Cruz (for himself, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Blunt Rochester,
Mr. Moran, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Sheehy, and Ms. Rosen) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve the weather research of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, support improvements in weather forecasting and
prediction, and expand commercial opportunities for the provision of
weather data.
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 2026''.
(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. Next-generation numerical weather prediction initiative.
Sec. 202. Radar Next Program.
Sec. 203. Data voids in under observed areas of the United States.
Sec. 204. Atmospheric rivers forecast improvement program.
Sec. 205. Coastal flooding and storm surge forecast improvement
program.
Sec. 206. National Integrated Heat Health Information System.
Sec. 207. Aviation weather and data innovation.
Sec. 208. National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information
Service partnership program, transition
program, and operational planning.
Sec. 209. Advanced weather interactive processing system.
Sec. 210. Reanalysis and reforecasting.
Sec. 211. National Weather Service workforce.
Sec. 212. Artificial intelligence for weather forecasting.
Sec. 213. Composition of the atmosphere and atmospheric observations.
Sec. 214. 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. NOAA Weather Radio.
Sec. 405. National standards for weather warning systems in flash flood
zones.
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 information for 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. Amendments to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Act of 1998.
Sec. 602. Other harmful algal bloom and hypoxia matters.
TITLE VII--FIRE READY NATION
Sec. 701. Definitions.
Sec. 702. Establishment of fire weather services program.
Sec. 703. Fire weather testbed.
Sec. 704. Data management and technology modernization.
Sec. 705. Surveys and assessments.
Sec. 706. Incident Meteorologist Service.
Sec. 707. Emergency response activities.
Sec. 708. Submissions to Congress regarding the Fire Weather Services
Program, incident meteorologist workforce
needs, and National Weather Service
workforce support.
Sec. 709. Fire Science and Technology Working Group; strategic plan.
Sec. 710. Fire weather rating system.
Sec. 711. Government Accountability Office reports.
Sec. 712. Cooperation and coordination.
Sec. 713. General provisions.
Sec. 714. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE VIII--PRECIPITATION ESTIMATES AND LANDSLIDE PREPAREDNESS
Sec. 801. Inclusion of atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation
events in estimates of precipitation
frequency.
Sec. 802. Reauthorization of National Landslide Preparedness Act.
Sec. 803. Next Generation Water Observing System.
Sec. 804. Water data enhancement and national groundwater resources
monitoring by United States Geological
Survey.
TITLE IX--IMPORTATION OF RED SNAPPER
Sec. 901. Methodology for identifying the country of origin of seafood.
Sec. 902. Technical assistance for illegal, unreported, or unregulated
fishing enforcement.
TITLE X--IMPROVING CYBERSECURITY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS FOR OCEANIC
RESEARCH
Sec. 1001. Definitions.
Sec. 1002. Plan to improve cybersecurity and telecommunications of U.S.
Academic Research Fleet.
TITLE XI--OTHER AUTHORITIES
Sec. 1101. Relocation allowances.
Sec. 1102. Unfunded priorities list, reports, and plans.
Sec. 1103. 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:
``(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 ensure that the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration focuses on providing
accurate and timely weather forecasts that protect lives and property
and enhance the national economy, including by--
``(1) coordinating and modernizing observational
infrastructure, weather forecasting systems, communications,
and impact-based decision support services; and
``(2) improving operational weather forecasts, products,
and services.
``(b) Research.--In conducting research, the Under Secretary shall
prioritize improving weather data, modeling, computing, forecasting,
and warnings and support transition of advancements into operational
forecasting and services, 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) $166,736,000 for fiscal year 2026, of which--
``(A) $94,000,000 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) $168,403,000 for fiscal year 2027, of which--
``(A) $94,940,000 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) $170,089,000 for fiscal year 2028, of which--
``(A) $95,890,000 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) $171,789,000 for fiscal year 2029, of which--
``(A) $96,849,000 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) $173,506,000 for fiscal year 2030, of which--
``(A) $97,817,000 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.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), 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 2019 report of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration entitled, `Tornado Warning Improvement and
Extension Program Plan'.
``(2) In coordination with the Social and Behavioral
Sciences Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology
Council, improving the social, behavioral and economic sciences
regarding 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 shall give priority to eligible
institutions selected through a competitive, merit-based
process.
``(2) Eligible institution defined.--In this subsection,
the term `eligible institution' means any of the following:
``(A) An institution that is frequently subjected
to severe weather, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or
floods.
``(B) An institution of higher education in close
proximity to a Weather Forecast Office of the National
Weather Service.
``(f) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under
Secretary, in coordination with the program established under section
403(a) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026, 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 submit to Congress,
with the budget of the President submitted under section 1105 of title
31, United States Code, for a fiscal year, a proposed budget for
activities to carry out this section in that fiscal year.
``(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 grants awarded
to institutions 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 program established under
section 205 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026.
``(3) Incorporating social, behavioral, risk,
communication, and economic sciences to clearly inform response
to prevent the loss of life or property.
``(4) Evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate,
innovative observations, including acoustic or infrasonic
measurements, novel sensor technologies, observation tools or
networks, crewed or uncrewed systems, and hosted instruments on
commercial aircrafts, vessels, and satellites.
``(c) Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under
Secretary shall award grants for research, including relating to the
following:
``(1) Implementing key strategies and following priorities
and objectives outlined by the 2019 report of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration entitled, `Hurricane
Forecast Improvement Program'.
``(2) In coordination with the Social and Behavioral
Sciences Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology
Council and other relevant interagency committees, improving
the social, behavioral, and economic sciences related to risk
communication, and delivery of information critical for
reducing the loss of life or property related to hurricanes.
``(3) Improving the physical sciences, operational
modeling, and tools related to hurricane formation, the impacts
of wind and water-based hurricane hazards on the built and
natural environment, and the interaction of hurricanes and
tornadoes.
``(d) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under
Secretary, in coordination with the program established under section
403(a) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026, shall--
``(1) conduct and transition to operations the research
necessary to develop and deploy probabilistic weather forecast
guidance technology relating to hurricanes and related weather
phenomena;
``(2) incorporate into hurricane modeling and forecasting,
as appropriate, social, behavioral, and economic sciences
research; and
``(3) expand computational resources, including cloud
computing, to support and improve higher resolution operational
modeling of hurricanes and related weather phenomena.
``(e) Annual Report.--Not later than June 1 of each year until
2029, the Under Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
Defense, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives a report that includes the
following:
``(1) The number and causes of missed mission requirements
for the National Hurricane Operations Plan and the National
Winter Season Operations Plan, including those related to
equipment malfunction, aircraft availability, aircraft
maintenance, flight hour limits, and availability of pilots or
other air and maintenance crew members.
``(2) Requirements related to the plans described in
paragraph (1) that were requested by forecasters but not
tasked, and the reasons why those were not tasked.
``(3) A workforce management plan addressing any shortfalls
in human capital resources that are necessary for hurricane
observational data collection aboard aircraft or uncrewed
systems.
``(4) A summary of--
``(A) hurricane technology that is under research
and development to improve confidence in hurricane
track and intensity predictions;
``(B) hurricane technology that is at the prototype
demonstration stage or beyond; and
``(C) plans for transitioning the hurricane
technology described in subparagraph (B) into
operations.''.
SEC. 105. TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION ACT REAUTHORIZATION.
(a) Title Heading.--The Tsunami Warning and Education Act (enacted
as title VIII of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-479)) is amended
in the title heading, by inserting ``, RESEARCH,'' after ``WARNING''.
(b) Purposes.--Section 803 of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act
(33 U.S.C. 3202) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``timeliness and''
before ``accuracy'';
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(3) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) to ensure data and metadata are managed, archived,
and made available for operations, research, education, and
mitigation activities in accordance with section 305 of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.''.
(c) Tsunami Forecasting and Warning Program.--Section 804 of the
Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3203) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, using
industry and scientific best practices,'' after
``operational condition'';
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``global seismic network'' and inserting
``Global Seismic Network'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D),
(E), (F), and (G), as subparagraphs (E), (F),
(G), and (H), respectively; and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C)
the following:
``(D) the global navigation satellite system
network;'';
(C) by amending paragraph (6) to read as follows:
``(6) ensure data quality and management systems, support
data and metadata access and archiving, and support the
requirements of the program pursuant to the Foundations for
Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-435)
and chapter 31 of title 44, United States Code;'';
(D) in paragraph (7)--
(i) by amending the matter preceding
subparagraph (A) to read as follows: ``include
a cooperative effort among the Administration,
the United States Geological Survey, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
and the National Science Foundation under which
the Director of the United States Geological
Survey, the Director of the National Science
Foundation, and the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
shall--'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) provide reliable and real-time support for
the global navigation satellite system network data
streams from networks maintained by the National
Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and the United States Geological
Survey, and supplement instrumentation coverage for
rapid earthquake assessment;
``(D) assess the data and information relating to
warning systems of collaborating agencies for potential
utilization in the warning system of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, taking into
consideration advancement in research and technology;
``(E) incorporate, as practicable, tsunami
notifications and warnings in the Earthquake Early
Warning System of the United States Geological Survey;
and
``(F) incorporate, as practicable, preliminary
analysis or data from the National Earthquake
Information Center regarding the source and magnitude
of an offshore earthquake within 5 minutes of
detection;'';
(E) in paragraph (8)--
(i) by inserting ``and decision support
aides'' after ``graphical warning products,'';
and
(ii) by inserting ``-prone'' after
``tsunami'';
(F) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(G) in paragraph (10), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(H) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) update tsunami inundation maps, models, or other
geographic products, in order to best support, as appropriate,
relevant agencies with tsunami mitigation and recovery
activities.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and redesignating
paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2),
respectively; and
(B) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking ``the Atlantic Ocean,
including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico,
that are determined--'' and inserting ``the
Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans, including
the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, that are
determined to pose significant risks of tsunami
for States and United States territories along
the coastal areas of such regions; and''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(3) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) as
subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Tsunami Warning Alert Level Evaluation.--The Administrator,
in collaboration with social scientists, emergency personnel, and high-
risk communities, shall--
``(1) evaluate tsunami alert levels terminology, timing,
and effectiveness;
``(2) determine if such alerts produce the desired response
and understanding from possible tsunami-prone communities; and
``(3) if necessary, update the alert level system for
increased effectiveness.'';
(5) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``responsible for Alaska, the
continental United States, Hawaii, United
States territories, and international entities
the Administrator determines appropriate''
before the period;
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``,
which is primarily responsible for Alaska and
the continental United States''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``,
which is primarily responsible for Hawaii, the
Caribbean, and other areas of the Pacific not
covered by the National Center'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
``current,'' after ``sea level,'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and
volcanic eruptions'' and inserting ``volcanic
eruptions, or other sources'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``buoy data and tidal'' and inserting ``and
coastal'';
(iv) in subparagraph (E), by striking
``Integrated Ocean Observing System of the
Administration'' and inserting ``United States
and global ocean and coastal observing
system'';
(v) in subparagraph (H), by inserting
``monitoring needs,'' after ``response,''; and
(vi) by amending subparagraph (I) to read
as follows:
``(I) Providing a Tsunami Warning Coordinator to
coordinate with partners and stakeholders products and
services of the centers supported or maintained under
paragraph (1).'';
(C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Fail-safe warning capability.--The Administrator
shall support and maintain fail-safe warning capability for the
tsunami warning centers supported or maintained under paragraph
(1), and such centers shall conduct at least one service backup
drill biannually.'';
(D) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by amending the matter preceding
subparagraph (A) to read as follows: ``The
Administrator shall coordinate with the weather
forecast offices of the National Weather
Service, the centers supported or maintained
under paragraph (1), and such national and
regional program offices of the Administration
as the Administrator or the coordinating
committee, as established in section 805(b),
consider appropriate to ensure that regional
and local weather forecast offices--'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) conduct education and outreach efforts to
help prepare coastal communities for tsunami
hazards.'';
(E) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
``Uniform'' and inserting ``Standardized'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``uniform'' and inserting ``standardized'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking
``uniform'' and inserting ``standardized'';
(iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(v) in subparagraph (E), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) align the analytic techniques and
methodologies of the existing tsunami warning centers
supported or maintained under paragraph (1) to ensure
seamless continuity of operations and mitigate risk of
operational failure by prioritizing investments that
include--
``(i) replacing end of life equipment;
``(ii) ensuring product consistency;
``(iii) enabling consistent operational
process for backup capabilities;
``(iv) mitigating existing operational
security risks; and
``(v) meeting information security
requirements specified in chapter 35 of title
44, United States Code.''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Reporting.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this paragraph and annually thereafter until
such time as all relevant requirements have been satisfied, the
Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives
an update briefing on the progress of the following:
``(A) Standardizing products and procedures under
paragraph (5), including tsunami assessments, forecast
guidance, and related products.
``(B) Migrating the message generation systems of
the centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1)
to the Advanced Weather Information Processing System,
or successor systems.
``(C) The structural reorganization effort, if
necessary, to align the organizational charts of those
centers.
``(D) The expected timeline for the full completion
of standardizing the products and procedures of those
centers.'';
(6) in subsection (f), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``detect, measure, and''
after ``used to'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``and the Advanced National Seismic System;''
and inserting ``the Advanced National Seismic
System, and the global navigation satellite
system; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) by ensuring research is coordinated with
tsunami warning operations;''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``according to
industry best practices'' before the period; and
(7) in subsection (h)(2)(A), as so redesignated, by
striking ``accuracy of the tsunami model used'' and inserting
``timeliness and accuracy of the forecast used to issue the
warning''.
(d) Assessment of Tsunami Watches and Warnings.--
(1) In general.--The Tsunami Warning and Education Act
(enacted as title VIII of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public
Law 109-479)) is amended by inserting after section 804 (33
U.S.C. 3203) the following:
``SEC. 804A. ASSESSMENT OF TSUNAMI WATCHES AND WARNINGS.
``(a) Assessment of Tsunami Watches and Warnings.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall--
``(A) conduct an assessment of--
``(i) the tsunami watches and warnings of
the National Weather Service; and
``(ii) the information delivery to support
preparation and responses to tsunamis; and
``(B) submit to Congress a report on the findings
of the Under Secretary with respect to the assessment
required by subparagraph (A).
``(2) Elements.--The assessment required by paragraph
(1)(A) shall include the following:
``(A) An evaluation of whether the watches,
warnings, and information described in paragraph (1)(A)
effectively--
``(i) communicate risk to the general
public;
``(ii) inform action to prevent loss of
life and property;
``(iii) inform action to support tsunami
preparation and response; and
``(iv) deliver information in a manner
designed to lead to appropriate action.
``(B) Subject to subsection (b)(2), such
recommendations as the Under Secretary may have for--
``(i) legislative and administrative action
to improve the watches and warnings described
in paragraph (1)(A)(i); and
``(ii) such research as the Under Secretary
considers necessary to address the focus areas
described in paragraph (3).
``(3) Focus areas.--The assessment required by paragraph
(1)(A) shall focus on the following areas:
``(A) Ways to communicate the risks posed by
hazardous tsunami events to the public that are most
likely to result in informed decision making regarding
the mitigation of those risks.
``(B) Ways to provide actionable geographic
information to the recipient of a watch or warning for
tsunami, including partnering with emergency response
agencies, as appropriate.
``(C) Evaluation of information delivery to support
the preparation for and response to tsunamis.
``(4) Consultation.--In conducting the assessment required
by paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall consult with--
``(A) individuals in the academic sector, including
individuals in the fields of social and behavioral
sciences;
``(B) other weather services;
``(C) media outlets and other entities that
distribute the watches and warnings described in
paragraph (1)(A)(i);
``(D) emergency planners and responders, including
State, local, and Tribal emergency management agencies;
``(E) other government users of the watches and
warnings described in paragraph (1)(A)(i), including
the Federal Highway Administration; and
``(F) such other Federal agencies as the Under
Secretary determines rely on watches and warnings
regarding tsunamis for operational decisions.
``(5) Methodologies.--In conducting the assessment required
by paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall use such
methodologies as the Under Secretary considers are generally
accepted by the weather enterprise, including methodologies of
the fields of social and behavioral sciences.
``(b) Improvements to Tsunami Watches and Warnings.--
``(1) In general.--Based on the assessment required by
subsection (a)(1)(A), the Under Secretary shall make such
improvements to the watches and warnings described in that
subsection as the Under Secretary considers necessary--
``(A) to improve the communication of the risks
posed by tsunami events; and
``(B) to provide actionable geographic information
to the recipient of a watch or warning for a tsunami.
``(2) Requirements regarding recommendations.--In
conducting the assessment required by subsection (a)(1)(A), the
Under Secretary shall ensure that any recommendation under
subsection (a)(2)(B) that the Under Secretary considers a major
change--
``(A) is validated by social and behavioral science
using a generalizable sample;
``(B) accounts for the needs of various
demographics, vulnerable populations, and geographic
regions;
``(C) responds to the needs of Federal, State,
local, and Tribal government partners and media
partners; and
``(D) accounts for necessary changes to federally
operated watch and warning propagation and
dissemination infrastructure and protocols.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for the
Tsunami Warning and Education Act (enacted as title VIII of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-479)) is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 804 the following:
``Sec. 804A. Assessment of tsunami watches and warnings.''.
(e) National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.--Section 805(c) of
the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3204(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D),
(E), (F), and (G) as subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), (F),
(G), and (H), respectively;
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) Coastal digital elevation models to support
the development of inundation maps.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) Evaluation of the variation of inundation
impact resulting from tsunami-driven sediment
transport.
``(J) Evaluation of tsunami debris impact on
critical infrastructure (as defined in subsection (e)
of the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001
(42 U.S.C. 5195c)) and lifelines.
``(K) High-resolution and high-quality digital
elevation models needed for at-risk coastlines, ports,
and harbors, particularly for regions not covered by
existing inundation maps.''; and
(2) in paragraph (7)(C), by inserting ``and behavioral''
after ``social''.
(f) Tsunami Research Program.--Section 806 of the Tsunami Warning
and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3205) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``section 805(d)'' and inserting
``section 805(b)''; and
(B) by inserting ``and management'' after ``data
collection'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``deployment
and'' after ``may include'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``social science
research'' and inserting ``social and behavioral
science research, including data collection,'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
(7); and
(E) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) develop decision support tools;
``(6) leverage and prioritize research opportunities;
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Research and Development Plan.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this subsection, and not less frequently
than every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator, in consultation with
the Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services, shall
develop a research and development and research to operations plan to
improve tsunami detection and forecasting capabilities that--
``(1) identifies and prioritizes research and development
priorities to satisfy section 804;
``(2) identifies key research needs for better detecting
tsunamis that may occur in open ocean and along the coastlines
of the United States and the territories of the United States,
improve forecasting of tsunamis that are not seismically
driven, and other opportunities determined appropriate;
``(3) develops plans for transitioning research to
operations; and
``(4) identifies collaboration opportunities that may
advance and align tsunami research, development, warnings, and
operations between the centers supported or maintained under
section 804, the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program,
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Center for
Tsunami Research, the National Science Foundation, the United
States Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, institutions of higher education, private entities and
other appropriate stakeholders.''.
(g) Global Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Network.--Section 807(d)
of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3206(d)) is amended
by inserting ``and management'' after ``data sharing''.
(h) Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel.--Section 808 of
the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3206a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``and behavioral''
after ``social''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Sunset.--The Panel shall terminate not later than 6 years
after the date of the enactment of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026.''.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 809 of the Tsunami
Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3207) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 809. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to
carry out this title $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through
2030, of which--
``(1) not less than 27 percent of the amount appropriated
for each fiscal year shall be for activities conducted at the
State level under the national tsunami hazard mitigation
program under section 805; and
``(2) not less than 8 percent of the amount appropriated
shall be for the tsunami research program under section 806.''.
SEC. 106. OBSERVING SYSTEM PLANNING.
Section 106 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act
of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8516) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by inserting ``Federal'' before ``observing
capabilities''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by inserting ``, including private sector
partnerships or commercial acquisition,'' after
``options''; and
(B) by striking the period and inserting a
semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) compare costs and schedule, including cost-benefit
analyses, of Federal and private sector supplemental options to
fill the observation data requirements under paragraph (1) and
gaps identified pursuant to paragraph (3); and
``(6) not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026, submit to Congress a report that
provides an analysis of the technical, schedule, cost, and
cost-benefit analyses relating to placing an operational polar-
orbiting environmental satellite capability in the early
morning orbit to support the weather enterprise and the mission
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.''.
SEC. 107. OBSERVING SYSTEM SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS.
Section 107 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act
of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8517) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``providing data''
and inserting ``comparison to current or experimental
commercial system capabilities that provide data'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``, including polar-
orbiting and geostationary satellite systems,'';
(3) by striking subsection (d); and
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).
SEC. 108. COMPUTING RESOURCES PRIORITIZATION.
(a) Computing Research Initiative.--Section 108 of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8518) is
amended by striking subsection (a)(3)(C) and all that follows through
subsection (b)(7) and inserting the following:
``(b) Artificial Intelligence Investments.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall leverage
artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to
facilitate, optimize, and further leverage advanced computing
to accomplish critical missions of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
``(2) Acquisition of systems.--The Under Secretary shall
include computing requirements needed to support technologies
specified in paragraph (1) as part of major acquisitions of
high-performance computing systems or cloud computing services
for research, testing and evaluation, and operations.
``(c) Centers of Excellence.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary may expand, and
where applicable establish, centers of excellence to aid the
adoption of next-generation artificial intelligence and machine
learning-enabled advanced computing capabilities.
``(2) Activities.--Each center expanded or established
under paragraph (1) may carry out activities that include the
following:
``(A) Leveraging public-private partnerships for
infrastructure development training, and workforce
development.
``(B) Developing and optimizing tools, libraries,
algorithms, data structures, and other supporting
software necessary for specific applications on high-
performance computing systems.
``(C) Applying modern artificial intelligence, deep
machine learning, and advanced data analysis
technologies to address current and emerging
challenges.
``(D) To the maximum extent practicable, exploring
quantum computing and related partnerships with public,
private, and academic entities to improve the accuracy
and resolution of weather predictions.
``(d) Multiyear Contracts.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary may enter into
multiyear contracts in accordance with section 3903 of title
41, United States Code, and shall ensure compliance with all
contract clauses provided in such section.
``(2) Exception for contract duration limitation.--The
limitation on the duration of such contracts provided under
subsection (a) of such section of title 41, United States Code,
shall not apply to contracts for operations, research, and
development related to high-performance and cloud computing
infrastructure or systems, including any associated services or
support, provided that such contracts comply with applicable
law and include appropriate safeguards for any with an unfunded
contingent liability in the event of cancellation.
``(e) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026, the Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives a report evaluating the
following:
``(1) A best estimate of the overall value of high-
resolution probabilistic forecast guidance for hazardous
weather or water events (as defined in section 401 of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act
of 2026) using a next-generation weather forecast and warning
framework.
``(2) The need for cloud computing, quantum computing, or
high-performance computing, visualization, and dissemination
collaboration between the Department of Energy and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
``(3) A timeline and guidance for implementation of the
following:
``(A) High-resolution numerical weather prediction
models.
``(B) Methods for meeting the cloud computing,
quantum computing, or high-performance computing,
visualization, and dissemination needs identified under
paragraph (2).''.
(b) Strategic Plan on High-Performance Computing and Data
Management Needs.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall make publicly
available not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, and update every 5 years thereafter until 2035, a
10-year strategic plan that outlines the high-performance
computing and data management requirements and needs of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and actions and
strategies to address those requirements and needs.
(2) Plan elements.--At a minimum, the strategic plan
required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) A 10-year prospective outlook of computing
resources and upgrades needed to meet the mission needs
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
for fisheries management, oceanographic forecasting,
and ecological forecasting.
(B) A discussion of--
(i) computing and processing resources of
the Administration and a 10-year projected need
for such resources, disaggregated by line
office of the Administration;
(ii) facilities, commercial contracts, and
partnerships (with other Federal agencies or
other institutions or entities) of the
Administration that are providing computing and
data management support or capacity as of the
date of the plan;
(iii) the use by the Administration of
cloud computing and other emerging
technologies, such as artificial intelligence
and machine learning;
(iv) additional technologies that have the
potential to increase effectiveness and
efficiency for data storage and processing
power, including challenges to access and use
of those technologies;
(v) the distribution of computing resources
among the operations and research functions of
the Administration;
(vi) products and services of the
Administration that have not become available
to the public because of a lack of computing
resources;
(vii) current and future workforce
development needs of the Administration, such
as information technology and software
engineering needs; and
(viii) the high-performance computing
requirements of the Administration, with a
special focus on requirements that are common
across line offices of the Administration.
(C) Timelines, and performance measures for
assessing progress toward attaining goals for--
(i) computing infrastructure and
architecture of the Administration (including
facilities, hardware, and software); and
(ii) use by the Administration of
technologies that will increase effectiveness
and efficiency for data storage and processing
power, including challenges to access and use
of such technologies.
(D) A 10-year life cycle analysis of the management
of facilities, hardware, and engineering involved in
the strategic plan that includes--
(i) program formulation for project
conception, implementation, and closure; and
(ii) technical infrastructure, products,
processes, data, and personnel resources
required to achieve defined cost, schedule, and
performance objectives.
(E) If appropriate, a description of actions taken
to implement the previous plan.
(3) Public involvement.--In developing the strategic plan
required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall invite
comments and other feedback from the public to inform the
strategic plan.
(4) Annual briefings.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter until 2029, the Under Secretary shall brief
Congress on the progress made toward the objectives of
the strategic plan required by paragraph (1).
(B) Elements.--Each briefing required by
subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
(i) An evaluation of the progress made in
implementing the strategic plan.
(ii) Such updates to the strategic plan as
the Under Secretary considers appropriate.
SEC. 109. EARTH PREDICTION INNOVATION CENTER.
Section 102(b)(5) of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512(b)(5)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the
following:
``(E) developing community weather research
modeling systems that--
``(i) are accessible by the public in
accordance with section 10601 of the James M.
Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (15 U.S.C. 8512a) and
available for archive and long-term study;
``(ii) meet basic end-user requirements for
running on public computers and networks
located outside of secure National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration information and
technology systems;
``(iii) utilize, whenever appropriate and
cost effective, innovative strategies and
methods, including cloud-based computing
capabilities, for hosting and management of
part or all of the systems described in this
subparagraph;
``(iv) utilize modeling systems that allow
for interoperability with new model components,
modules, and next-generation software and
coding languages;
``(v) allow for open testing and
integration of promising operational model
improvements from the broader community;
``(vi) access on as close to a real-time
basis as possible operational data and
metadata, including commercially purchased data
for use in the model testing conducted by the
Earth Prediction Innovation Center pursuant to
redistribution restrictions, licensing
agreements, and applicable laws (including
regulations); and
``(vii) provide supported and portable
versions of the unified forecast system,
including applications for fire weather,
subseasonal to seasonal forecasting, hurricane,
space weather, ocean, cryosphere, air quality,
and coastal models, that can reproduce current
operational global and regional model
prediction; and
``(F) establishing a National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Data Lake, to be maintained
by the Administration, a commercial partner, or non-
profit entity, that consolidates and maintains a
publicly available and continuously updated collection
of data and metadata used in numerical weather
prediction for use in the Earth Prediction Innovation
Center's model testing, pursuant to redistribution
restrictions, licensing agreements, and applicable laws
(including regulations).''.
SEC. 110. SATELLITE ARCHITECTURE PLANNING.
Section 301 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act
of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8531) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and
redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (1),
(2), and (3), respectively;
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Satellite
Systems and Data.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a
fleet of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration space-
based observation platforms that provide critical operations-
focused data and information to support the mission of the
Administration in order to protect lives and property from
extreme weather and other natural phenomena.
``(2) Collaboration.--The Under Secretary shall implement
recommendations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Observing Systems Council to ensure an
appropriate mix of government, academic, commercial sector, and
international partnerships in the provision of data and
information, including a broadened effort on data acquisition
through the Commercial Data Program under section 302 when cost
effective and beneficial to the Administration.
``(3) Priority.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that
platforms maintained under paragraph (1) prioritize the
development of products and services that are tailored to meet
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's mission
and have sufficient Federal personnel to manage and operate the
platforms and associated infrastructure.
``(4) National centers for environmental information.--The
Under Secretary shall maintain the National Centers for
Environmental Information to provide a long-term archive and
access to the national and global data and metadata of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.'';
(3) in subsection (c) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Geostationary extended observation.--
``(A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall,
subject to available appropriations, develop and
maintain geostationary extended observations, known as
GeoXO, that--
``(i) retain continuity of data in
geostationary orbit, with data quality
standards meeting or exceeding those of the
GOES-R program or successor program;
``(ii) modernize core weather-monitoring
capabilities, while ensuring imaging and
sounding remain core instruments on all
satellites; and
``(iii) launch not later than 2032.
``(B) Mission architecture and implementation
plan.--
``(i) In general.--Before terminating any
program elements relating to geostationary
extended observations under subparagraph (A),
the Under Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a revised
mission architecture and implementation plan,
including component costs, costs associated
with terminating or altering current mission
architecture, and a planned launch schedule.
``(ii) Appropriate committees of congress
defined.--In this subparagraph, the term
`appropriate committees of Congress' means--
``(I) the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation and the
Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate; and
``(II) the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology and the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.''; and
(4) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2030''.
SEC. 111. IMPROVING UNCREWED ACTIVITIES.
(a) Research and Development.--Section 102(b)(3) of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512(b)(3))
is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``aerial'' and
inserting ``crewed and uncrewed aerial and surface''; and
(2) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``, including
commercial observing systems'' and inserting ``, including
stationary and mobile commercial observing systems, such as
uncrewed aircraft and marine systems, to provide observations
of the atmosphere and ocean, and other observations, in
cooperation with the Office of Marine and Aviation
Operations''.
(b) Use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems.--Section 102 of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512) is
further amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under this
section, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research and the Assistant Administrator for the
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, whenever practical,
shall use uncrewed aerial systems to assess damage and assist
recovery after an extreme weather or water event.
``(2) Authority.--In carrying out the program under this
section, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research and the Assistant Administrator for the
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations may acquire uncrewed
aerial systems and training resources for the regional offices
and partners of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration for the use and deployment of those systems in
storm assessments and response.''.
SEC. 112. INTERAGENCY COUNCIL FOR ADVANCING METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 402 of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8542) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Interagency Committee for
Advancing Weather Services'' and inserting
``Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological
Services (in this section referred to as the
`Interagency Council')''; and
(B) by striking ``Committee'' each place it appears
and inserting ``Council'';
(2) by amending subsections (b) and (c) to read as follows:
``(b) Co-Chairs; Federal Coordinator.--The Director of the Office
of Science and Technology Policy and the Under Secretary shall serve as
co-chairs of the Interagency Council. The Under Secretary shall serve
as the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology.
``(c) Further Coordination.--The Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall take such steps as are necessary to
coordinate the activities of the Federal Government with stakeholders
in the United States weather industry, academic partners, State
governments, and emergency managers.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Functions.--The Interagency Council shall be the formal
mechanism by which all relevant Federal agencies coordinate
implementation of policy and practices to ensure United States global
leadership in meteorological services. In doing so, the Interagency
Council shall review programs and support relevant weather research and
forecast innovation activities, and other related implementation
activities, related to Federal meteorological services, including by
carrying out the following:
``(1) Identifying and helping prioritize meteorological
research and service delivery needs, including relating to
observations, operational systems, communications, and
infrastructure.
``(2) Providing recommendations to streamline or
consolidate activities and develop greater efficiencies in
cross-agency activities.
``(3) Leveraging Earth system science research outcomes of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other
relevant Federal agencies, including research outcomes related
to the relevant recommended key science and applications
questions and priorities in the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine's 2018 report `Thriving on Our
Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from
Space', to understand and predict high-impact weather
phenomena.
``(4) Facilitating the expansion and strengthening of
partnerships with private sector entities to advance
meteorological research, communications, and computing.
``(5) Sharing information regarding meteorological research
improvement needs and science opportunities across relevant
Federal agencies.
``(6) Providing advice to all relevant Federal agencies
regarding potential collaborations and expected levels of
resources needed to maintain and operate the Interagency
Council.
``(7) Enhancing communication and coordination and
promoting sharing within relevant Federal agencies and across
the Interagency Council.
``(8) Developing, recruiting, and sustaining a professional
workforce for meteorological research and services.
``(e) Data Inventory.--The Interagency Council, in coordination
with, and avoiding duplication with the efforts of, the United States
Group on Earth Observations, shall promote data and metadata access and
archive activities to increase accessibility, interoperability, and
reusability by maintaining a data inventory of meteorological
observations. Not less frequently than once every 2 years for a period
of 10 years beginning on the date of the enactment of this subsection,
the Interagency Council shall solicit updated information from private
sector entities identifying current and near future sources of such
data. Such data shall be made available to participating agencies of
the Interagency Council specified under subsection (a).
``(f) Coordination Office.--The Interagency Meteorological
Coordination Office shall provide to the Interagency Council such
administrative and logistical support as the Interagency Council may
require, as determined by the co-chairs.
``(g) Cost Share.--Participating agencies of the Interagency
Council specified under subsection (a) may provide reimbursable
financial support to the Interagency Meteorological Coordinating Office
to enhance cost sharing and collaboration related to weather research
and forecast innovation activities.
``(h) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter until 2030, the
Interagency Council shall publish a report that identifies among
participating agencies of the Interagency Council specified under
subsection (a) the following:
``(1) Federal programs that use meteorological
observations, data sources, and capabilities.
``(2) Federal programs that acquire such observations,
data, and capabilities from private sector entities.
``(3) Advancements in meteorological data collection,
assimilation, and forecasting that could improve Federal
programmatic operational capabilities.
``(4) Barriers to acquiring meteorological observations,
data sources, and capabilities that could be used to better
meet Federal programmatic needs.''.
(b) References.--Any reference to the Interagency Committee for
Advancing Weather Services in any law, rule, regulation, paper,
document, map, or other record of the United States shall be deemed to
be a reference to the Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological
Services.
SEC. 113. OCEAN OBSERVATIONS.
Section 12304(b) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation
System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3603(b)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(5) Ships of opportunity pilot programs and projects.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator, in
coordination with the heads of relevant Federal
agencies, shall, subject to relevant regulations and
certifications, maintain pilot programs or projects to
contract with research or commercial ship operators for
data collection and assess the potential costs,
benefits, and viability of a network of ocean and
atmospheric observing instruments operating on research
or commercial ocean vessels, including in the Arctic,
in order to supplement the Integrated Coastal, Great
Lakes, and Ocean Observation System in improving
understanding of coastal and ocean systems and their
relationships to human activities.
``(B) Standards and specifications.--The
Administrator shall ensure that data acquired through
the pilot programs or projects established pursuant to
subparagraph (A) meets the most recent standards and
specifications required for observation services and
data as published pursuant to section 302(d) of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017.
``(C) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the
date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of
Transportation, shall submit to Congress a report on
the requirements for a global network of ocean and
atmospheric instruments operating on research or
commercial ocean vessels for measurement and data
transmission.
``(D) Sunset.--This paragraph shall terminate on
the earlier of--
``(i) September 30, 2030; or
``(ii) 1 year after the date on which the
report required under subparagraph (B) is
submitted by the Administrator.''.
SEC. 114. CONSOLIDATION OF REPORTS.
(a) Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.--
(1) In general.--The Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 is amended--
(A) in section 102 (15 U.S.C. 8512), as amended by
section 111(b)(1) of this Act, by striking subsection
(e);
(B) by amending section 105 (15 U.S.C. 8515) to
read as follows:
``SEC. 105. WEATHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.
``Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this
section, and not less frequently than once every 2 years thereafter,
the Under Secretary, acting through the Assistant Administrator for
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and in coordination with the Director
of the National Weather Service and the Assistant Administrator for
Satellite and Information Services, shall issue a research and
development and research to operations plan to maintain United States
leadership in numerical weather prediction and forecasting that--
``(1) describes the forecasting skill and technology goals,
technology transfer plan, and progress of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration in carrying out the program
conducted under section 102;
``(2) identifies and prioritizes specific research and
development activities, data collection and analysis,
predictive modeling, demonstration of potential operational
forecast application, education, training, and performance
metrics, weighted to meet the operational weather and flood-
event mission of the National Weather Service to achieve a
weather-ready Nation;
``(3) describes how the program conducted under section 102
will collaborate with Federal agencies, international partners,
and stakeholders, including the United States weather industry
and academic partners, and the role of each in advancing
weather forecasting and communications;
``(4) identifies, through consultation with the National
Science Foundation, the United States weather industry, and
academic partners, research necessary to advance the scientific
understanding of weather processes and improve weather warning
and forecast systems in the United States most effectively;
``(5) describes the ongoing research projects of the United
States Weather Research Program, the goals of those projects,
and those projects related to weather observations, short-term
weather, or subseasonal forecasts within the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research that are closest to
operationalization; and
``(6) describes how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration is advancing community weather modeling.'';
(C) in section 403 (15 U.S.C. 8543)--
(i) in subsection (a), by inserting ``the''
after ``Director of''; and
(ii) by amending subsection (d) to read as
follows:
``(d) Annual Briefing.--Not less frequently than once each year,
the Under Secretary shall--
``(1) brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives on
participation in the program under subsection (a); and
``(2) highlight any innovations that come from the
interaction described in subsection (b).''; and
(D) by striking sections 408 through 411 and
section 414 and redesignating sections 412 and 413 as
sections 408 and 409, respectively.
(2) Clerical amendments.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 is amended by striking the items relating to sections 408
through 414 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 408. Weather enterprise outreach.
``Sec. 409. Hurricane hunter aircraft.''.
(b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization
Act of 1992.--The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567) is amended--
(1) in section 106, by striking subsection (c) (15 U.S.C.
1537); and
(2) in section 108 (15 U.S.C. 8520)--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) by striking paragraph (5); and
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (6)
through (12) as paragraphs (5) through (11),
respectively;
(B) by striking subsection (b); and
(C) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection
(b).
SEC. 115. PRECIPITATION FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title VI of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8561 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 603 as section 604; and
(2) by inserting after section 602 the following:
``SEC. 603. PRECIPITATION FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry, other Federal agencies, and academic
partners, shall maintain a program to improve precipitation forecasting
across timescales.
``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall be
to provide more accurate, reliable, and timely precipitation forecasts
across timescales through the development and application of a fully
coupled Earth system prediction model in order to reduce the loss of
life or property related to precipitation extremes, with a focus on the
following:
``(1) Improving the understanding and prediction of
precipitation extremes from a variety of weather systems,
including atmospheric rivers.
``(2) Evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate,
innovative observations into operational monitoring and
forecast systems to improve precipitation forecasts.
``(3) Improving Earth system model predictions of
precipitation extremes from atmospheric rivers, tropical
cyclones, summertime thunderstorms, winter storms, and other
phenomena, in coordination with relevant programs.
``(4) Enhancing research-to-operations transition through
testbeds, including the evaluation of physical and social
science, technology, and other research to develop products and
services for implementation and use by relevant stakeholders.
``(5) Incorporating best practices from the social,
behavioral, and economic sciences into operations for more
effective and actionable watch and warning products that
support public safety and damage mitigation decisions in
coordination with the programs established in accordance with
this Act.
``(6) Ensuring data and metadata management processes are
in place to support data access and archive for long-term
research and operations among multiple partners.
``(c) Activities.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Under Secretary shall support research-to-operations work,
including the following:
``(1) Implementing key strategies and following priorities
and objectives outlined in the Precipitation Prediction Grand
Challenge Strategy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
``(2) Improving the physical science, operational modeling
and tools, and technology related to better forecasting
precipitation extremes across timescales.
``(3) Improving the social, behavioral, and economic
sciences related to risk communication, and delivery of
information critical for reducing the loss of life or property
related to extreme precipitation.
``(4) Conducting the research necessary to develop and
deploy probabilistic weather forecast guidance technology
relating to precipitation extremes in operational practice.
``(5) Enhancing the operational capacity of the National
Weather Service to deliver decision support for extreme
precipitation.
``(6) Expanding computational resources to improve
precipitation modeling.
``(d) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall submit to Congress,
with the budget of the President submitted under section 1105 of title
31, United States Code, for a fiscal year, a proposed budget for
activities to carry out this section in that fiscal year.
``(e) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that improved
precipitation forecasts should support improved water resource
management and resilience to extreme water related events, such as
floods and drought, which may include the use of enhanced streamflow
prediction.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended
by striking the item relating to section 603 and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 603. Precipitation forecast improvement program.
``Sec. 604. Definitions.''.
TITLE II--ENHANCING FEDERAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND INNOVATION
SEC. 201. NEXT-GENERATION NUMERICAL WEATHER PREDICTION INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary may establish a long-term,
agency-wide initiative to focus and align numerical weather prediction
activities around a shared strategic vision for the future to further
protect lives and property, enhance the national economy, and promote
international leadership.
(b) Initiative Goals.--An initiative under subsection (a) shall
encourage physics-based and data-driven modeling approaches, the use of
ensemble systems, continuous and collaborative model development, and
the modernization of modeling infrastructure and software practices.
(c) Activities.--In carrying out an initiative under subsection
(a), the Under Secretary should seek to--
(1) enhance forecast accuracy, efficiency, and
interpretability;
(2) leverage innovation from the broader weather
enterprise;
(3) use advanced computing technologies and observational
data;
(4) periodically evaluate existing modeling systems to
ensure resources are focused on the most capable and impactful
forecast solutions while maintaining operational continuity;
and
(5) explore artificial intelligence-based modeling
capabilities and related training data needs.
SEC. 202. RADAR NEXT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in consultation with the
Director of the National Weather Service, shall establish a program to
be known as the ``Radar Next Program'' (in this section referred to as
the ``program'').
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out the program, the Under Secretary
shall--
(1) develop performance and coverage requirements for the
weather radar network of the United States, including for the
territories of the United States;
(2) collaborate with the weather enterprise to determine
potential solutions to update the weather radar network of the
United States that meet the requirements developed under
paragraph (1); and
(3) develop a plan in accordance with subsection (c).
(c) Plan.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall develop a plan
to replace the Next Generation Weather Radar system of the
National Weather Service in existence as of the date of the
enactment of this Act (in this subsection referred to as the
``NEXRAD system'').
(2) Elements.--The plan developed under this subsection
shall seek to continue and improve weather radar coverage in
the United States and its territories and include the
following:
(A) Estimates of quantifiable improvements in
performance, coverage, and accuracy to be made from
potential options for replacement of the NEXRAD system.
(B) Development of a phased array radar to test and
determine the specifications and requirements for such
replacement.
(C) Expected actions needed to implement the
recommendations of the report published by the
Environmental Information Services Working Group of the
Science Advisory Board of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration on November 15, 2023, and
entitled ``A NESDIS Observing System Backbone
Framework'' to assist in defining a radar backbone
architecture that will best serve the United States.
(D) Establishment of a weather surveillance radar
testbed for the following:
(i) Evaluation of commercial radars with
the potential to replace or supplement the
NEXRAD system.
(ii) Providing technical assistance for the
use of small, gap-filling radars with private
and local partners in regions where
geographical topography prevents the full use
of large systems or in locations where such
systems may not be commercially viable.
(E) Consultation and input solicited from academia,
meteorologists, emergency managers, and public safety
or utility officials regarding the specifications and
requirements for replacement of the NEXRAD system.
(F) Prioritized locations for initial deployment of
the system that will replace the NEXRAD system.
(G) Expected locations of the system that will
replace the NEXRAD system, including sites located more
than 75 miles away from an existing NEXRAD system
station and additional appropriate locations.
(H) Expected or planned improvements to data
available for weather and water-related forecasts and
warnings from the system that will replace the NEXRAD
system.
(3) Procurement deadline.--The Under Secretary shall take
such actions as may be necessary to ensure the plan developed
under this subsection is fully implemented and executed by not
later than September 30, 2040.
(d) Radar-as-a-Service.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary may partner or
contract with entities outside of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to fill data gaps in weather radar
coverage using weather radars and data assimilation
technologies in order to--
(A) supplement data gaps in weather radar coverage,
including at low levels and in wide areas, in existence
as of the date of the enactment of this Act;
(B) ensure the continued performance of the weather
radar network of the United States; and
(C) better detect significant precipitation and
severe weather over a greater area across a population.
(2) Considerations.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Under Secretary may consider--
(A) partnering or contracting with entities that
have participated in the testbed described in
subsection (c)(2)(D), the National Mesonet Program, or
cooperative research and development agreements; and
(B) weather camera systems and services, including
in consultation with the Federal Aviation
Administration, as viable technologies to supplement
weather forecasting and prediction needs.
(e) Updates to Congress.--The Under Secretary shall provide to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives periodic updates on the implementation of this section.
SEC. 203. DATA VOIDS IN UNDER OBSERVED AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall carry out activities to
ensure comprehensive weather observation coverage, impact-based
decision support services, and emergency information sharing in the
United States, including the following:
(1) Identifying regions in the United States and the
territories of the United States that are under observed, and
as a result, have data gaps or experience disproportionate
impacts from hazardous weather that threatens human life,
health, and property.
(2) Identifying any challenges that contribute to the lack
of weather observations under paragraph (1).
(3) Increasing weather observations and developing new
weather observational capabilities with respect to the regions
identified under paragraph (1).
(4) Establishing or supporting testbeds and deployments of
decision support services to Federal, State, and local
emergency operations centers to develop and integrate new
weather, water, and climate observation or emergency
information sharing tools, with respect to the regions
identified under paragraph (1).
(5) To the maximum extent practicable, advancing weather
and water forecasting and subseasonal to seasonal modeling
capabilities for the regions identified under paragraph (1).
(6) Undertaking workforce development efforts for emergency
management officials and meteorologists in the regions
identified under paragraph (1).
(7) Using observations to fill voids in data and better
understand extreme rainfall in complex topography.
(8) Contributing to a national integrated heat health
information system.
(b) Consultation; Coordination.--The Under Secretary shall carry
out activities under subsection (a)--
(1) in coordination with the Director of the National
Weather Service and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency;
(2) in consultation with the United States weather industry
and academic partners; and
(3) in accordance with activities implemented through
existing regional atmospheric, coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes
observing systems.
(c) Interagency Partnership To Support Pilot Projects.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the Under
Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Weather
Service and in collaboration with the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall establish an
interagency partnership to support pilot projects that
accelerate coordination and use of localized weather, water,
and subseasonal to seasonal data and impact-based decision
support services in infrastructure and emergency management
decisions by Federal, State, and local officials.
(2) Priority.--At least one pilot project under paragraph
(1) shall address key science challenges to using mesonet data
in local decision making and development of new tools and
training for owners and operators of critical infrastructure
(as defined in subsection (e) of the Critical Infrastructures
Protection Act of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 5195c)), such as dams, energy
generation and distribution facilities, nuclear power plants,
and transportation networks.
SEC. 204. ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry and academic partners and in
coordination with the precipitation forecast improvement program under
section 603 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017, as added by section 115 of this Act, shall establish an
atmospheric river forecast improvement program (in this section
referred to as the ``program'').
(b) Goal.--The goal of the program shall be to reduce the loss of
life and property and economic losses from atmospheric rivers through
the research, development, and extension of accurate, effective, and
actionable forecasts and warnings, including by--
(1) establishing skill metrics for atmospheric river
forecasts that include assessing the benefits of dynamical
modeling, data assimilation, and machine learning improvements
in the probabilistic forecasts of landfall location, extreme
wind and precipitation, and cascading impacts;
(2) developing an atmospheric river forecast system within
a unified forecast system, and advancing next-generation
coupled modeling systems, with the capability of providing
seasonal to short-range atmospheric river forecasts that
include forecasts of snow accumulation and other hydrologic
components;
(3) advancing scientific understanding of the roles of
atmospheric rivers in subseasonal to seasonal precipitation and
probabilistic predictions at subseasonal to seasonal scales;
(4) developing tools and improved forecast products to
predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river
landfalls and inland penetration over the United States with a
focus on addressing stakeholder and public needs related to
perceiving, comprehending, and responding to atmospheric river
forecast improvements;
(5) enhancing the transition of research to operations
through testbeds of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, including the evaluation of physical and social
science, technology, and other research to develop products and
services for implementation and use by relevant stakeholders;
and
(6) incorporating social, behavioral, and economic sciences
into atmospheric river modeling and forecasting, as
appropriate.
(c) Innovative Observations, Data Assimilation, and Modeling.--The
Under Secretary shall ensure the program periodically examines, tests,
and evaluates the value of incorporating innovative observations, data,
and measurements with respect to the improvement of atmospheric river
analysis, modeling, forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
(d) Program Plan.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Air Force or the Commander of the 53rd Weather
Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air Force Reserve Command, shall develop
a plan that details the specific activities relating to research,
development, data acquisition, partnerships with the weather industry
and academic partners, and technology transfer, and corresponding
resources and timelines, necessary to achieve the goal of the program
under subsection (b). Such plan shall be made available to the public
on release.
(e) Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--After the development of the
plan pursuant to subsection (d), the Under Secretary shall submit to
Congress, with the budget of the President submitted under section 1105
of title 31, United States Code, for a fiscal year, a proposed budget
for the activities identified in such plan for that fiscal year.
(f) Improved Modeling.--In carrying out the program, the Under
Secretary may--
(1) develop, test, and operationalize prototype high-
resolution Atmospheric River Analysis and Forecasting System
models through research and operations partnerships with
institutions of higher education and other partners outside the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(2) enhance data assimilation of current and new satellite
and ocean observations that is useful for atmospheric river
analysis and forecasting predictions;
(3) improve data processing techniques related to
atmospheric river analysis and forecasting predictions;
(4) use artificial intelligence and machine learning
methods as applicable to atmospheric river analysis and
forecasting predictions;
(5) ensure the surface and subsurface observations of the
ocean meet the needs of atmospheric river analysis and
forecasting predictions on different timescales; and
(6) to the maximum extent practicable, improve or establish
baseline weather monitoring services in areas that have
historically experienced, or are predicted to experience,
atmospheric rivers.
(g) Conduct of Reconnaissance.--The Under Secretary shall acquire
and sustain adequate aircraft, scientific equipment, and personnel--
(1) to meet mission requirements of the National Hurricane
Operations Plan and the National Winter Season Operations plan;
(2) to ensure atmospheric river air reconnaissance
observations are available throughout the expected seasons of
tropical cyclones and atmospheric rivers;
(3) to the maximum extent practicable and in accordance
with paragraph (5), to ensure data and information collected
are made available for research and operations purposes;
(4) to participate in research and operations partnerships
that guide flight planning and use research methods to improve
and expand the capabilities and effectiveness of atmospheric
river reconnaissance over time;
(5) to develop data management strategies to ensure that
data and metadata are adequately stewarded, maintained, and
archived; and
(6) to undertake such other additional activities as the
Under Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air
Force, considers appropriate to improve and grow the hurricane
hunter and atmospheric river reconnaissance mission.
(h) Improved Atmospheric River Hazard Communication.--The Under
Secretary may conduct research and development activities in
coordination with the program established under section 403(a)--
(1) to, as appropriate, develop and refine--
(A) methods to categorize the intensity of weather
and oceans hazards, including tropical cyclones and
atmospheric rivers, on a quantitative scale; and
(B) the effectiveness of such scale in hazard
communication;
(2) to develop best practices for communication of
atmospheric river events and hazards across regions of the
United States;
(3) to gather information from areas prone to hurricanes
and atmospheric rivers regarding levels of knowledge and
preparedness, including responses to early forecasts and
warnings by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration; and
(4) to explore strategies to communicate, and the
effectiveness of communicating, that hurricane and atmospheric
river events are beneficial at lower intensities versus
hazardous at higher intensity.
SEC. 205. COASTAL FLOODING AND STORM SURGE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry and academic partners, shall establish a
coastal flooding and storm surge forecast improvement program (in this
section referred to as the ``program'').
(b) Goal.--The goal of the program shall be to reduce the loss of
life or property from coastal flooding, including high tide flooding,
and storm surge events through the development and extension of
accurate, effective, actionable, and probable forecasts and warnings.
(c) Priority.--In implementing the program, the Under Secretary
shall prioritize activities that carry out the following:
(1) Improving understanding and capacity for real-time
operational prediction of the ocean's role in coastal flooding,
including high tide flooding, and storm surge events.
(2) Improving the capacity to mitigate, adapt to, or
prevent the impacts of coastal flooding, including high tide
flooding, and storm surge events, including by improving the
understanding of coastal communities and the capacity of such
communities to perceive, comprehend, and respond to forecast
information.
(3) Incorporating data from in situ distributed sensors
into predictive models and re-analyses.
(4) Developing probabilistic coastal flooding, including
high tide flooding, and storm surge estimates to complement
worst-case scenario estimates, including for use in long-term
planning and risk management by States, Tribal governments,
localities, and emergency managers in coordination with the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, as appropriate.
(5) Establishing skill metrics for coastal inundation
forecasting that quantify the benefits of dynamical modeling,
data assimilation, and machine learning improvements in the
probabilistic forecast of coastal flooding, including high tide
flooding, and storm surge risk and impacts.
(6) Improving operational regional storm surge models and,
in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey, wave
prediction models to enhance probabilistic guidance and
messaging.
(d) Innovative Observations and Modeling.--The Under Secretary
shall ensure the program periodically examines, tests, and evaluates
the value of incorporating enhanced model physics, hybrid dynamical or
machine learning-based prediction systems, and innovative observations,
such as novel sensor technologies, observation networks, crewed or
uncrewed systems, and hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts,
vessels, and satellites, with respect to the improvement of coastal
flooding, including high tide flooding, and storm surge forecasts,
predictions, and warnings.
(e) Program Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall develop a plan that
details the specific research, development, data acquisition, and
technology transfer activities, and corresponding resources and
timelines, necessary to achieve the goal of the program under
subsection (b).
(f) Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--After the development of the
plan pursuant to subsection (e), the Under Secretary shall submit to
Congress, with the budget of the President submitted under section 1105
of title 31, United States Code, for a fiscal year, a proposed budget
for the activities identified in that plan for that fiscal year.
SEC. 206. NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEAT HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM.
(a) National Integrated Heat Health Information System.--
(1) Establishment.--The Under Secretary shall establish
within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a
system, to be known as the ``National Integrated Heat Health
Information System'' (in this section referred to as the
``System'').
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the System is to reduce heat-
related impacts by--
(A) improving the delivery of data, information,
forecasts, and warnings related to temperature and
extreme heat and related impacts;
(B) developing science-based solutions and tools to
improve impact-based decision support services for heat
impacts to human life, property, and the United States
economy; and
(C) supporting a research program on heat health,
in coordination with the agencies represented on the
National Integrated Heat Health Information System
Interagency Committee.
(b) National Integrated Heat Health Information System Interagency
Committee.--
(1) Establishment of committee.--There is established
within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an
interagency committee, to be known as the ``National Integrated
Heat Health Information System Interagency Committee'' (in this
section referred to as the ``Committee'').
(2) Purpose.--The Committee shall coordinate relevant
agencies to execute, as appropriate, activities across such
agencies to ensure a united Federal approach to reducing health
risks from heat.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to
carry out this section, including for any administrative costs for the
Committee and the System, $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026
through 2030.
SEC. 207. AVIATION WEATHER AND DATA INNOVATION.
(a) Airborne Observation Program.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain an
airborne observation program (in this subsection referred to as
the ``program'') for the acquisition of atmospheric sensor data
and the deployment of critical atmospheric sensors, including
in partnership with the weather enterprise.
(2) Activities.--The program shall include activities that
carry out the following:
(A) Procurement of weather data available from
commercial aircraft, as determined by the Under
Secretary.
(B) Acquisition of additional vertical profile
observations that provide spatial and temporal density,
as determined by the Under Secretary.
(C) Analysis of procured data when incorporated
into the unified forecast system of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in order to
provide improved forecast information for aircraft.
(3) Budget.--The Under Secretary shall submit to Congress,
with the budget of the President submitted under section 1105
of title 31, United States Code, for a fiscal year, a proposed
budget for the activities described in paragraph (2) for that
fiscal year, including and analysis of activities that can be
complemented by aircraft of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026
through 2030 to carry out the program.
(b) Aviation Weather and Turbulence Forecasting.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall--
(A) include turbulence events, icing conditions, or
other phenomena in the forecasting capabilities of the
Aviation Weather Center and the Center Weather Service
Units; and
(B) deliver operational forecasts with consistent,
timely, and accurate weather and turbulence information
for the airspace system and the protection of lives and
property.
(2) Coordination.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Director of the National Weather Service shall--
(A) give consideration to recommendations of the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
under section 44720 of title 49, United States Code;
and
(B) improve weather and turbulence forecasting
capabilities by--
(i) designating or establishing within the
Federal Government an interagency working group
to determine weather and environmental data or
observation requirements, needs, and potential
solutions related to aviation weather and
turbulence modeling or forecasting;
(ii) identifying current and future
potential data gaps related to turbulence
events or phenomena that can--
(I) identify or inform route-
specific flight planning; and
(II) be supplemented or filled by
commercial aviation tools;
(iii) transitioning research initiatives
and pilot programs, including a pilot program
of instrumentation deployed on commercial
aircraft for observing atmospheric composition
and other atmospheric factors and support for
the evaluation of a sustained observing network
using such instrumentation, into operations
that improve the forecasting capabilities of
the Aviation Weather Center;
(iv) developing and deploying improved
probabilistic aviation weather forecast
guidance technology; and
(v) updating interagency agreements as
appropriate, including to address reimbursable
agreements.
(c) Next Generation Aviation Research.--Section 102(b)(3) of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C.
8512(b)(3)), as amended by section 111(a) of this Act, is further
amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as
subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
``(F) aviation weather phenomena, including
atmospheric composition and turbulence, to improve
scientific understanding and forecast capabilities for
the airspace system;''.
(d) Aviation Information Dissemination.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure the Aviation Weather Center is able, to the maximum extent
possible, to disseminate in a timely manner full-resolution aviation
weather data, forecasts, and information to meet the needs of aviation
users.
(e) Provision of Weather Services to the Federal Aviation
Administration.--
(1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the aviation weather services provided to the Federal Aviation
Administration by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration are critical to the functions of the Federal
Aviation Administration and the safety of the flying public.
(2) Interagency agreement and supplemental services.--
(A) In general.--The Under Secretary and the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
shall enter into or otherwise participate in an
interagency agreement for a period of not less than 5
years under which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration provides weather services to the Federal
Aviation Administration.
(B) Request for proposals.--To inform the
interagency agreement under subparagraph (A), the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
shall, in consultation with the Under Secretary,
request proposals from the weather enterprise to
evaluate commercial opportunities to supplement, and
not replace, weather services or data at central
weather service units provided by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
(C) Compensation.--The interagency agreement under
subparagraph (A) shall ensure that the Administrator of
the Federal Aviation Administration fairly compensates
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in
a timely manner, for utilizing services under this
agreement.
(3) Briefings.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter through
December 31, 2030, the Under Secretary and the Administrator of
the Federal Aviation Administration shall provide a briefing to
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives on the status of--
(A) the provision by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration of weather services to the
Federal Aviation Administration; and
(B) the interagency agreement under paragraph (2).
SEC. 208. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA, AND INFORMATION
SERVICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, TRANSITION PROGRAM, AND
OPERATIONAL PLANNING.
(a) Partnership Program.--
(1) In general.--The Assistant Administrator of the
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service
(in this section referred to as the ``Assistant
Administrator'') shall maintain a partnership program to
enhance engagement with the private sector, academia, and other
Federal agencies (in this subsection referred to as the
``partnership program'').
(2) Administration.--The Assistant Administrator, in
consultation with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, shall administer broad agency
announcements and other transactional authority or contracting
mechanisms, on an annual or more frequent basis, to support the
partnership program.
(b) Transition Program.--
(1) In general.--To support the development of next-
generation technologies, missions, data systems, spacecraft,
and instrument design, the Assistant Administrator, in
consultation with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, shall maintain a program to
transition selected awards from research and study phases into
demonstration (in this subsection referred to as the
``transition program'').
(2) Considerations.--In selecting awardees for
demonstrations under the transition program, the Assistant
Administrator shall consider technologies, missions, data
systems, spacecraft, and instrument design that--
(A) improve upon the satellite architecture of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(B) have a direct impact on implementing the
recommendations of the Satellite Observing System
Architecture Study of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration entitled, ``Building a Plan
for NOAA's 21st Century Satellite Observing System''
and dated May 31, 2018; and
(C) meet current or future mission requirements.
(3) Operational planning.--In carrying out the transition
program, the Assistant Administrator shall monitor
demonstration phase progress and plan for promising results
that meet mission requirements to be transitioned into the
operational satellite architecture of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
(c) Annual Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2029, the
Assistant Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives an annual plan
that outlines the progress made in the partnership program under
subsection (a), the transition program under subsection (b), and
operational planning under subsection (b)(3).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts authorized to be
appropriated to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and
Information Service, there shall be available $20,000,000 for fiscal
years 2026 through 2030 to carry out to this section.
SEC. 209. ADVANCED WEATHER INTERACTIVE PROCESSING SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2030, the Under
Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Weather Service,
shall develop a strategy to transition operations of the Advanced
Weather Interactive Processing System to an operational cloud-based
environment.
(b) Services.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that the Advanced
Weather Interactive Processing System in an operational cloud-based
environment referred to in subsection (a) provides impact-based
decision support services to emergency managers at the Federal, State,
local, and Tribal levels, and continues to provide the following
services:
(1) Integrating and displaying forecast data, including
meteorological, hydrological, climate, ocean, satellite, and
radar data, for field offices and national centers of the
National Weather Service.
(2) Acquiring and processing observational data from
sensors and local sources.
(3) Providing an interactive communications system,
including any relevant capabilities of the existing satellite
broadcast network, to connect relevant employees and sites of
the National Weather Service.
(4) Initiating the dissemination of weather, water, marine,
ecological, subseasonal to seasonal, aviation, and space
warnings and forecasts in a rapid and highly reliable manner.
(c) Elements.--The transition of operations required under
subsection (a) may include the following:
(1) Establishment or support of testbeds, pilot projects,
and functional testing activities to facilitate remote
evaluation and automated testing.
(2) Coordinated training efforts needed for Federal and
non-Federal users and operators of the Advanced Weather
Interactive Processing System in an operational cloud-based
environment referred to in subsection (a).
(3) Evaluation of bandwidth requirements to achieve a
quality user experience.
(4) Installation of circuits to reduce lapses in network
operations and support backup functions.
(5) Establishment of a cloud-based, remotely accessible
repository for data referred to in subsection (b)(2).
(6) Development and deployment of virtualized systems to
replace physical hardware at operational sites.
(7) Evaluation of commercial cloud providers, including
hybrid approaches, to meet mission needs.
(8) Development, testing, demonstration, evaluation, and
operationalization of forecast and warning products, consistent
with the mission and scientific expertise of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(d) Updates to Congress.--The Under Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives periodic updates on the implementation of this section.
(e) Continued Innovation.--Nothing in this section may be construed
as prohibiting the development of new forecast capabilities or sub-
systems or implementing modeling advancements on the operational
computing systems of the Administration.
SEC. 210. REANALYSIS AND REFORECASTING.
The Under Secretary may support reanalysis and reforecasting
activities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
including through weather testbeds of the Administration--
(1) for improving weather forecasts, extreme weather
predictions, and weather and climate datasets; and
(2) to serve as training data for artificial intelligence
and machine learning data-driven models.
SEC. 211. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WORKFORCE.
(a) Hiring Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the
Director of the National Weather Service shall submit to the
Under Secretary and Congress an assessment of the milestones,
timelines, and service level expectations required for the
expeditious hiring and timely onboarding of employees of the
National Weather Service.
(2) Elements.--Each assessment required by paragraph (1)
may include the following:
(A) Recommendations to outsource hiring to any
entity other than the National Weather Service in order
to meet the milestones, timelines, and service level
expectations described in paragraph (1).
(B) Determinations of the number of staff and
designated positions required at each forecasting
office to provide services to protect lives and
property in the geographic region of responsibility.
(b) Health and Morale Assessment.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall enter into a contract with, or continue to
partner with, an entity other than the National Weather Service
to conduct an assessment of medical impacts, including stress
and long-term health impacts, on employees of the National
Weather Service related to required rotating shift work.
(2) Elements.--The assessment required by paragraph (1) may
include--
(A) options for mitigating the impacts on employees
described in that paragraph; and
(B) recommendations for improving benefits related
to required rotating shift work.
(c) Role of the Director.--Notwithstanding the results of the
assessment under subsection (a), the Director of the National Weather
Service shall establish service level standards based on staffing
levels.
(d) Designation and Responsibilities of Service Hydrologists.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather
Service may designate at least one service hydrologist at each
Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service.
(2) Performance by other employees.--Notwithstanding
paragraphs (3) and (4), the Director of the National Weather
Service may assign the performance of the responsibilities
described in this subsection to such other staff of the
National Weather Service as the Director considers appropriate.
(3) Responsibilities.--In order to increase impact-based
decision support services, each service coordination
hydrologist designated under paragraph (1) shall, with respect
to hydrology, carry out the following:
(A) Provide service to the geographic area of
responsibility covered by the Weather Forecast Office
at which the service coordination hydrologist is
employed to help ensure that users of products and
services of the National Weather Service can respond
effectively to improve outcomes from flood events.
(B) Liaise with users of products and services of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
such as emergency managers, the public, academia, media
outlets, users in the hydropower, transportation,
recreation, and agricultural communities, and forestry,
land, fisheries, and water management interests, to
evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of the products
and services referred to in subparagraph (A), including
extended-range streamflow forecasts, water supply
forecasts, drought outlooks, flood inundation mapping,
coastal inundation, and flood warnings.
(C) Collaborate with the National Water Center, the
River Forecast Centers, other Weather Forecast Offices,
the National Integrated Drought Information System,
offices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and Federal, State, local, and Tribal
government agencies, as the Director considers
appropriate, in developing, proposing, and implementing
plans to develop, modify, or tailor such products and
services to improve the usefulness of such products and
services.
(D) Engage in interagency partnerships with
Federal, State, local, and Tribal government agencies
to explore the use of forecast-informed reservoir
operations to reduce flood risk and inform decisions
related to water resources management.
(E) Ensure the maintenance and accuracy of flooding
and water resource management partner call lists,
appropriate office hydrologic service policy or
procedures, and other hydrologic information or
dissemination methodologies or strategies.
(F) Work closely with Federal, State, local, and
Tribal emergency and floodplain management agencies,
and other agencies relating to disaster management, to
ensure a planned, coordinated, and effective
preparedness and response effort.
(4) Additional responsibilities.--A service coordination
hydrologist designated under paragraph (1) may, with respect to
hydrology--
(A) work with a State agency to develop plans for
promoting more effective use of products and services
of the National Weather Service throughout the State
concerned;
(B) identify priority community preparedness
objectives;
(C) develop plans to carry out the responsibilities
described in paragraph (3); and
(D) conduct flooding event preparedness planning
and citizen education efforts with and through various
State, local, and Tribal government agencies and other
disaster management-related organizations.
(e) Pilot Projects.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall--
(A) perform pilot projects for--
(i) transformational services related to
decision support services and technology;
(ii) transitioning data and services to the
cloud;
(iii) provision of on-site decision support
for emergency management operations; and
(iv) transitioning to and communication of
probabilistic models, forecasts, and hazard
information; and
(B) conduct a study to assess the capabilities
needed to scale those pilot projects toward a new and
more efficient and effective operations model.
(2) Sunset.--The authority under paragraph (1) shall
terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed
to authorize or require a change in the authorized number of full-time
equivalent employees of the National Weather Service or otherwise
result in the employment of any additional employees.
(g) Protection From Hiring Freezes.--
(1) In general.--Title IV of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8541 et seq.), as
amended by section 114(a), is further amended by adding at the
end the following:
``SEC. 410. CLASSIFICATION OF AND STAFFING PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES AND
PROTECTION FROM HIRING FREEZES.
``(a) Classification of Certain Employees.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget shall categorize each position in the
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration specified
under paragraph (2) as a protective service occupation under
the Standard Occupational Classification System.
``(2) Occupational series specified.--The positions that
are specified in this paragraph are positions in the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that are--
``(A) determined by the Under Secretary to be
involved in supporting forecasts and warnings to
protect human life and property; and
``(B) determined by the Director of the Office of
Personnel Management to be--
``(i) a position in the Engineering and
Architecture occupational series listed under
occupational series 0801, 0802, 0810, 0855, or
0856;
``(ii) a position in the Production
Controller (Aircraft) occupational series
(1152);
``(iii) a position in the Physical Sciences
occupational series listed under occupational
series 1301, 1313, 1315, 1340, 1341, 1360,
1370, or 1372;
``(iv) a position in the Equipment
Specialist Series (Aircraft) occupational
series (1670);
``(v) a position in the Information
Technology Management occupational series
(2210); or
``(vi) a position held by a professional
mariner (as defined in section 269B of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33
U.S.C. 3079b), including a position in
occupational series 0865, 9901, 9916, 9920,
9923-24, 9927-28, 9931-34, 9944, 9954, 9960,
9965, 9968, 9971, 9973, and 9984).
``(3) Congressional briefing.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this section, the Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere shall provide a briefing on
the implementation of this section to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives.
``(b) 5-Year Staffing Plan for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress
a 5-year staffing plan for--
``(1) the National Weather Service; and
``(2) any positions within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration that support forecasts and warnings
to protect human life and property, including positions that
involve--
``(A) collection of data for incorporation into
watches and warnings;
``(B) operation and maintenance of equipment for
collection of data described in subparagraph (A);
``(C) maintenance of information technology
systems;
``(D) modeling for forecasts and warnings; and
``(E) research to improve forecasts, warnings, and
communication of those warnings to better protect human
life and property.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 409 the
following:
``Sec. 410. Classification of and staffing plan for employees and
protection from hiring freezes.''.
SEC. 212. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR WEATHER FORECASTING.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Artificial intelligence.--The term ``artificial
intelligence''--
(A) has the meaning given that term in section 5002
of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act
of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401); and
(B) includes machine learning, neural networks, and
natural language processing.
(2) Artificial intelligence weather model.--The term
``artificial intelligence weather model'' means a weather model
based primarily on artificial intelligence technology to
project future Earth system conditions based on machine
learning using weather forecasting training datasets.
(3) Curate.--The term ``curate'', with respect to a
dataset, means--
(A) to collect and maintain the dataset--
(i) to ensure and document its quality; and
(ii) to provide metadata on its provenance;
and
(B) to update the dataset periodically, as
appropriate and practicable.
(4) Numerical weather model.--The term ``numerical weather
model'' means a weather model based primarily on coupled Earth
System processes that uses numerical computation to forecast
future Earth system conditions.
(5) Observational data.--The term ``observational data''
means data and metadata from actual observations of
environmental conditions, including remote sensing and in situ
platforms.
(6) Synthetic data.--The term ``synthetic data'' means data
produced from a model or statistical method in order to fill
gaps in observational data.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is--
(1) to improve accuracy and timeliness of weather, water,
and space weather forecasts and effective dissemination of
critical information;
(2) to strengthen analytic capacity to inform resource
deployments in response to and to mitigate harm from weather,
water, wildfires, and space weather hazards through the
mandated exploration and use of artificial intelligence by
Federal agencies;
(3) to strengthen public-private partnerships to accelerate
adoption and outcomes of the use of artificial intelligence in
response to and to mitigate such harm; and
(4) to strengthen public-private partnerships in highly
technical, high-risk, and high-reward fields related to
weather, water, wildfires, and space weather forecasts.
(c) Earth System Forecasting and Information Delivery.--
(1) Training datasets.--Not later than 4 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Director
of the National Science Foundation, the Director of the
National Center for Atmospheric Research, the Interagency
Council on Advancing Meteorological Services, other appropriate
Federal advisory committees as determined by the Under
Secretary, and such other technical experts as the Under
Secretary considers appropriate, shall develop and curate
comprehensive weather forecasting training datasets with
relevant Earth system data, quality information, and metadata
necessary for weather forecasting.
(2) Use of existing datasets.--In order to speed the
development of the weather forecasting training datasets
required under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall assess,
and to the greatest extent practicable build on, existing Earth
system reanalysis datasets of the Federal Government.
(3) Artificial intelligence weather model.--
(A) Global model.--In carrying out this subsection,
the Under Secretary, in consultation with appropriate
Federal advisory committees as determined by the Under
Secretary, may develop and test a global weather model
based on artificial intelligence technologies utilizing
data of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to the extent possible.
(B) Regional and local models.--In addition to a
global weather model under subparagraph (A), the Under
Secretary may experiment with regional and local
weather models based on artificial intelligence
technologies.
(4) Use of artificial intelligence to disseminate
information.--In coordination with an artificial intelligence
weather model or models developed under paragraph (3), the
Under Secretary may explore the use of artificial intelligence
to enhance the dissemination of information with respect to
weather and wildfire risks and evaluate the effectiveness of
communication for improved public understanding and
preparedness.
(5) Continued support for observations, basic research, and
numerical weather models.--Notwithstanding the requirements of
this subsection, the Under Secretary shall continue to support
and advance the activities of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration--
(A) to collect and acquire traditional and novel
observational data relevant for artificial intelligence
and numerical weather, water, and space weather
forecasting;
(B) to advance research on the Earth system and
numerical weather model forecasting;
(C) to develop and advance numerical Earth system
modeling for predictions;
(D) to develop weather model data post-processing
techniques; and
(E) to improve data assimilation techniques.
(6) Observing system coverage.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Under Secretary may evaluate the use of cost
functions in data-driven machine learning model training to
balance inequities in observing system coverage and data poor
areas.
(7) Uncertainty quantification research.--In carrying out
this subsection, the Under Secretary may develop uncertainty
quantification research for the purpose of accurate
environmental risk and hazard communications of probabilistic
predictions and forecasts.
(8) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than every 2
years thereafter through 2035, the Under Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives a report on the activities
conducted under this subsection.
(d) Advanced Artificial Intelligence Applications for Weather
Forecasts and Information Delivery.--The Under Secretary shall explore
advanced applications of artificial intelligence to improve weather
forecasts and information delivery, such as by--
(1) improving data assimilation;
(2) accounting for coupled Earth system processes;
(3) improving readiness and preparedness to combat
wildfires, mitigation of the risk from wildfires, and improving
safety for firefighters and communities at risk from wildfires;
(4) using artificial intelligence weather models to
generate ensemble forecasts to more accurately assess flow-
dependent forecast uncertainties; and
(5) improving impact-based decision support for greater
societal benefits based on those forecasts.
(e) Technical Assistance on Use of Artificial Intelligence Weather,
Water, and Space Weather Models.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall provide--
(A) technical assistance, data access, and support
for forecasters, scientists, social scientists, and
engineers to test and evaluate the use and
effectiveness of the artificial intelligence models of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
including within the testbeds of the Administration;
(B) best practices on providing forecasts based on
outputs from artificial intelligence weather models and
numerical weather models, or a combination thereof; and
(C) support for emergency managers to make
operational decisions based on outputs from artificial
intelligence weather models and numerical weather
models, or a combination thereof.
(2) Assessment of weather models.--
(A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall support
the development of a common framework for the
assessment of numerical weather models and artificial
intelligence weather models by comparing model output
and observational data over a period of time in the
past through the use of such methodologies as the Under
Secretary considers appropriate.
(B) Best practices.--In carrying out this
paragraph, the Under Secretary may develop and
disseminate best practices in collaboration with--
(i) the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the National Science
Foundation, and the Department of Energy;
(ii) academic and research institutions;
and
(iii) the private sector.
(3) Technical assistance.--In carrying out this subsection,
the Under Secretary may provide technical assistance, best
practices, and support required under paragraph (1) through the
National Weather Service.
(4) Independent study on the impacts of artificial
intelligence weather, water, and space weather models.--The
Under Secretary may enter into an agreement with the National
Academy of Sciences or another entity as determined appropriate
by the Under Secretary to assess the impacts of artificial
intelligence weather models on the weather enterprise and make
recommendations to improve the integration of such models in
operational forecasting.
(f) Partnerships for Transformational Innovation.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary may explore novel
structures for partnerships with private, academic, and
international entities for research and development of
transformative innovation in weather forecasting and other
environmental forecasts--
(A) to further the understanding of weather, water,
wildfires, and space weather, and their societal
impact;
(B) to advance the science of weather and water
forecasting, including subseasonal to seasonal
forecasting; and
(C) to develop, evaluate, and transition artificial
intelligence weather, water, and hazard forecasting
applications to operations.
(2) Co-investment.--Subject to applicable law, the Under
Secretary may consider and adopt novel co-investment strategies
with the private academic and international sectors to carry
out paragraph (1), including--
(A) non-Federal Government contributions to
resource and support high-risk, high-return research
and development in environmental forecasting, data
science, artificial intelligence, and related fields;
(B) shared rights to intellectual property from
research and development activities under this
subsection; and
(C) other approaches to sharing resources and
results under this subsection.
(g) Availability of Dataset.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall develop and
implement a plan to make available to the public, at no cost
and subject to applicable law and policy, the following:
(A) Operational artificial intelligence weather
models developed by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
(B) Artificial intelligence weather models that are
not operational models, including experimental and
developmental models, as the Under Secretary determines
appropriate.
(C) Applicable information and documentation for
artificial intelligence weather models described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B), including a description of
intended model outputs.
(D) Subject to subsection (i), all data owned by
the Federal Government and data that the Under
Secretary has the legal right to redistribute that are
associated with artificial intelligence weather models
made available to the public pursuant to the plan and
used in operational forecasting by the Administration,
including--
(i) relevant metadata; and
(ii) data used for operational artificial
intelligence weather models used by the
Administration.
(2) Accommodations.--In developing and implementing the
plan under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary may make such
accommodations as the Under Secretary considers appropriate to
ensure that the public release of any artificial intelligence
weather model, information, documentation, or data pursuant to
the plan does not jeopardize--
(A) national security;
(B) intellectual property or redistribution rights,
including under titles 17 and 35, United States Code;
(C) any trade secret or commercial or financial
information subject to section 552(b)(4) of title 5,
United States Code;
(D) any models or data that are otherwise
restricted by contract or other written agreement; or
(E) the mission of the Administration to protect
lives and property.
(3) Report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report, in both unclassified
and classified form, regarding the risks to the
economic and intellectual security of the United States
from foreign countries of concern through access by
those countries to weather data in the United States.
(B) Elements.--The report required under
subparagraph (A) shall include--
(i) a full analysis of the national,
intellectual, and economic security
implications for the United States with respect
to intellectual property theft or cyber or
human espionage through access to weather data;
and
(ii) conclusions of the Under Secretary and
recommendations for legislative and
administrative action, if any.
(C) Foreign country of concern defined.--In this
paragraph, the term ``foreign country of concern'' has
the meaning given that term in section 9901 of the
William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C.
4651).
(h) Retention of Federal Government Expertise.--Subject to
applicable law, the Under Secretary may consider novel methods to
recruit, retrain, and retain expert personnel to support activities
under this section, including by--
(1) using methods to be competitive with salaries outside
the Federal Government;
(2) developing staff exchange programs and training
programs; and
(3) leveraging applicable hiring and retention strategies
authorized for Federal agencies.
(i) Protection of National Security Interests.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section, the Under Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, may withhold models or
data used under this section if the Under Secretary determines
doing so to be necessary to protect the national security
interests of the United States.
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to supersede any other provision of law governing the
protection of the national security interests of the United
States.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Under Secretary to carry out this section--
(1) for fiscal year 2026, $311,000,000; and
(2) for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030,
$76,000,000.
SEC. 213. COMPOSITION OF THE ATMOSPHERE AND ATMOSPHERIC OBSERVATIONS.
(a) Assessments.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes the
following:
(1) An identification of Federal observation capabilities
and data gaps related to the composition of Earth's atmosphere,
including the troposphere and stratosphere.
(2) An analysis of Federal efforts that advance scientific
understanding of the effects on the Earth's radiation budget of
direct or indirect actions that may change the composition of
Earth's atmosphere.
(3) The current and projected use of ground-based, space-
based, and maritime-based remote and in situ sensing
capabilities, autonomous and manned aerial platforms, and other
commercially available technologies and platforms of
opportunity to accelerate research and increase observations
and monitoring of Earth's atmosphere.
(4) Recommendations for the adaptation or expansion of
technologies and platforms identified under paragraph (3).
(5) An identification and prioritization of additional
observation and analysis capabilities needed to ensure
comprehensive monitoring that detects future changes in
atmospheric composition.
(b) Considerations.--In preparing an assessment required by
subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall consider and use, as
appropriate, reports and studies conducted by Federal agencies, the
National Research Council, or other entities.
(c) Pilot Projects.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary may conduct pilot
projects of atmospheric composition observational systems and
platforms including--
(A) the use of atmospheric observing instruments on
commercial and uncrewed aircraft;
(B) the use of atmospheric and oceanic observing
instruments on uncrewed ocean surface platforms or
deployed on commercial or other nondedicated ocean
vessels; and
(C) in situ observation capability to conduct
regular atmospheric observations of the troposphere and
stratosphere.
(2) Consultation and coordination.--The Under Secretary
shall consult and coordinate with relevant Federal agencies to
develop processes for the appropriate deployment of systems and
platforms pursuant to pilot projects conducted under paragraph
(1).
(d) Authority To Enter Into Agreements.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Under Secretary may enter into agreements, to the
extent necessary to carry out this section, with governmental and
nongovernmental entities--
(1) for the purchase of atmospheric composition data from
commercial providers;
(2) for the hosting of observational instruments on
government or private platforms; and
(3) to leverage data from international platforms as
appropriate.
(e) Definition of Appropriate Committees of Congress.--In this
section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives.
SEC. 214. PROJECT TO IMPROVE FORECASTS OF COASTAL MARINE FOG.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall conduct a project to
improve forecasts of coastal marine fog.
(b) Goal.--The goal of the project required under subsection (a) is
to enhance vessel safety and reduce the economic impact of coastal
marine fog events, with a focus on--
(1) increasing the number of marine-based observations
through additional Federal platforms and commercially acquired
observations in locations where impacts from marine fog and
reduced visibility have major safety and economic impacts,
including through the use of--
(A) buoys;
(B) meteorological stations measuring visibility,
temperature, dewpoint, and wind speed and direction as
a stand-alone or co-located with water level sensors,
such as those that are part of the physical
oceanographic observation system program of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(C) stationary platforms or drifting instruments;
(D) vessels;
(E) unmanned systems;
(F) remote sensing technologies, including rapid
refresh hyperspectral satellite imagery; and
(G) advanced algorithms that extract actionable
information from observational data, including early
detection and regular monitoring of marine fog;
(2) advancing geographic coverage, resolution, skill, and
accuracy of marine fog modeling, including, when feasible,
additional locations and advancements in marine channel
forecast capability;
(3) improving communication of marine fog advisories by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(4) communicating risks posed by hazardous marine fog
events in a way that maximizes informed decision making by the
public; and
(5) providing decision support services based on
environmental information that is actionable to the recipient
of a marine fog advisory.
(c) Stakeholder Engagement.--In implementing the project required
under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall meet with public and
private stakeholders regarding the planning, development, and
implementation of the project.
(d) Tribal Engagement.--The Under Secretary shall meet with Indian
tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) regarding the planning,
development, and implementation of the project required under
subsection (a).
(e) Project Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall develop a plan for the
project required under subsection (a) that details the specific
research, development, and technology transfer activities, as well as
corresponding resources and timelines, necessary to achieve the goal
set forth under subsection (b).
TITLE III--COMMERCIAL WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS
SEC. 301. COMMERCIAL DATA PROGRAM.
Section 302 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act
of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8532) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL DATA PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Establishment.--The Under Secretary, in coordination
with the heads of appropriate offices of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, shall maintain a program, to be known as
the `Commercial Data Program', to coordinate and execute acquisition of
weather and environmental data and services from private sector
entities for operational use.
``(b) Program Elements.--The Under Secretary may acquire satellite,
ground-based, airborne, or marine-based in situ, remote sensing, or
crowd-sourced data and services for operational use relating to weather
and environmental forecasting and modeling.
``(c) Coordination and Collaboration.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure the Commercial Data Program coordinates, collaborates, and
ensures access to data across the Administration, including among the
following:
``(1) The National Mesonet Program.
``(2) The Aircraft Based Observation Program.
``(3) The National Integrated Drought Information System,
including the National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring
Network.
``(4) The National Integrated Flood Information System.
``(5) The Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program.
``(6) The National Data Buoy Center.
``(7) The Uncrewed Systems Operation Center.
``(8) The Ocean Exploration Program.
``(9) Any other program or office the Under Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(d) Standards and Specifications.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this section and on a continuous basis
thereafter, the Under Secretary shall publish data, metadata, and
service standards and specifications required for acquired observation
services and data for use, licensing, and attribution to ensure
quality, impact, and compatibility of such services and data with
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration modeling capabilities,
meteorological situational awareness, and forecasting.
``(e) Prioritization.--In acquiring data and services from private
sector entities, the Under Secretary shall prioritize obtaining
surface-based, airborne-based, space-based, and coastal- and ocean-
based data, metadata, and services for operational use from entities
that participate in the Commercial Data Pilot Program under section 303
or other programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration that acquire commercial data or observations.
``(f) NOAA Observing Systems and Fleet Councils.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain the
Observing Systems Council, or successor program, and the Fleet
Council of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(in this subsection collectively referred to as the `Councils')
to provide strategic recommendations and guidance regarding the
prioritization, design, development, acquisition, upgrading,
lifecycle, performance monitoring, and retiring of major
components of observing systems and portfolios, including
related to the acquisition of commercial weather and
environmental data and services.
``(2) Line office coordination.--The Councils shall ensure
coordination and adherence to uniform policies by providing
guidance to all line offices of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration engaged in observing systems
portfolio design, technology, development, execution, and
operation.
``(g) Data and Hosted Payloads.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary of Commerce may enter into agreements
relating to the following:
``(1) The purchase of weather and environmental data and
services through contracts with private sector commercial data
and service providers.
``(2) The placement of weather instruments on co-hosted
Federal, international, or private space, airborne, maritime,
or ground platforms.
``(h) Ombudsman.--The Under Secretary shall establish or designate
at least one Ombudsman position within the Commercial Data Program to
implement the recommendations of the Observing Systems Council under
subsection (f) related to commercial weather and environmental data and
services acquisitions. Such an Ombudsman shall act as the liaison
between private sector data and service providers and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with respect to receiving
recommendations and resolving issues related to engagement, testing,
contracting, or other areas related to the Administration's efforts to
acquire commercial weather and environmental data and services.
``(i) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report evaluating the activities and needed
authorities related to data governance and management practices,
including acquisition, collection, documentation, quality control,
validation, reprocessing, storage, retrieval, dissemination, and long-
term preservation activities across all National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration line, staff, and corporate offices.''.
SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL DATA PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 303 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act
of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8533) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 303. COMMERCIAL DATA PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Establishment.--Within the Commercial Data Program
under section 302, there shall be, to the maximum extent practicable, a
pilot program, to be known as the `Commercial Data Pilot Program', to
engage with external partners and providers to test and develop shared
standards and methodologies for quality, use, licensing, and
attribution of observation services and data, and to ensure quality,
impact, and compatibility of such services and data with National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration modeling capabilities,
meteorological situational awareness, and forecasting.
``(b) Authorization for Test and Evaluation.--The Commercial Data
Pilot Program is authorized to test and evaluate all sources and types
of observation services, imagery, products, and data from private
sector entities, including new and innovative surface-based, airborne-
based, space-based, and coastal- and ocean-based data, metadata, and
model components.
``(c) Criteria.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that data
acquired through the Commercial Data Pilot Program meet the most recent
standards and specifications, as published pursuant to section 302(d),
required for observation services and data.
``(d) Pilot Contracts.--The Under Secretary shall, through an open
competition, regularly enter into pilot contracts with private sector
entities capable of providing observation services and data referred to
in subsection (a) that meet the standards and specifications published
pursuant to section 302(d) for providing such services and data in a
manner that allows the Under Secretary to calibrate and evaluate such
services and data for use in National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration activities.
``(e) Assessment of Viability.--The Under Secretary shall annually
assess and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives a summary of the pilot
contracts entered into pursuant to subsection (d), an assessment of the
extent to which such contracts meet the standards and specifications
published pursuant to section 302(d), and any additional information
determined necessary related to the following:
``(1) The viability of integrating observation services and
data from private sector entities into National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration forecasts and models.
``(2) The expected value added or improvements from such
services and data if integrated into National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration forecasts and models.
``(3) The accuracy, quality, timeliness, validity,
reliability, usability, information technology security, and
cost-effectiveness of obtaining observation services and data
from private sector entities.
``(4) If the Under Secretary determines it is viable to
integrate such services and data into the forecasts and models
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
steps to integrate, not later than 1 year after the date of the
determination, such services and data into operational use by
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or any
associated challenges in doing so.
``(f) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under subsection (e)
demonstrates the ability of services and data from private sector
entities to meet the standards and specifications published pursuant to
section 302(c), the Under Secretary shall--
``(1) when cost effective and feasible, obtain observation
services and data from private sector entities through the
Commercial Data Program under section 302;
``(2) as early as possible in the acquisition process for
any future National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
satellite system, determine whether there is a suitable cost
effective, commercial capability available or that will be
available to meet applicable instrument, spacecraft, or system
requirements before completion of the critical design phase of
such planned satellite system;
``(3) if the Under Secretary determines under paragraph (2)
that a suitable cost effective, commercial capability is or
will be available, determine whether and how such capability is
in the national interest if developed as a solely governmental
system; and
``(4) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report
detailing any determinations made under paragraphs (2) and
(3).''.
SEC. 303. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND AVOIDANCE OF DUPLICATION.
Title III of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8531 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 304. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND AVOIDANCE OF DUPLICATION.
``(a) In General.--Consistent with the authorities of other Federal
agencies that contract and partner with private sector entities,
including under section 3903 of title 41, United States Code, the Under
Secretary is authorized to use contracting mechanisms and enter into
agreements that use multiyear contract options. In carrying out
sections 302 and 303, the Under Secretary shall, to the greatest extent
possible--
``(1) enter into year-long or multiyear contracts using
contracting mechanisms that foster resiliency of service and
data purchased;
``(2) partner and contract with multiple observation
service and data providers simultaneously to reduce risks of
data gaps and improve mission robustness; and
``(3) use authorities, such as additional forms of
transaction agreements under section 301(d), that allow for
innovative partnerships with private sector entities.
``(b) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this title may be construed as
infringing on the acquisition authority or strategy of Federal entities
authorized under title 10, United States Code.
``(c) Unnecessary Duplication.--In meeting the requirements under
this title, the Under Secretary shall avoid unnecessary duplication
between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, other Federal agencies,
and private sector entities, including relating to corresponding
expenditures of funds and employment of personnel by--
``(1) coordinating existing activities with other civilian
Federal agencies that provide, contract, or partner with
private sector entities to acquire weather and environmental
observations and data; and
``(2) coordinating and soliciting weather and environmental
observations and data requirements and needs from other
civilian Federal agencies to be acquired by the Commercial Data
Program under section 302.
``(d) Fair Compensation for Interagency Needs.--The Under
Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that Federal
agencies utilizing services and data under sections 302 and 303 fairly
compensate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the
non-Federal entities providing such services or data, as appropriate,
for use.''.
SEC. 304. DATA ASSIMILATION, MANAGEMENT, AND SHARING PRACTICES.
Title III of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017, as amended by section 303 of this Act, is further amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 305. DATA ASSIMILATION, MANAGEMENT, AND SHARING PRACTICES.
``(a) Data Standards.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the weather enterprise, shall seek to establish consistent and open
data and metadata standards to support open science, including simple
cloud-optimized data formats and application programming interfaces
that support findability, accessibility, usability, and preservability.
``(b) Data Infrastructure.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in consultation
with the Chief Information Officer and appropriate program
heads, shall consolidate and arrange data infrastructure needs
to ensure efficient and effective data transfer between
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offices by
considering the use of commercial cloud technologies, or
similar hybrid structures, to host and transmit data and
metadata.
``(2) Federal partnerships.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Under Secretary may partner with the heads of other Federal
agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the Department of Energy, the Space Force, the
Coast Guard, the Navy, the Federal Aviation Administration, the
Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
National Science Foundation, and the United States Geological
Survey, to co-locate data with joint utility and support a
transition to cloud architectures, including commercial cloud
networks.
``(3) Long-term data archive.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure the long-term management, maintenance, and stewardship
of archival data and metadata acquired through the Commercial
Data Program under section 302 is conducted within the National
Centers for Environmental Information.
``(c) Data Sharing With the Weather Enterprise.--
``(1) In general.--To the greatest extent practicable, the
Under Secretary shall--
``(A) continue to ensure the delivery of data
through sound and robust infrastructure, such as data
sharing capabilities of the industry proving grounds;
and
``(B) make accessible to members of the weather
enterprise that are United States persons data that
is--
``(i) not subject to redistribution
contract permissions; or
``(ii) purchased through the Commercial
Data Program under section 302 or shared
through international government partners.
``(2) Data assimilated into models or forecasts.--If data
described in paragraph (1)(B) are required to be assimilated
into numerical weather prediction models or automated forecast
guidance to satisfy terms of a redistribution contract, the
Under Secretary shall make accessible without delay to members
of the weather enterprise that are United States persons the
numerical weather prediction model or automated forecast
guidance output, as the case may be.
``(d) Data Assimilation.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in coordination
with the Commercial Data Program under section 302, the
National Centers for Environmental Prediction, the National
Centers for Environmental Information, the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research, and any other relevant offices within
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall
establish a program to test, advance, and implement data
assimilation methods, which may include artificial
intelligence, machine learning, data pre- and post-processing,
efficient input and output, and next-generation algorithms.
``(2) Data assimilation university consortium.--
``(A) In general.--Through the program established
pursuant to paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall
establish a consortium consisting of institutions of
higher education (as defined in section 101 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) to
address critical research challenges for data
assimilation and foster a growing data assimilation
workforce.
``(B) Functions.--The consortium established under
subparagraph (A) shall seek--
``(i) to solve critical research issues
relating to data assimilation through
innovative research;
``(ii) to increase significantly the number
of students, including Ph.D. candidates and
other graduate-level students, in data
assimilation;
``(iii) to use modern software and
frameworks, such as the Joint Effort for Data
Assimilation Integration, or emerging
technologies, such as artificial intelligence
and machine learning techniques, to conduct
data assimilation research and development and
facilitate research-to-operations efforts to
improve weather modeling and prediction;
``(iv) to identify and prioritize critical
research areas in data assimilation and
facilitate operations-to-research efforts;
``(v) to establish and enable an effective
collaboration infrastructure between National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
facilities, such as laboratories, centers, or
joint agency institutes, and the research
community, including a mechanism for external
partners to host Administration employees; and
``(vi) to establish mechanisms to enable
all members of the consortium to archive and
access data required to support the work under
this subsection.
``(3) Coordination.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Under Secretary shall ensure the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and its associated activities focus
on research-to-operations and operations-to-research efforts,
including by coordinating and collaborating with the Joint
Center for Satellite Data Assimilation.
``(4) Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices
security.--The activities authorized under this subsection
shall be conducted in a manner consistent with subtitle D of
title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and
Innovation Act (division B of Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C.
19231 et seq.).
``(e) Study on Data Management.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall seek
to enter into an agreement with a non-Federal entity to conduct
a study on matters concerning data practices and management
needs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
``(2) Elements.--In conducting the study under paragraph
(1), the outside entity shall--
``(A) assess the costs and benefits of current data
management needs for observational and operational
mission requirements;
``(B) develop recommendations regarding how to make
the data portfolio of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration more robust and cost
effective;
``(C) identify data infrastructure technologies and
needs that are essential to the performance of modeling
systems of the Administration;
``(D) assess the sharing needs and practices of the
Administration for both internal and external
dissemination;
``(E) develop recommendations for methods of data
infrastructure sharing, including data purchased from
the commercial sector; and
``(F) develop recommendations for data standards,
formats, and protocols to support artificial
intelligence and machine learning techniques.
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated $1,000,000 to carry out the study under
paragraph (1) and shall remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 305. CLERICAL AMENDMENT.
The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by striking the items
relating to sections 302 and 303 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 302. Commercial Data Program.
``Sec. 303. Commercial Data Pilot Program.
``Sec. 304. Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication.
``Sec. 305. Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices.''.
TITLE IV--COMMUNICATING WEATHER TO THE PUBLIC
SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Hazardous weather or water events.--The term
``hazardous weather or water events'' means weather or water
events that have a high risk of loss of life or property,
including the following:
(A) Severe storms, such as hurricanes and short-
fused, small-scale hazardous weather or hydrologic
events produced by thunderstorms, including large hail,
damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash floods.
(B) Winter storms, such as freezing or frozen
precipitation (including freezing rain, sleet, and
snow), or combined effects of freezing or frozen
precipitation and strong winds.
(C) Other weather hazards, such as extreme heat or
cold, wildfire, drought, dense fog, high winds, and
river, coastal, or lakeshore flooding.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(3) Public cloud.--The term ``public cloud'' means an
information technology model in which service providers make
computing services, including compute and storage and develop-
and-deploy environments and applications, available on-demand
to organizations and individuals over the public internet or
other means that allows for the widest dissemination of
information.
(4) Watch; warning.--
(A) In general.--The terms ``watch'' and
``warning'', with respect to a hazardous weather or
water event, mean products issued by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, intended for
consumption by the general public, to alert the general
public to the potential for or presence of such event
and to inform action to prevent loss of life or
property.
(B) Exception.--The terms ``watch'' and ``warning''
do not include technical or specialized meteorological
or hydrological forecasts, outlooks, or model guidance
products.
SEC. 402. HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER EVENT RISK COMMUNICATION.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall maintain and improve the
system of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by which
the risks of hazardous weather and water events are communicated to the
general public, with the goal of informing action and encouraging
response to prevent loss of life and property.
(b) Hazard Risk Communication Improvement and Simplification.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a
hazard risk communication program (in this subsection referred
to as the ``program''), for the purposes of simplifying and
improving the communication of hazardous weather and water
event risks.
(2) Terminology.--The program shall identify, eliminate, or
modify unnecessary, redundant, or confusing terms for hazardous
weather and water event communications and add new terminology,
as appropriate.
(3) Communications improvement.--The program shall improve
the form, content, and methods of hazardous weather and water
event communications to more clearly inform action and increase
the likelihood that the public takes such action to prevent the
loss of life or property.
(4) Evaluations.--The program shall, in coordination with
the performance branch of the National Weather Service, develop
metrics for that branch to track and evaluate the degree to
which hazardous weather and water event communications inform
action and encourage response.
(5) Support plan.--The program shall develop a plan for the
purpose of supporting the activities described in paragraph
(3). The plan shall be periodically updated and informed by
internal and extramural research and the results of the
evaluation of hazardous weather and water event communications
conducted under paragraph (4).
(6) Recommendations.--In carrying out this subsection, the
program shall develop and implement recommendations that--
(A) are based on the best and most recent
understanding from social, behavioral, risk, and
communication science research;
(B) are validated by social, behavioral, risk, and
communication science, taking into account the
importance of methods that support reproduction and
replication of scientific studies, use of rigorous
statistical analyses, and, as applicable, data analysis
supported by artificial intelligence and machine
learning technologies;
(C) account for the needs of various demographics
and geographic regions;
(D) account for the differences between various
types of weather and water hazards;
(E) respond to the needs of Federal, State, and
local government partners and media partners;
(F) account for necessary changes in the
infrastructure, technology, and protocols for creating
and disseminating Federally operated watches and
warnings;
(G) account for artificial intelligence
capabilities, including models specifically trained on
weather terminology, that enable efficient and accurate
communication to the public; and
(H) account for the need for enhanced or earlier
communication of a hazardous weather event to inform
action and encourage response when the event occurs in
a geographic area where the event is historically
abnormal.
(7) Coordination.--The program shall coordinate with--
(A) Federal partners, including National
Laboratories, cooperative institutes, and regional
integrated sciences and assessments programs;
(B) State and local government partners;
(C) Indian tribes;
(D) institutions of higher education; and
(E) media partners.
(8) Timeliness and consistency.--The program shall develop
best practices and guidance for ensuring timely and consistent
communication across public-facing platforms that disseminate
hazardous weather and water event information.
SEC. 403. HAZARD COMMUNICATION RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary may maintain, as appropriate,
a program to--
(1) modernize the development and communication of risk-
based, statistically reliable, probabilistic hazard
information, with the goal of informing appropriate responses
to hazardous weather or water events; and
(2) improve the fundamental social, behavioral, and
economic science relating to communications, including by means
of collecting voluntary data, regarding hazardous weather or
water events.
(b) Coordination.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Under Secretary shall coordinate and communicate with States,
Tribal governments, localities, and emergency managers regarding
research priorities and results.
(c) Pilot Program for Tornado Hazard Communications.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in coordination with
the VORTEX-USA program under section 103 of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C.
8513), as amended by section 103 of this Act, and in
collaboration with 1 or more eligible institutions (or
consortia thereof), shall establish a pilot program for tornado
hazard communications to test incorporation of research into
operations with respect to tornadoes.
(2) Merit-based process.--Amounts under the pilot program
under paragraph (1) shall be awarded to eligible institutions
through a merit-based competitive process.
(3) Eligible institution defined.--In this subsection, the
term ``eligible institution'' means any of the following:
(A) An institution that is frequently subjected to
severe weather, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and
floods.
(B) An institution of higher education in close
proximity to a Weather Forecast Office of the National
Weather Service.
(d) Pilot Study for Hurricane Hazard Communication.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in coordination with
the hurricane forecast improvement program under section 104 of
the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15
U.S.C. 8514), as amended by section 104 of this Act, and in
collaboration with 1 or more eligible institutions (or
consortia thereof), shall enter into an agreement with an
appropriate entity, as determined by the Under Secretary, to
conduct a pilot study using a mixed methods approach, including
surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to gather information
from hurricane-prone population areas regarding the levels of
preparedness of such areas for hurricanes or in response to
early forecasts and warnings of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
(2) Elements.--The pilot study required under paragraph (1)
shall evaluate the following:
(A) Possession of disaster supplies.
(B) Evacuation decisions.
(C) Levels of trust of tropical cyclone information
and hurricane path prediction from various sources.
(D) Access to tropical cyclone and hurricane
forecasts and warnings in the first language of each
individual interviewed as part of the pilot study.
(E) Any reasoning or deliberation by the
individuals interviewed as part of the pilot study that
may hinder the ability or willingness of the
individuals to evacuate.
(3) Additional criteria.--The Under Secretary shall publish
the methodology of the pilot study described in paragraph (1)
on a publicly accessible website of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
(4) Eligible institution defined.--In this subsection, the
term ``eligible institution'' means any of the following:
(A) An institution of higher education, nonprofit
organization, or other institution located in a
jurisdiction eligible to participate in the program
under section 113 of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g).
(B) An institution of higher education, nonprofit
organization, or other institution located in proximity
to a Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather
Service.
(e) Hurricane Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall carry out
research and development activities to improve how the public
receives, interprets, responds to, and values hurricane
forecasts and warnings.
(2) Elements.--In conducting activities under paragraph
(1), the Under Secretary shall--
(A) conduct a comprehensive review of the manner by
which the public receives, interprets, responds to, and
makes decisions regarding hurricane forecasts and
warnings, including--
(i) how weather observations, downstream
models, and processes affect the decision tools
or products derived from hurricane forecasts
and warnings;
(ii) how hurricane forecasts and warnings
generated by decision tools and products are
used by emergency managers, governments, and
other users to benefit the public and
stakeholder groups;
(iii) how past experiences with hurricanes
impact the decision making of the general
public;
(iv) how the source of such hurricane
forecasts and warnings affects interpretation;
(v) how tropical cyclone forecasts and
warnings are received and interpreted by the
general public;
(vi) how understanding of and response to
hurricane forecasts and warnings varies across
demographic groups, including the elderly and
people with disabilities;
(vii) the effect of language barriers on
the accessibility of hurricane forecasts and
warnings; and
(viii) how understanding of and response to
such hurricane forecasts and warnings varies
across geographic areas, including rural,
urban, and suburban areas;
(B) identify communication data gaps based on the
review conducted pursuant to subparagraph (A);
(C) carry out research, including data collection
and baseline assessments, in coordination with the
hurricane forecast improvement program under section
104 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8514), as amended by section 104
of this Act, to evaluate and quantify the economic
value of extending lead times of tropical cyclone and
hurricane forecasts and warnings;
(D) using the post-storm surveys and assessments
conducted under section 406 of this Act to conduct
retrospective or ex ante assessments of previous
hurricane forecasts and warnings to better understand
the key components of such forecasts and warnings that
affected actions or initiated behavior changes;
(E) conduct cost-benefit analyses of forecasts and
warnings improvement alternatives developed through the
hurricane forecast improvement program under section
104 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8514), as amended by section 104
of this Act; and
(F) conduct assessments of the risk to the elderly
for pre-, during, and post-storm periods in regions and
communities with significant elderly populations,
including retirement communities.
SEC. 404. NOAA WEATHER RADIO.
(a) In General.--The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``TITLE VII--NOAA WEATHER RADIO
``SEC. 701. NOAA WEATHER RADIO.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall establish or maintain
a nationwide weather radio network, to be known as `NOAA Weather
Radio', that--
``(1) broadcasts weather information, including emergency
weather watches, warnings, information regarding geological
hazards, and other hazard information;
``(2) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and
``(3) is resilient to emergency hazards, such as loss of
power and cellular service.
``(b) Coverage and Reliability.--The Under Secretary shall ensure
the reliability of NOAA Weather Radio by--
``(1) maintaining support for existing systems before any
new technology is implemented, especially those serving areas
not covered by or having poor quality cellular service; and
``(2) ensuring consistent maintenance and operations
monitoring, with timely repairs to broadcast transmitter site
equipment and antennas.
``(c) Modernization Initiative.--
``(1) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Under Secretary shall expand the coverage of and modernize NOAA
Weather Radio to ensure it remains valuable to the public,
including by--
``(A) improving those methods of communicating the
risks posed by hazardous weather events to the public
that are most likely to result in informed decision
making regarding the mitigation of such risks;
``(B) improving communication of hazardous weather
warnings and the urgency of such warnings to areas that
experience a high frequency of such warnings;
``(C) enhancing the ability to amplify non-weather
emergency messages through NOAA Weather Radio as
necessary;
``(D) acquiring additional transmitters as
determined appropriate by the Under Secretary to expand
coverage to--
``(i) areas at high risk for rapid onset
weather disasters that require short-fuse
warnings;
``(ii) communities without--
``(I) mobile broadband internet
access service (as defined in section
8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a successor
regulation)) and as depicted by a map
created under section 802(c)(1)(C) of
the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 642(c)(1)(C));
``(II) State or local emergency
warning systems; or
``(III) satellite service; and
``(iii) Federal lands, such as land in the
National Park System or the National Forest
System and National Recreation Areas;
``(E) adding the capability to disseminate NOAA
Weather Radio alerts by satellite through the cloud or
by means of any other emerging technology determined by
the Under Secretary to satisfy the requirements of this
Act; and
``(F) modernizing the messaging system to enable
more geographically specific warnings.
``(2) Elements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under
Secretary shall--
``(A) upgrade telecommunications infrastructure of
NOAA Weather Radio to accelerate the transition of
broadcasts to internet protocol-based communications
over non-copper media;
``(B) accelerate software upgrades to the Advanced
Weather Interactive Processing System, or any relevant
system successors, in order to implement partial county
notifications and alerts;
``(C) enhance accessibility and usability of data
and feeds of NOAA Weather Radio with feedback from
relevant stakeholders, including the private sector;
``(D) develop options, including satellite backup
capability and commercial provider partnerships, for
continuity of service of NOAA Weather Radio in the
event of an outage at a weather forecast office;
``(E) research and develop alternative options to
transmit NOAA Weather Radio signals to transmitters
that are remote or do not have internet protocol
capability;
``(F) transition critical applications, including
artificial intelligence applications that support
weather communications, to the Integrated Dissemination
Program, or any relevant program successors; and
``(G) work with the General Services
Administration, and other relevant agencies, to develop
new, alternative, or updated expedited mechanisms to
secure priority space capacity, such as leased land and
tower space, for NOAA Weather Radio critical
infrastructure, including transmitters and antennas
that are best suited for the national security and
public safety missions of NOAA Weather Radio.
``(3) Priority.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under
Secretary shall prioritize practices, capabilities, and
technologies recommended in accordance with the assessment
under subsection (d) to maximize the accessibility of NOAA
Weather Radio, particularly in areas of the United States
described in paragraph (1)(D)(i).
``(d) Assessment for Management and Distribution.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall
complete an assessment of access to NOAA Weather Radio.
``(2) Elements.--In conducting the assessment required
under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall take into
consideration and provide recommendations regarding the
following:
``(A) The need for continuous, adequate, and
operational real-time broadcasts of NOAA Weather Radio.
``(B) Input from relevant stakeholders that provide
access to NOAA Weather Radio, including third-party
platforms that provide online services, such as
websites and mobile device applications.
``(C) The manner by which existing or new
management systems may promote consistent, efficient,
and compatible access to NOAA Weather Radio.
``(D) The ability of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to aggregate real-time
broadcast feeds at one or more central locations, as a
redundancy to the broadcast feed from the nearest
weather forecast office.
``(E) Effective coordination between agencies with
responsibilities relating to emergencies and natural
disasters.
``(F) The potential effects of an electromagnetic
pulse or geomagnetic disturbance on NOAA Weather Radio.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Under Secretary--
``(1) for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031,
$25,000,000 to operate NOAA Weather Radio under subsections (a)
and (b); and
``(2) for fiscal year 2026, $100,000,000, which shall
remain available until expended, to carry out subsections (c)
and (d).''.
(b) Weather Ready All Hazards Award Program.--Section 407 of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C.
8546) is--
(1) transferred to title VII of that Act, as added by
subsection (a);
(2) inserted after section 701 of that Act, as added by
subsection (a); and
(3) redesignated as section 702.
(c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents for the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended--
(1) by striking the item relating to section 407; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE VII--NOAA WEATHER RADIO
``Sec. 701. NOAA Weather Radio.
``Sec. 702. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather
Ready All Hazards Award Program.''.
SEC. 405. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR WEATHER WARNING SYSTEMS IN FLASH FLOOD
ZONES.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and
Technology, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere, shall develop standards for flash flood
emergency alert systems within the 100-year floodplain (as defined in
section 100202(a) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of
2012 (42 U.S.C. 4004(a))).
(b) Requirements.--The Director shall ensure that standards
developed under subsection (a)--
(1) meet the needs of communities without--
(A) mobile broadband internet access service (as
defined in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a successor regulation)) and as
depicted by a map created under section 802(c)(1)(C) of
the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
642(c)(1)(C));
(B) State or local emergency warning systems; or
(C) satellite service; and
(2) will result in reliable systems, especially during
hazardous events.
(c) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards
and Technology shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives a report that includes a
summary of the standards developed under subsection (a).
SEC. 406. POST-STORM SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall perform 1 or more post-
storm surveys and assessments following every hazardous weather or
water event determined by the Under Secretary to be of sufficient
societal importance to warrant a post-storm survey and assessment.
(b) Coordination.--The Under Secretary shall coordinate with
Federal, State, and local governments, private entities, and relevant
institutions of higher education (or a consortia thereof) when
conducting post-storm surveys and assessments under this section to
optimize data collection, sharing, integration, archiving, and access,
as appropriate for research needs.
(c) Data Availability.--The Under Secretary shall make the
appropriate data obtained from each post-storm survey or assessment
conducted under this section available to the public as soon as
practicable after conducting each such survey or assessment.
(d) Improvement.--In carrying out this section, the Under Secretary
shall--
(1) examine the role of uncrewed aerial and marine systems
in data collection during post-storm surveys and assessments
conducted under this section;
(2) identify gaps in tactics and procedures and update such
tactics and procedures to enhance the efficiency and
reliability of data obtained from post-storm surveys and
assessments; and
(3) as appropriate, integrate social, behavioral, and
economic sciences elements into existing post-storm surveys and
assessments, including elements related to the efficacy of
forecast and warning information that was shared with the
public, barriers that affected the ability of the public to
take action, and any challenges with respect to messaging about
the hazardous weather or water event.
(e) Support for Employees.--The Under Secretary shall provide
access to training, resources, and professional counseling to support
the mental health of employees conducting post-storm surveys and
assessments under this section.
(f) Exemption.--Subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United
States Code, shall not apply to the collection of information during a
post-storm survey or assessment conducted under this section.
SEC. 407. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORT ON ALERT
DISSEMINATION FOR HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER EVENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives a report that examines the information
technology infrastructure of the National Weather Service, specifically
regarding the system for timely public notification via alerts and
updates regarding hazardous weather or water events.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An analysis of the information technology
infrastructure of the National Weather Service, including
software and hardware capabilities and limitations, including
an examination of server and data storage methods, broadband,
data management, and data sharing.
(2) An identification of secondary and tertiary fail-safes
for the timely distribution to the public of notifications via
alerts and updates regarding hazardous weather or water events.
(3) A determination of the extent to which public
notifications via alerts and updates regarding hazardous
weather or water events have been delayed and an identification
of possible improvements or corrective measures to address
delays in the notification process.
(4) An assessment of whether collaboration with other
Federal agencies, States, or private entities could reduce
delays in notifications to the public.
(5) A description of actions being undertaken to better
identify critical steps in public notification via alerts and
updates for hazardous weather or water events that may be
vulnerable to disruption or failure in the event of
communication, technologic, or computational failure.
(6) The geographical differences in availability and
effectiveness of rural systems, including an estimated number
of rural areas affected by unreliable or unavailable systems
and barriers to obtain or upgrade such systems.
SEC. 408. DATA COLLECTION, MANAGEMENT, AND PROTECTION.
(a) Data Collection.--The Under Secretary may collect social,
behavioral, and economic data, including data relating to Federal
communication of hazardous weather or water events and the public
response to such communications. Where appropriate, the Under Secretary
shall encourage the collection of secondary data, purchase data, or
partner with the private sector to obtain data.
(b) Data Management.--The Under Secretary shall establish and
maintain a central repository system for the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration for data related to the communication of and
related public response to hazardous weather or water events, including
data developed or received pursuant to this title.
(c) Protection of Data.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that data
is collected, managed, and used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration in accordance with legal, regulatory, and contractual
obligations, including chapter 31 of title 44, United States Code, and
the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-435).
(d) Digital Watermarking.--The Under Secretary shall develop
methods to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized tampering with online
public notifications of hazardous weather or water events, such as
developing digital watermarks.
(e) Policies and Procedures.--The Under Secretary shall establish
policies and procedures for the collection, archiving, and managing of
data related to community response, including the response of affected
populations, to hazardous weather or water events.
TITLE V--IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER
MANAGEMENT
SEC. 501. WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER MANAGEMENT.
Section 1762 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (15 U.S.C. 8521) is
amended--
(1) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Functions.--The Under Secretary shall--
``(1) conduct and support research to improve understanding
of subseasonal to seasonal predictability for temperature,
precipitation, and other Earth system variables and
applications;
``(2) collect and use data to make usable, reliable, and
timely foundational forecasts of subseasonal to seasonal
temperature and precipitation;
``(3) support the advancement of multi-model ensemble
forecast systems and forecast verification and evaluation
capacity, including by--
``(A) developing advanced coupled data assimilation
methods using robust Earth system observational data;
``(B) developing improved coupled subseasonal to
seasonal ensemble prediction systems;
``(C) improving exchanges and interactions between
datasets across different models and Earth system
observations to increase model accuracy of local
relationships between and drivers of ocean, land, snow,
and ice observations; and
``(D) developing data management strategies to
support operations and research activities;
``(4) leverage existing research and models from the
weather and Earth system enterprises to improve the forecasts
under paragraph (2);
``(5) accelerate the operationalization of emerging
modeling technologies developed to support and assist the cross
development of fully coupled subseasonal to seasonal forecast
systems, including during collaborations with other agencies
and entities; and
``(6) determine and provide information on how subseasonal
to seasonal temperature and precipitation may relate to--
``(A) droughts;
``(B) fires;
``(C) tornadoes;
``(D) hurricanes;
``(E) floods, storm surges, and coastal inundation;
``(F) heat waves and marine heat waves;
``(G) winter storms, snowpack, and permafrost thaw;
``(H) sea ice conditions; and
``(I) other high impact weather or relevant weather
disasters.'';
(2) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:
``(h) Subseasonal to Seasonal Forecasting Pilot Projects.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Under Secretary shall establish
not fewer than 2 pilot projects, in accordance with paragraph
(2), within the United States Weather Research Program of the
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support improved
subseasonal to seasonal precipitation forecasts for--
``(A) water management in areas of the United
States in which there is--
``(i) a high level of drought; and
``(ii) a reliance on reservoirs for water
storage; and
``(B) agriculture in the central United States.
``(2) Objectives.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Under Secretary shall ensure the following:
``(A) A pilot project under subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (1) addresses key science challenges to
improving forecasts and developing related products for
water management, including the following:
``(i) Improving operational model
resolution, both horizontal and vertical, to
resolve issues associated with mountainous
terrain, such as intensity of precipitation and
relative fraction of rain versus snow
precipitation.
``(ii) Improving modeling of interstate or
cross-boundary water movement and storage
through rivers, tributaries, and aquifers with
relation to water availability.
``(iii) Improving fidelity in the
operational modeling of the atmospheric
boundary layer in mountainous regions.
``(iv) Resolving challenges in predicting
winter atmospheric circulation and storm
tracks, including periods of blocked versus
unblocked flow over the eastern North Pacific
Ocean and western United States.
``(v) Utilizing outcomes from the
atmospheric rivers forecast improvement program
under section 204 of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of
2026 and the precipitation forecast improvement
program under section 603 of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017
to produce operational tools and services.
``(vi) Improving the quality and temporal
and spatial resolution of observations and
accurate operational modeling of air-sea
interactions, and the influence of oceans on
subseasonal to seasonal forecasting.
``(B) A pilot project under subparagraph (B) of
paragraph (1) addresses key science challenges to
improving forecasts and developing related products for
agriculture in the central United States, including the
following:
``(i) Improving the quality and temporal
and spatial resolution of observations and
accurate operational modeling of the land
surface and hydrologic cycle, including soil
moisture and flash drought processes.
``(ii) Improving fidelity in the
operational modeling of warm season
precipitation processes.
``(iii) Understanding and predicting large-
scale upper-level dynamical flow anomalies that
occur in spring and summer.
``(iv) Improving modeling of interstate or
cross-boundary water movement and storage
through rivers, tributaries, and aquifers with
relation to water availability for agriculture.
``(3) Activities.--A pilot project under this subsection
shall include activities that--
``(A) achieve measurable objectives for operational
forecast improvement; and
``(B) are carried out in coordination with the
Assistant Administrator for the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research and the Director of the National
Weather Service.
``(4) Sunset.--The authority under this subsection shall
terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the
enactment of this subsection.''; and
(3) by amending subsection (j) to read as follows:
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to
carry out the activities under this section.''.
SEC. 502. NATIONAL INTEGRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Section 3 of the National Integrated Drought
Information System Act of 2006 (15 U.S.C. 313d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``, through the National
Weather Service and other appropriate weather and climate
programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration,'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``and'' after the semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) incorporates flash drought research and tools
to enhance timely response;'';
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``improvements in
seasonal precipitation and temperature, subseasonal
precipitation and temperature, and low flow water
prediction; and'' and inserting ``support improvements
in subseasonal to seasonal precipitation and
temperature, and low flow water prediction;''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the
following:
``(6) continue ongoing research and monitoring activities
related to drought, including research activities relating to
the prediction, length, severity, and impacts of drought and
the role of weather events and subseasonal to seasonal
variability in drought;
``(7) advance and deploy next-generation technologies
related to drought, such as monitoring, preparedness, and
forecasting capabilities utilizing artificial intelligence,
machine learning, and cloud technologies;
``(8) use observational networks, including the National
Weather Service cooperative observer program and State or
regional hydrological monitoring projects;
``(9) refine drought indicators across multiple spatial and
temporal scales;
``(10) improve decision support products;
``(11) optimize data and resources from across the Federal
Government;
``(12) investigate and address data gaps, including
snowpack monitoring, space-based or in-situ soil moisture
monitoring, groundwater data, and data related to rapid
intensification events; and
``(13) engage with, and leverage the resources of, entities
within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in
existence as of the date of the enactment of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026
to improve coordination of water monitoring, forecasting, and
management.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) in partnership with the National Mesonet Program,
establish memoranda of understanding to provide coordinated,
high-quality data.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Modeling Update.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026, the Under Secretary, acting through the
National Integrated Drought Information System and the National Weather
Service, shall develop a plan to incorporate existing drought products
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and improved
dynamical and statistical forecast modeling tools into probabilistic
forecasts.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 4 of the National
Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-430;
15 U.S.C. 313d note) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act--
``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``(2) $15,500,000 for fiscal year 2027.
``(3) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
``(4) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2029.
``(5) $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.''.
SEC. 503. NATIONAL MESONET PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall maintain the National
Mesonet Program (in this section referred to as the ``Program''), which
shall--
(1) obtain observations to improve understanding of and
forecast capabilities for atmospheric, drought, fire, and water
events, with a prioritization on leveraging available
commercial, academic, and other non-Federal Government
environmental data to enhance coordination across the private,
public, and academic sectors of the weather enterprise in the
United States;
(2) establish means to integrate greater density and more
types of environmental observations into the Program on an
annual basis, including by encouraging local and regional
networks of environmental monitoring stations and in situ
sensor networks, including soil moisture and ground-based
profilers, to participate in the Program;
(3) establish memoranda of understanding with networks
outside of the scope of the Program in furtherance of this
section; and
(4) coordinate with satellite data and services acquired
through the Commercial Data Program under section 302 of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, as
amended by section 301 of this Act.
(b) Program Elements.--In carrying out the Program, the Under
Secretary shall--
(1) increase data density by--
(A) improving and increasing the quantity and
density of environmental observations used by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (in
this section referred to as the ``Administration'') and
the National Weather Service to support baseline
forecasts, including nowcasts, warnings, and hyper-
local forecasts that protect individuals, businesses,
agricultural production, food security, and the
military and government agencies in the United States,
and enabling such individuals and entities to operate
in a safe, efficient, and orderly manner;
(B) yielding increased quantities of boundary-layer
data to improve numerical weather prediction
performance, including in subseasonal to seasonal
timescales;
(C) identifying available terrestrial or marine
environmental data, or quantifiable gaps in such data,
to improve the understanding of air-sea interactions;
and
(D) supporting the National Weather Service in
reaching its target of a 30-minute warning time for
severe weather through better predictive model
algorithms driven by increasingly effective
observations;
(2) monitor local meteorological conditions by--
(A) acquiring soil and moisture data to monitor
soil moisture, vegetation water content, and moisture
loss from evaporation, in support of operational
forecasting, the National Integrated Drought
Information System, and local commercial, agricultural,
and emergency management needs;
(B) supporting the National Coordinated Soil
Moisture Monitoring Network in acquiring soil moisture
and related data to support the development of decision
support products and other information services; and
(C) expanding and enhancing environmental
observational networks in the roadway environment to
provide real-time road weather and surface conditions
for surface transportation and related economic
sectors; and
(3) administer the Program by--
(A) obtaining data in furtherance of this section
only when demonstrably cost effective and meeting or
exceeding data quality standards available to the
Administration;
(B) subject to the requirement in subparagraph (A),
leveraging existing networks of environmental
monitoring stations, including supplemental radar
systems, to increase the quantity and density of
environmental observations and data available to the
Administration;
(C) providing the critical technical and
administrative infrastructure needed to facilitate
rapid integration and sustained use of new and emerging
networks of environmental monitoring stations
anticipated in coming years from non-Federal Government
sources;
(D) coordinating with existing data developed by
the Administration and used for forecasts, including
data from the National Environmental Satellite, Data,
and Information Service, the Integrated Ocean Observing
System, the Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing
Program, the National Data Buoy Center, and the
National Ocean Service; and
(E) identifying and communicating to the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and other partners
priorities of research and development needed to
advance observations in the Program.
(c) Financial and Technical Assistance.--
(1) In general.--In furtherance of the Program, in a fiscal
year, the Under Secretary may award not less than 10 percent of
the amount appropriated for the Program for that fiscal year
for financial assistance to State, Tribal, private, and
academic entities seeking to build, expand, or upgrade
equipment and capacity of mesonet systems.
(2) Other federal awards.--Financial assistance under this
subsection may be made in coordination with and in addition to
awards from other Federal agencies.
(3) Agreements.--Before receiving financial assistance
under paragraph (1), the State, Tribal, private, or academic
entity seeking financial assistance under this subsection shall
enter into an agreement with the Under Secretary to provide
data to the Program, subject to verification by the Program of
the relative operational value and evaluation of the cost of
such data, for use in weather prediction, severe weather
warnings, and emergency response.
(4) Assistance and other support.--The Under Secretary may
provide--
(A) technical assistance, project implementation
support, and guidance to State, Tribal, private, and
academic entities seeking financial assistance under
this subsection; and
(B) technical and financial assistance for
maintenance of monitoring stations in areas of the
country where it is financially unfeasible for 1 entity
to operate such stations without such assistance.
(5) Terms.--In providing financial assistance under this
subsection, the Under Secretary shall establish terms to ensure
that each State, Tribal, private, or academic entity that
receives financial assistance under this subsection receives a
level of support commensurate with the quality and other
characteristics of the data to be provided.
(6) Determination.--A State, Tribal, private, or academic
entity may only receive financial assistance under this
subsection if the Under Secretary determines such entity will
provide sufficient financial support from non-Federal
Government sources and fully maintain the quality of the
mesonet system and associated data standards required by the
Program for a period of not less than 5 years.
(7) Priority.--The Under Secretary shall prioritize
providing assistance under paragraph (1) to not fewer than 1
entity in a remote area or an area that has a lack of
environmental monitoring stations described in subsection
(a)(2).
(d) Advisory Committee.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the
Program has an active advisory committee of subject matter
experts to make recommendations to the Administration on the
identification, implementation, procurement, and tracking of
data needed to supplement the Program, and recommend
improvements, expansions, and acquisitions of available data.
(2) Designation of existing committee.--The Under Secretary
may designate an existing advisory committee, subcommittee, or
working group of the Federal Government, including the Science
Advisory Board of the Administration, to carry out the
requirement under paragraph (1).
(3) Academic expertise.--The advisory committee under
paragraph (1), in consultation with the Program, shall include
expertise from 1 or more institutions of higher education (as
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001)) to assist the advisory committee to identify,
evaluate, and recommend potential partnerships, regional or
subregional consortia, and collaborative methods that would
expand the number of participants and volume of data in the
Program.
(e) Regular Briefings.--
(1) In general.--Not less frequently than annually through
2030, the Under Secretary shall provide regular briefings to
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives on all activities under the
Program.
(2) Briefing content.--Each briefing required under
paragraph (1) shall include information relating to the
following:
(A) Efforts to implement the activities described
in subsection (b).
(B) Any financial or technical assistance provided
pursuant to subsection (c).
(C) Efforts to address recommendations received
from the advisory committee under subsection (d), if
any.
(D) The potential need and associated benefits of a
coastal and ocean mesonet, or other emerging areas of
weather data needs.
(E) Progress toward eliminating gaps in weather
observation data in States and regions of the United
States.
(F) Any other topic the Under Secretary determines
relevant.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts authorized to be
appropriated to the National Weather Service, there shall be available
not more than the following amounts to carry out this section:
(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
(2) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
(3) $61,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
(4) $68,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.
(5) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.
SEC. 504. NATIONAL COORDINATED SOIL MOISTURE MONITORING NETWORK.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
Secretary of Agriculture, the Director of the United States Geological
Survey, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall
support the development, deployment, and maintenance of soil moisture
monitoring networks by managing the National Coordinated Soil Moisture
Monitoring Network (in this section referred to as the ``Network'')
within the National Integrated Drought Information System.
(b) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the Network
includes activities that carry out the following:
(1) Establishing a visible, user-friendly website.
(2) Developing a set of criteria for high-quality data
sources.
(3) Supporting research necessary to develop or improve
soil moisture monitoring products at a national scale.
(4) Increasing the number of long-term, high-quality, in
situ and remote sensing soil moisture monitoring stations
across the United States.
(5) Sharing methodologies and validation protocols with the
private sector.
(6) Developing, releasing, and promoting new nationwide
point-based and gridded soil moisture data products.
(7) Supporting community, outreach, and data sharing to the
network of individuals engaged with soil moisture monitoring,
from data collection to end-user decision making.
SEC. 505. NATIONAL WATER CENTER.
Section 301 of the Coordinated Ocean Observations and Research Act
of 2020 (42 U.S.C. 10371) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
inserting ``, within the Office of Water
Prediction of the National Weather Service,''
after ``shall establish'';
(ii) in clause (i), by striking ``and''
after the semicolon;
(iii) in clause (ii), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new
clause:
``(iii) to lead the transition of water
research by the Federal Government, including
model development, into operations of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
and the National Weather Service.'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the
following:
``(F) Serving as the primary center within the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for
research, development, collaboration, and coordination
of the water research and forecast activities of the
Administration and other centers and networks of the
Federal Government, including those of the Department
of Agriculture, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau
of Reclamation, the United States Geological Survey,
and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
``(G) Integrating and promoting consistency among
national and regional hydrological forecast operations
and service delivery.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Incorporation into unified forecast system.--The
Under Secretary shall use the Weather and Climate Operational
Supercomputing System, or any successor system, to support the
development and implementation of advanced water resources
modeling capabilities under paragraph (2)(B) and shall
incorporate those modeling capabilities into the unified
forecast system.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b);
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsections (b);
(4) by inserting after subsection (b), as redesignated by
paragraph (3), the following:
``(c) Organization and Administration.--The Under Secretary, acting
through the Director of the Office of Water Prediction of the National
Weather Service, shall--
``(1) supervise and oversee the administration, management,
and operations of each River Forecast Center of the National
Weather Service and coordinate those operations with the
National Water Center; and
``(2) administer the duties and activities of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration related to the
Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology,
or any successor entity, and coordinate the activities of the
Institute with the National Water Center.''; and
(5) in subsection (d)(4), by inserting before the period
the following: ``and each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030''.
SEC. 506. SATELLITE TRANSFERS BRIEFING.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall brief the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives on the
authorities and policies of the Department of Commerce and Federal
Government wide policies related to transferring any portion of the
weather satellite systems operated by the Department of Commerce to any
other Federal agency, including--
(1) a description of the process for decommissioning a
Department of Commerce operational weather satellite, any
existing agreements related to transfers of weather satellites,
whether decommissioned or not, and any reimbursable agreements
related to the transfer of physical property or the operation
of Department of Commerce weather satellites on behalf of any
other Federal agency; and
(2) a summary of any Department of Commerce plans for
potential transfer of existing or future weather satellite
systems to any other Federal agency.
TITLE VI--HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AND CONTROL
SEC. 601. AMENDMENTS TO THE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH
AND CONTROL ACT OF 1998.
(a) Assessments.--
(1) In general.--Section 603 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4001) is
amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking
``assessments'' and inserting ``task force,
assessments, and action strategy'';
(B) in subsection (a)--
(i) by redesignating paragraphs (13) and
(14) as paragraphs (14) and (15), respectively;
and
(ii) by inserting after paragraph (12) the
following:
``(13) the Department of Energy;'';
(C) by striking subsections (b), (c), (d), (e),
(g), (h), and (i) and redesignating subsection (f) as
subsection (b);
(D) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
(i) in paragraph (1), in the first
sentence, by striking ``coastal waters
including the Great Lakes'' and inserting
``marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems'';
and
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) by amending subparagraph (A) to
read as follows:
``(A) examine--
``(i) the causes and ecological
consequences of hypoxia on marine and aquatic
species in their environments; and
``(ii) the costs of hypoxia, including
impacts on food safety and security;'';
(II) by redesignating subparagraphs
(B), (C), and (D) as subparagraphs (D),
(E), and (F), respectively;
(III) by inserting after
subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) examine the effect of other environmental
stressors on hypoxia;
``(C) evaluate alternatives for reducing,
mitigating, and controlling hypoxia and its
environmental impacts;''; and
(IV) in subparagraph (E), as
redesignated by subclause (II), by
striking ``hypoxia modeling and
monitoring data'' and inserting
``hypoxia modeling, forecasting, and
monitoring and observation data''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Action Strategy and Scientific Assessment for Marine and
Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms.--
``(1) In general.--Not less frequently than once every 5
years, the Task Force shall complete and submit to Congress an
action strategy for harmful algal blooms in the United States.
``(2) Elements.--Each Action Strategy shall--
``(A) examine, and include a scientific assessment
of, marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms,
including such blooms--
``(i) in the Great Lakes;
``(ii) in the upper reaches of estuaries;
``(iii) in freshwater lakes and rivers;
``(iv) in coastal and marine waters; and
``(v) that originate in freshwater lakes or
rivers and migrate to coastal waters;
``(B) examine the causes, ecological consequences
or physiological consequences on wildlife function, and
economic or cultural impacts, including food safety and
security and subsistence use, of harmful algal blooms;
``(C) examine the effect of other environmental
stressors on harmful algal blooms;
``(D) examine potential methods to prevent,
control, and mitigate harmful algal blooms and the
potential ecological, subsistence use, and economic
costs and benefits of such methods;
``(E) identify priorities for research needed to
advance techniques and technologies to detect, predict,
monitor, respond to, and minimize the occurrence,
duration, and severity of harmful algal blooms,
including recommendations to eliminate significant gaps
in harmful algal bloom forecasting, monitoring, and
observation data;
``(F) evaluate progress made by, and the needs of,
activities and actions of the Task Force to prevent,
control, and mitigate harmful algal blooms;
``(G) identify ways to improve coordination and
prevent unnecessary duplication of effort among Federal
agencies with respect to research on harmful algal
blooms; and
``(H) include regional chapters relating to the
requirements described in this paragraph in order to
highlight geographically and ecologically diverse
locations with significant ecological, subsistence use,
cultural, and economic impacts from harmful algal
blooms.
``(d) Consultation.--In carrying out subsections (b) and (c), the
Task Force shall consult with--
``(1) States, Indian tribes, and local governments; and
``(2) appropriate industries (including fisheries,
agriculture, and fertilizer), academic institutions, and
nongovernmental organizations with relevant expertise.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by striking the
item relating to section 603 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 603. Task Force, assessments, and Action Strategy.''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Section 102 of the Harmful Algal
Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 (33 U.S.C. 4001a) is
amended by striking ``In developing'' and all that follows
through ``management.''.
(b) National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.--Section 603A
of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998
(33 U.S.C. 4002) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``predicting,'' and
inserting ``monitoring, observing,
forecasting,''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) the scientific assessment submitted under section
603(b); and
``(3) the Action Strategy.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``ocean and Great
Lakes science and management programs and centers'' and
inserting ``programs and centers relating to the
science and management of marine, estuarine, and
freshwater systems''; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``while
recognizing each agency is acting under its own
independent mission and authority'' before the
semicolon;
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ``Except as provided in
subsection (h), the'' and inserting ``The'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) examine the causes, ecological consequences, and
costs of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``,
including the annual Gulf of Mexico hypoxia
zone mapping cruise'' after ``Program'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) to identify opportunities to improve
monitoring of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, with a
particular focus on waters that may affect fisheries,
public health, or subsistence harvest;
``(F) to evaluate adaptation and mitigation
strategies to address the impacts of harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia;
``(G) to support the resilience of the seafood
industry to harmful algal blooms and to expand access
to testing for harmful algal bloom toxins, including
for subsistence and recreational harvesters, through
innovative methods that increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of such testing in rural and remote
areas;
``(H) to support sustained observations to provide
State and local entities, Indian tribes, and other
entities access to real-time or near real-time
observations data for decision making to protect human
and ecological health and local economies; and
``(I) to assess the combined effects of harmful
algal blooms, hypoxia, and stressors such as runoff and
infrastructure changes on marine, freshwater, or
estuarine ecosystems and living resources;'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``agencies'' and
inserting ``entities, regional coastal observing
systems (as defined in section 12303 of the Integrated
Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33
U.S.C. 3602)),'';
(D) in paragraph (6), by inserting ``and
communities'' after ``ecosystems'';
(E) in paragraph (8), by inserting ``and Indian
tribes'' after ``managers'';
(F) in paragraph (9)(A), by striking ``, tribal,
and local stakeholders'' and inserting ``and local
stakeholders and Indian tribes, Tribal organizations,
and Native Hawaiian organizations'';
(G) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6),
(7), (8), (9), (10), and (11) as paragraphs (4), (5),
(6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (12), and (13), respectively;
(H) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) consult with entities that are most dependent on
coastal and water resources that may be impacted by marine and
freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, including--
``(A) State and local entities;
``(B) Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and
Native Hawaiians organizations;
``(C) island communities;
``(D) low-population rural communities;
``(E) subsistence communities; and
``(F) fisheries and recreation industries;''; and
(I) by inserting after paragraph (10), as
redesignated by subparagraph (G), the following:
``(11) expand access to testing for harmful algal bloom
toxins, including for subsistence and recreational harvesters,
through innovative methods that increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of such testing in rural and remote areas;'';
(5) by amending subsections (f) to read as follows:
``(f) Cooperation; Duplication of Effort.--The Under Secretary
shall work cooperatively with and avoid duplication of effort of other
agencies on the Task Force and States, Indian tribes, Tribal
organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nongovernmental
organizations concerned with marine and freshwater issues.''; and
(6) by striking subsection (g), (h), and (i).
(c) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Activities.--
(1) In general.--Section 603B of the Harmful Algal Bloom
and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4003)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 603B. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall--
``(1) carry out response activities for marine, coastal,
and Great Lakes harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events;
``(2) develop and enhance operational harmful algal bloom
observing and forecasting programs, including operational
observations and forecasting, monitoring, modeling, data
management, and information dissemination;
``(3) develop forecast modeling that includes the effect of
hurricanes and other weather events on the resuspension of
bioavailable nutrients in sediments and related interactions
with harmful algal blooms;
``(4) enhance communication and coordination among Federal
agencies carrying out activities and research relating to
marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
``(5) leverage existing resources and expertise available
from local research universities and institutions; and
``(6) use cost effective methods in carrying out this
section.
``(b) Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.--The
collection of monitoring and observing data under this section shall
comply with all data standards and protocols developed pursuant to the
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C.
3601 et seq.). Such data shall be made available through the National
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System established under
section 12304 of that Act (33 U.S.C. 3603).''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by striking the
item relating to section 603B and inserting the following:
``Sec. 603B. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
activities.''.
(d) Environmental Protection Agency Activities.--
(1) In general.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998 is amended by inserting after
section 603B (33 U.S.C. 4003) the following:
``SEC. 603C. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall--
``(1) carry out research on the ecology and human health
impacts of freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events;
``(2) develop and enhance operational freshwater harmful
algal bloom monitoring, observing, and forecasting programs in
lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and coordinate with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on such programs in the
Great Lakes and estuaries (including tributaries thereof),
including operational observations and forecasting, monitoring,
modeling, data management, and information dissemination, to
support event response, prioritization, prevention, adaptation,
and mitigation activities;
``(3) enhance communication and coordination among Federal
agencies carrying out freshwater harmful algal bloom and
hypoxia activities and research;
``(4) to the greatest extent practicable, leverage existing
resources and expertise available from Federal and State
partners and local research universities and institutions; and
``(5) use cost-effective methods in carrying out this
section.
``(b) Nonduplication.--The Administrator shall ensure that
activities carried out under subsection (a) focus on new approaches to
addressing freshwater harmful algal blooms and are not duplicative of
existing research and development programs authorized by this title or
any other law.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 603B the following:
``Sec. 603C. Environmental Protection Agency activities.''.
(e) National Harmful Algal Bloom Observing Network.--
(1) In general.--Section 606 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4005) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 606. NATIONAL HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM OBSERVING NETWORK.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, acting through the National
Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the Integrated Ocean Observing
System of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall
integrate Federal, State, regional, and local observing capabilities to
establish a national network of observing systems for the monitoring,
detection, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms by leveraging the
capacity of regional associations of the Integrated Ocean Observing
System, including through the incorporation of emerging technologies
and new data integration methods.
``(b) Coordination and Data Assembly.--In carrying out subsection
(a), the Program Office of the Integrated Ocean Observing System
shall--
``(1) coordinate with the National Centers for Coastal
Ocean Science regarding observations, data integration, and
information dissemination;
``(2) organize, integrate, disseminate, and provide a
central architecture to support ecological forecasting of
harmful algal blooms; and
``(3) coordinate with the Water Quality Portal to store and
serve discrete data related to the monitoring of freshwater,
estuarine, and coastal harmful algal blooms.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by striking the
item relating to section 606 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 606. National harmful algal bloom observing network.''.
(f) National-Level Incubator Program.--
(1) In general.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998 is amended by inserting after
section 606 (33 U.S.C. 4005) the following:
``SEC. 606A. NATIONAL-LEVEL INCUBATOR PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
Administrator and research universities and institutions, shall
establish a national-level incubator program (in this section referred
to as the `program') to increase the number of strategies,
technologies, and measures available to prevent, mitigate, and control
harmful algal blooms.
``(b) Framework.--The program shall establish a framework for
preliminary assessments of novel strategies, technologies, and measures
to prevent, mitigate, and control harmful algal blooms in order to
determine the potential effectiveness and scalability of such
technologies.
``(c) Funding.--The program shall provide merit-based funding,
using amounts otherwise available to the Under Secretary for the award
of grants, for strategies, technologies, and measures that eliminate or
reduce, through biological, chemical, or physical means, the levels of
harmful algae and associated toxins resulting from harmful algal
blooms.
``(d) Database.--The program shall include a database for
cataloging the licensing and permitting requirements, economic costs,
feasibility, effectiveness, and scalability of novel and established
strategies, technologies, and measures to prevent, mitigate, and
control harmful algal blooms.
``(e) Prioritization.--In carrying out the program, the Under
Secretary shall prioritize proposed strategies, technologies, and
measures that would, to the maximum extent practicable--
``(1) protect key habitats for fish and wildlife;
``(2) maintain biodiversity;
``(3) protect public health;
``(4) protect coastal resources of national, historical,
and cultural significance; or
``(5) benefit low-income communities, Indian tribes, and
rural communities.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 606 the following:
``Sec. 606A. National-level incubator program.''.
(g) Definitions.--Section 609 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4008) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``means the comprehensive
research plan and action strategy established under section
603B'' and inserting ``means the action strategy for harmful
algal blooms in the United States most recently submitted under
section 603(c)'';
(2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Harmful algal bloom.--The term `harmful algal bloom'
means a high concentration of marine or freshwater algae
(including diatoms), macroalgae (including Sargassum), or
cyanobacteria resulting in nuisance conditions or harmful
impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystems, subsistence
resources, communities, or human health through the production
of toxic compounds or other biological, chemical, or physical
impacts of the bloom.'';
(3) by striking paragraph (9);
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8)
as paragraphs (5), (8), (9), (11), and (13), respectively;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Harmful algal bloom and hypoxia event.--The term
`harmful algal bloom and hypoxia event' means the occurrence of
a harmful algal bloom or hypoxia as a result of a natural,
anthropogenic, or undetermined cause.'';
(6) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``aquatic'' and inserting ``marine
or freshwater''; and
(B) by striking ``resident'' and inserting ``marine
or freshwater'';
(7) by inserting after paragraph (5), as redesignated by
paragraph (4), the following:
``(6) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the
meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(7) Native hawaiian organization.--The term `Native
Hawaiian organization' has the meaning given that term in
section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) and includes the Department of Hawaiian
Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.'';
(8) by inserting after paragraph (9), as redesignated by
paragraph (4), the following:
``(10) Subsistence use.--The term `subsistence use' means
the customary and traditional use of fish, wildlife, or other
freshwater, coastal, or marine resources by any individual or
community to meet personal or family needs, including essential
economic, nutritional, or cultural applications.''; and
(9) by inserting after paragraph (11), as redesignated by
paragraph (4), the following:
``(12) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'
has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
5304).''.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 610 of the Harmful
Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C.
4009) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this title, for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030--
``(1) $19,500,000 to the Under Secretary; and
``(2) $8,000,000 to the Administrator.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Transfer Authority.--As specifically provided in advance in
appropriations Acts, the Under Secretary or the Administrator may
transfer funds made available to carry out this title to the head of
any Federal department or agency, with the concurrence of such head, to
carry out, as appropriate, relevant provisions of this title and
section 9(g) of the National Integrated Drought Information System
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 4010).''.
SEC. 602. OTHER HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA MATTERS.
Section 9(g) of the National Integrated Drought Information System
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 4010) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the
following new sentence: ``The appropriate Federal
official may waive the non-Federal share requirements
of the preceding sentence if such official determines
no reasonable means are available through which the
recipient of the Federal share can meet the non-Federal
share requirement.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Contract, cooperative agreement, and grant
authority.--The appropriate Federal official may enter
into contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants with
States, Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, Native
Hawaiian organizations, local governments, or other
entities to pay for or reimburse costs incurred by such
entities for the purposes of supporting the
determination of, and assessing the environmental,
economic, subsistence use, and public health effects
of, an event of national significance.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``a
leadership official of an affected Indian tribe, the
executive official of the District of Columbia, or the
executive official of an affected territory or
possession of the United States,'' after ``State,'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``consider''
and all that follows through ``boundary.'' and
inserting ``consider factors such as--
``(i) the risk to public health and the
potential severity of the detrimental
environmental effects of the hypoxia or harmful
algal bloom event, as indicated by--
``(I) data on shellfish or water
quality obtained through sampling
programs, including baseline data, and
regulatory or advisory thresholds
established to explain management
actions related to the event;
``(II) toxin levels in fish, marine
mammals, seabirds, shellfish, or water
during the event;
``(III) toxic aerosols produced
during the event, including potential
human exposures to toxic aerosols;
``(IV) reports of human or animal
illnesses or mortalities during the
event;
``(V) any closures of fishing or
shellfish harvesting locations or
recreational public waters, including
beaches, during the event;
``(VI) the duration and spatial
extent of the event; or
``(VII) impacts to habitats or
ecosystems associated with the event;
``(ii) the potential economic, food safety
and security, and subsistence impacts
associated with the hypoxia or harmful algal
bloom event, including to fisheries and
aquaculture, recreation and tourism, monitoring
and management, resource use, and event
response activities, assessed in comparison
with historical data from when a State or
region did not experience such an event, as
possible, as indicated by--
``(I) increases in public health
expenditures;
``(II) losses to commercial
fisheries and aquaculture industries,
recreation and tourism, real estate,
and other impacted industries or
businesses;
``(III) increases in monitoring and
management expenditures, including
costs incurred for event response and
clean-up (such as for beach clean-up
following an influx of biomass or a
fish-kill) by public or private
sectors; or
``(IV) impacts to subsistence
resources, including nutritional,
resource use, and economic effects on
subsistence communities;
``(iii) the relative magnitude of those
impacts in relation to past occurrences of
hypoxia or harmful algal bloom events that
occur on a recurrent or annual basis; and
``(iv) the geographic scope of the hypoxia
or harmful algal bloom event, including the
potential of the event to affect several
municipalities, to affect more than 1 State, or
to cross an international boundary.'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has
the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 5304).
``(E) Native hawaiian organization.--The term
`Native Hawaiian organization' has the meaning given
that term in section 6207 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) and
includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the
Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
``(F) Subsistence use.--The term `subsistence use'
means the customary and traditional use of fish,
wildlife, or other freshwater, coastal, or marine
resources by any individual or community to meet
personal or family needs, including essential economic,
nutritional, or cultural applications.
``(G) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal
organization' has the meaning given that term in
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available
until expended.''.
TITLE VII--FIRE READY NATION
SEC. 701. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives.
(3) Earth system model.--The term ``Earth system model''
means a mathematical model containing all relevant components
of the Earth, namely the atmosphere, oceans, land, cryosphere,
and biosphere.
(4) Fire environment.--The term ``fire environment''
means--
(A) the environmental conditions, such as soil
moisture, vegetation, topography, snowpack, atmospheric
temperature, moisture, and wind, that influence--
(i) fuel and fire behavior; and
(ii) the emission, chemical evolution, and
transport of wildfire smoke; and
(B) the associated environmental impacts occurring
during and after fire events.
(5) Fire weather.--The term ``fire weather'' means the
weather conditions that influence the start, spread, character,
or behavior of wildfires and relevant meteorological and
chemical phenomena, including air quality, wildfire smoke, and
meteorological parameters such as relative humidity, air
temperature, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric
composition and chemistry, including emissions and mixing
heights.
(6) Impact-based decision support services.--The term
``impact-based decision support services'' means scientific
advice and interpretative services the Administration provides
to help core partners, such as emergency personnel and public
safety officials, make decisions when the information impacts
the lives and livelihoods of the people of the United States.
(7) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the
meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(8) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native
Hawaiian organization'' has the meaning given that term in
section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517), including the Department of Hawaiian
Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
(9) State.--The term ``State'' means a State, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American
Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the
United States Virgin Islands, the Federated States of
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the
Republic of Palau.
(10) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal organization''
has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
5304).
SEC. 702. ESTABLISHMENT OF FIRE WEATHER SERVICES PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall establish and maintain a
coordinated fire weather services program among the offices of the
Administration in existence as of the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(b) Program Functions.--The functions of the program established
under subsection (a), consistent with the priorities described in
section 101 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8511), shall be--
(1) to support readiness, responsiveness, understanding,
and resilience of the United States to wildfires, fire weather,
wildfire smoke, post-fire flooding and debris flows, and
associated hazards and impacts in built and natural
environments;
(2) to collaboratively develop and disseminate accurate,
precise, effective, and timely risk communications, forecasts,
watches, and warnings relating to wildfires, fire weather,
wildfire smoke, post-fire flooding and debris flows, and other
associated conditions, hazards, and impacts, as applicable,
with Federal land management agencies;
(3) to partner with and support the public, Federal and
State government entities, Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian
organizations, and academic and local partners through the
development of capabilities, impact-based decision support
services, and overall service delivery and utility related to
fire weather;
(4) to conduct and support research and development of new
and innovative models, technologies, techniques, products,
systems, processes, and procedures to predict and improve
understanding of wildfires, fire weather, related air quality,
post-fire flooding and debris flows, and the fire environment;
(5) to develop processes to transition research into
operational use and inform additional areas of research to
deliver fire weather products, services, and decision support
tools to operational users and platforms;
(6) to develop communications networks and strategies to
ensure parity of fire forecasts, warning services, and
information about current fire location, for remote, isolated,
and rural communities, including communities where the public
acts as the first responder to wildfire; and
(7) to develop, in coordination with Federal land
management agencies, impact-based decision support services
that operationalize and integrate the functions described in
paragraphs (1) through (6) in order to provide comprehensive
impact-based decision support services that encompass the fire
environment.
(c) Program Priorities.--In developing and implementing the program
established under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall
prioritize--
(1) development of a fire weather-enabled Earth system
model and data assimilation systems that--
(A) are capable of prediction and forecasting
across relevant spatial and temporal scales;
(B) include variables associated with fire weather
and the fire environment;
(C) improve understanding of the connections
between fire weather and modes of climate variability;
(D) incorporate emerging techniques such as
artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud
computing; and
(E) use a rapidly deployable network of rain gauges
for post-fire hazard monitoring;
(2) advancement of existing and new observational
capabilities, including satellite-, airborne-, air-, and
ground-based systems and technologies, and social networking
and other public information-gathering applications that--
(A) identify--
(i) high-risk pre-ignition conditions;
(ii) conditions that influence fire
behavior and spread including those conditions
that suppress active fire events; and
(iii) fire weather threat levels;
(B) support real-time notification and monitoring
of ignitions;
(C) support observations and data collection of
fire weather and fire environment variables, including
vegetation state and profiles of wildfire smoke, winds,
temperature, and humidity, for development of the model
and systems under paragraph (1); and
(D) support forecasts and research that mitigate
the impacts of wildfires on human life, health, and the
economy;
(3) development and implementation of advanced and user-
oriented impact-based decision tools, science, and technologies
that--
(A) ensure real-time and retrospective data,
products, and services are findable, accessible,
interoperable, usable, inform further research, and are
analysis- and decision-ready;
(B) provide targeted information throughout the
fire lifecycle including pre-ignition, detection,
forecasting, post-fire, and monitoring phases; and
(C) support early assessment of post-fire hazards,
such as air quality, debris flows, mudslides, and
flooding; and
(4) ensuring the parity of access to and support from the
tools, science, and technologies developed under this
subsection for remote, isolated, and rural communities.
(d) Program Activities.--In developing and implementing the program
established under subsection (a), the Under Secretary may--
(1) conduct relevant physical and social science research
activities in support of the functions described in subsection
(b) and the priorities described in subsection (c);
(2) conduct relevant activities, in coordination with
Federal land management agencies and Federal science agencies,
to assess fuel characteristics, including moisture, loading,
and other parameters used to determine fire risk levels and
outlooks;
(3) support and conduct research that assesses impacts to
marine, riverine, watershed, and other relevant ecosystems,
which may include forest and rangeland ecosystems, resulting
from activities associated with mitigation of and response to
wildfires;
(4) support and conduct attribution science research
relating to wildfires, fire weather, fire risk, wildfire smoke,
and associated conditions, risks, and impacts;
(5) develop wildfire smoke and air quality forecasts,
forecast guidance, and prescribed burn weather forecasts, and
conduct research on the impact of such forecasts on response
behavior that minimizes health-related impacts from wildfire
smoke exposure;
(6) use, in coordination with Federal land management
agencies, wildland fuels information and fire resource
intelligence to inform fire environment impact-based decision
support services and products for safety;
(7) work with Federal agencies to provide data, tools, and
services to support the implementation of mitigation measures
by such agencies;
(8) provide training and support to ensure effective media
utilization of impact-based decision support services and
products to the public regarding actions needing to be taken;
(9) provide comprehensive training to ensure staff of the
program established under subsection (a) is properly equipped
to deliver the impact-based decision support services and
products described in paragraphs (1) through (6); and
(10) acquire, through contracted purchase, private sector-
produced observational data to fill identified gaps, as needed.
(e) Parity for Remote, Isolated, and Rural Communities.--In
developing and implementing the program established under subsection
(a), the Under Secretary shall ensure parity of coverage and
programmatic activity for remote, isolated, and rural communities,
including communities where the public acts as the first responder to
wildfire.
(f) Collaboration.--The Under Secretary shall, as the Under
Secretary considers appropriate, collaborate with partners in the
weather and climate enterprises, academic institutions, States, Indian
tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, local
partners, and Federal agencies in the development and implementation of
the program established under subsection (a).
(g) Agreements.--In carrying out the activities under this title
and the amendments made by this title, the Under Secretary may provide
support to non-Federal entities by making funds and resources available
through--
(1) competitive grants;
(2) contracts under the mobility program under subchapter
VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code (commonly
referred to as the ``Intergovernmental Personnel Act Mobility
Program'');
(3) cooperative agreements; and
(4) co-location agreements as described in section 502 of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020 (33 U.S.C.
851 note prec.).
(h) Program Administration Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a plan that details how
the program established under subsection (a) will be
administered and governed within the Administration.
(2) Elements.--The plan required by paragraph (1) should
include a description of--
(A) how the functions described in subsection (b),
the priorities described in subsection (c), and the
activities described in subsection (d) will be
distributed among the line offices of the
Administration; and
(B) the mechanisms in place to ensure seamless
coordination among those offices.
SEC. 703. FIRE WEATHER TESTBED.
(a) Establishment of Fire Weather Testbed.--The Under Secretary
shall establish a fire weather testbed that enables engagement across
the Federal Government, State and local governments, academia, private
and federally funded research laboratories, the private sector, and
end-users in order to evaluate the accuracy and usability of
technology, models, fire weather products and services, and other
research to accelerate the implementation, transition to operations,
and use of new capabilities by the Administration, Federal and land
management agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.
(b) Uncrewed Systems.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall--
(A) establish and carry out a research and
development program to support the application of
uncrewed systems technologies to improve data
collection in support of modeling, observations,
predictions, forecasts, and impact-based decision
support services, and for other purposes of the
Administration;
(B) transition uncrewed systems technologies from
research to operations as the Under Secretary considers
appropriate; and
(C) coordinate with other Federal agencies that may
be developing uncrewed systems and related technologies
to meet the challenges of wildland fire management.
(2) Pilots required.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Under Secretary shall conduct pilots of uncrewed systems for
fire weather and fire environment observations, including--
(A) testing of uncrewed systems in approximations
of real-world scenarios;
(B) assessment of the utility of meteorological
data collected from fire response and assessment
aircraft;
(C) input of the collected data into appropriate
models to predict fire behavior, including coupled
atmosphere and fire models; and
(D) collection of best management practices for
deployment of uncrewed systems and other remote data
technology, including for communication and
coordination between the stakeholders described in
subsection (a).
(3) Savings clause.--
(A) In general.--In carrying out activities under
this subsection, the Under Secretary shall ensure that
any testing or deployment of uncrewed systems follow
procedures, restrictions, and protocols established by
the heads of the Federal agencies with statutory or
regulatory jurisdiction over any airspace in which
wildfire response activities are conducted during an
active wildfire event.
(B) Consultation and coordination.--The Under
Secretary shall consult and coordinate with relevant
Federal land management agencies, Federal science
agencies, and the Federal Aviation Administration to
develop processes for the appropriate deployment of the
systems described in subparagraph (A).
(c) Additional Pilot Projects.--The Under Secretary shall establish
additional pilot projects relating to the fire weather testbed that may
include the following elements:
(1) Advanced products to detect fire from satellites.
(2) Procurement and use of commercial data.
(3) Investigation and evaluation of information needs of
users and decision makers.
(d) Report.--Section 108(a)(5) of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (15 U.S.C.
8520(a)(5)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(2) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'';
(B) in clause (iii), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) a description of the research that
has been transitioned into operations,
including research at the fire weather testbed
established under section 703(a) of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026;''.
SEC. 704. DATA MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION.
(a) Data Availability and Management.--Section 301 of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8531) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections
(g) and (h), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) Data Availability and Management.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall--
``(A) make data and metadata generated or collected
by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
that the Under Secretary has the legal right to
redistribute fully and openly available, in accordance
with chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, and
the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of
2018 (Public Law 115-435; 132 Stat. 5529) and the
amendments made by that Act, and preserve and curate
such data and metadata, in accordance with chapter 31
of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the
`Federal Records Act of 1950'), in order to maximize
use of such data and metadata; and
``(B) manage and steward the access, archival, and
retrieval activities for the data and metadata
described in subparagraph (A) by--
``(i) using--
``(I) enterprise-wide
infrastructure, emerging technologies,
commercial partnerships, and the
skilled workforce needed to provide
appropriate data management from
collection to broad access; and
``(II) associated information
services; and
``(ii) pursuing the maximum
interoperability of data and information by--
``(I) leveraging data, information,
knowledge, and tools from across the
Federal Government to support equitable
access, cross-sectoral collaboration
and innovation, and local planning and
decision making; and
``(II) developing standards and
practices for the adoption and citation
of digital object identifiers for
datasets, models, and analytical tools.
``(2) Collaboration.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Under Secretary shall collaborate with such Federal partners
and stakeholders as the Under Secretary considers relevant--
``(A) to develop standards to pursue maximum
interoperability of data, information, knowledge, and
tools across the Federal Government, convert historical
records into common digital formats, and improve access
and usability of data by partners and stakeholders;
``(B) to identify and solicit relevant data from
Federal and international partners and other relevant
stakeholders, as the Under Secretary considers
appropriate; and
``(C) to develop standards and practices for the
adoption and citation of digital object identifiers for
datasets, models, and analytical tools.''.
(b) Wildfire Technology Modernization.--Section 1114 of the John D.
Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (43 U.S.C.
1748b-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting ``the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,'' after ``Federal
Aviation Administration,'';
(2) in subsection (e)(2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) Consultation.--
``(i) In general.--In carrying out
subparagraph (A), the Secretaries shall consult
with the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans
and Atmosphere regarding any development of
impact-based decision support services that
relate to wildfire-related activities of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
``(ii) Definition of impact-based decision
support services.--In this subparagraph, the
term `impact-based decision support services'
means scientific advice and interpretative
services the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration provides to help core partners,
such as emergency personnel and public safety
officials, make decisions when the information
impacts the lives and livelihoods of the people
of the United States.''; and
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and moving
such subparagraphs, as so redesignated, 2 ems to the
right;
(B) by striking ``The Secretaries'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretaries''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Collaboration.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretaries shall collaborate with the Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to improve coordination,
utility of systems and assets, and interoperability of data for
wildfire smoke prediction, forecasting, and modeling.''.
(c) Digital Presence.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall develop and
maintain a comprehensive, centralized, and publicly accessible
digital presence designed to promote findability,
accessibility, interoperability, usability, and utility of the
services, tools, data, and information produced by the program
established under section 702(a).
(2) Digital platform and tools.--In carrying out paragraph
(1), the Under Secretary shall seek to ensure the digital
platform and tools of the Administration integrate geospatial
data, decision support tools, training, and best practices to
provide real-time fire weather forecasts and address fire-
related issues and needs.
(d) High-Performance Computing.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall seek to acquire
sufficient high-performance computing resources and capacity
for research, operations, and data storage in support of the
program established under section 702(a).
(2) Considerations.--In acquiring high-performance
computing capacity under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary
shall consider requirements needed for--
(A) conducting research, development, and testbed
experiments;
(B) the transition of research and testbed
developments into operations;
(C) sustaining capabilities in operations;
(D) capabilities existing in other Federal agencies
and the commercial sector; and
(E) skilled workforce development.
SEC. 705. SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENTS.
(a) Post-Fire Weather Surveys and Assessments .--
(1) Annual post-fire-weather-season survey and
assessment.--
(A) In general.--During the second winter following
the date of the enactment of this Act, and each year
thereafter, the Under Secretary shall conduct a post-
fire-weather-season survey and assessment.
(B) Elements.--After conducting a post-fire-
weather-season survey and assessment under subparagraph
(A), the Under Secretary shall--
(i) investigate any gaps in weather data
collected during the assessment;
(ii) identify and implement strategies and
procedures to improve program services and
information dissemination;
(iii) update systems, processes,
strategies, and procedures to enhance the
efficiency and reliability of weather data
obtained from the assessment;
(iv) evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of
physical fire weather forecasting information
for each incident included in the survey and
assessment; and
(v) assess and refine performance measures,
as needed.
(2) Surveys and assessments following individual wildfire
events.--The Under Secretary may conduct surveys and
assessments following individual wildfire events as the Under
Secretary determines necessary.
(3) Goal.--In carrying out activities under this
subsection, the Under Secretary shall seek to increase the
number of post-wildfire community impact studies, including by
surveying individual and collective responses and incorporating
other applicable topics of social science research.
(4) Annual briefing.--Not less frequently than once each
year, the Under Secretary shall join other relevant agencies to
provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress
that provides--
(A) an overview of the fire season;
(B) an outlook for the fire season; and
(C) fire weather forecasts.
(5) Coordination.--In conducting any survey or assessment
under this subsection, the Under Secretary shall coordinate
with Federal, State, and local partners, Indian tribes, Native
Hawaiian organizations, private entities, and such institutions
of higher education as the Under Secretary considers relevant
in order to--
(A) improve operations and collaboration; and
(B) optimize data collection, sharing, integration,
assimilation, and dissemination.
(6) Data availability.--The Under Secretary shall make the
data and findings obtained from each assessment conducted under
this subsection available to the public in an accessible
digital format as soon as practicable after conducting the
assessment.
(7) Service improvements.--The Under Secretary shall make
best efforts to incorporate the results and recommendations of
each assessment conducted under this subsection into the
research and development plan and operations of the
Administration.
(b) Joint Assessment and Plan for Automated Surface Observing
System.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and
the Secretary of Defense, shall--
(A) conduct an assessment of resources, personnel,
procedures, and activities necessary to maximize the
functionality and utility of the automated surface
observing system of the United States that identifies--
(i) key system upgrades needed to improve
observation quality and utility for weather
forecasting, aviation safety, and other users;
(ii) improvements needed in observations
within the planetary boundary layer, including
mixing height;
(iii) improvements needed in public
accessibility of observational data;
(iv) improvements needed to reduce latency
in reporting of observational data;
(v) relevant data to be collected for the
production of forecasts or forecast guidance
relating to atmospheric composition, including
particulate and air quality data related to
wildfires, and aviation safety;
(vi) areas of concern regarding operational
continuity and reliability of the system, which
may include needs for on-night staff,
particularly in remote and rural areas and
areas where system failure would have the
greatest negative impact to the community;
(vii) stewardship, data handling, data
distribution, and product generation needs
arising from upgrading and changing the
automated surface observation systems;
(viii) possible solutions for areas of
concern identified under clause (vi), including
with respect to the potential use of backup
systems, power and communication system
reliability, staffing needs and personnel
location, and the acquisition of critical
component backups and proper storage location
to ensure rapid system repair necessary to
ensure system operational continuity; and
(ix) research, development, and transition
to operations needed to develop advanced data
collection, quality control, and distribution
so that the data are provided to models, users,
and decision support systems in a timely
manner; and
(B) develop and implement a plan that addresses the
findings of the assessment conducted under subparagraph
(A), including by seeking and allocating resources
necessary to ensure that system upgrades are
standardized across the Administration, the Federal
Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense
to the extent practicable.
(2) Standardization.--Any system standardization
implemented under paragraph (1)(B) shall not impede activities
to upgrade or improve individual units of the system.
(3) Remote automatic weather station coordination.--The
Under Secretary, in collaboration with relevant Federal
agencies and the National Interagency Coordination Center,
shall assess and develop cooperative agreements to improve
coordination, interoperability standards, operations, and
placement of remote automatic weather stations for the purpose
of improving utility and coverage of remote automatic weather
stations, automated surface observation systems, wildfire smoke
monitoring platforms, and other similar stations and systems
for weather and climate operations.
(4) Report to congress.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary,
in collaboration with the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration and the Secretary of Defense,
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress
a report that--
(i) details the findings of the assessment
required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1);
and
(ii) the plan required by subparagraph (B)
of such paragraph.
(B) Elements.--The report required by subparagraph
(A) shall include a detailed assessment of
appropriations required--
(i) to address the findings of the
assessment required by subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (1); and
(ii) to implement the plan required by
subparagraph (B) of such paragraph.
SEC. 706. INCIDENT METEOROLOGIST SERVICE.
(a) Establishment.--The Under Secretary shall establish and
maintain an Incident Meteorologist Service within the National Weather
Service (in this section referred to as the ``Service'').
(b) Inclusion of Existing Incident Meteorologists.--The Service
shall include--
(1) the incident meteorologists of the Administration as of
the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2) such incident meteorologists of the Administration as
may be appointed after such date.
(c) Functions.--The Service shall provide--
(1) on-site impact-based decision support services to
Federal, State, and local government emergency response
agencies, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations
preceding, during, and following significant weather-related
events, such as wildland fires, that threaten human life,
property, or the economy; and
(2) support to Federal, State, and local government
decisionmakers, partners, and stakeholders, Indian tribes,
Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations for
seasonal planning and pre-fire mitigation activities.
(d) Deployment.--The Service shall be deployed--
(1) as determined by the Under Secretary; or
(2) at the request of the head of another Federal agency
and with the approval of the Under Secretary.
(e) Staffing and Resources.--In establishing and maintaining the
Service, the Under Secretary shall identify, acquire, and maintain
adequate levels of staffing and resources to meet user needs.
(f) Support for Incident Meteorologists.--The Under Secretary shall
provide resources, access to real-time fire weather forecasts,
training, administrative and logistical support, and access to
professional counseling or other forms of support as the Under
Secretary considers appropriate for the betterment of the emotional and
mental health and well-being of incident meteorologists and other
employees of the Administration so long as the need for such resources,
training, access, or support is due to the response of such employees
to high-impact and extreme fire weather events.
SEC. 707. EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVITIES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Basic pay.--The term ``basic pay'' includes any
applicable locality-based comparability payment under section
5304 of title 5, United States Code, any applicable special
rate supplement under section 5305 of such title, or any
equivalent payment under a similar provision of law.
(2) Covered employee.--The term ``covered employee'' means
an employee of the Department of Commerce, the Department of
Agriculture, or the Department of the Interior.
(3) Covered services.--The term ``covered services'' means
services that are performed by a covered employee while
serving--
(A) as a wildland firefighter or a fire management
response official, including a regional fire director,
a deputy regional fire director, and a fire management
officer;
(B) as an incident meteorologist accompanying a
wildland firefighter crew; or
(C) on an incident management team, at the National
Interagency Fire Center, at a Geographic Area
Coordinating Center, or at an operations center.
(4) Premium pay.--The term ``premium pay'' means premium
pay paid under a provision of law described in the matter
preceding paragraph (1) of section 5547(a) of title 5, United
States Code.
(5) Relevant congressional committees.--The term ``relevant
congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate;
(D) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
(E) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate;
(F) the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform of the House of Representatives;
(G) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives;
(H) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives;
(I) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representative; and
(J) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
(6) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
means--
(A) the Secretary of Commerce, with respect to an
employee of the Department of Commerce;
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to
an employee of the Department of Agriculture; and
(C) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
an employee of the Department of the Interior.
(b) Waiver.--
(1) In general.--Any premium pay received by a covered
employee for covered services shall be disregarded in
calculating the aggregate of the basic pay and premium pay for
the covered employee for purposes of applying the limitation on
premium pay under section 5547(a) of title 5, United States
Code.
(2) Calculation of aggregate pay.--Any pay that is
disregarded under paragraph (1) shall be disregarded in
calculating the aggregate pay of the applicable covered
employee for purposes of applying the limitation under section
5307 of title 5, United States Code, during calendar year 2026.
(3) Limitation.--A covered employee may not be paid premium
pay under this subsection if, or to the extent that, the
aggregate of the basic pay and premium pay (including premium
pay for covered services) of the covered employee for a
calendar year would exceed the rate of basic pay payable for a
position at level II of the Executive Schedule under section
5313 of title 5, United States Code, as in effect at the end of
that calendar year.
(4) Treatment of additional premium pay.--If the
application of this subsection results in the payment of
additional premium pay to a covered employee of a type that is
normally creditable as basic pay for retirement or any other
purpose, that additional premium pay shall not be--
(A) considered to be basic pay of the covered
employee for any purpose; or
(B) used in computing a lump-sum payment to the
covered employee for accumulated and accrued annual
leave under section 5551 or 5552 of title 5, United
States Code.
(5) Effective period.--This subsection shall be in effect
during calendar year 2026 and apply to premium pay payable
during that year.
(c) Amendment.--Section 5542(a)(5) of title 5, United States Code,
is amended by inserting ``, the Department of Commerce,'' after
``Interior''.
(d) Plan To Address Needs.--
(1) Development and implementation.--Not later than March
30, 2026, the Secretaries referred to in subsection (a)(6), in
consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management,
shall jointly develop and implement a plan that addresses the
needs of the Department of Commerce, the Department of
Agriculture, and the Department of the Interior, as applicable,
to hire, appoint, promote, or train additional covered
employees who carry out covered services such that sufficient
covered employees are available throughout each fiscal year,
beginning in fiscal year 2026, without the need for waivers of
premium pay limitations.
(2) Submittal.--Not later than 30 days before the date on
which the Secretaries implement the plan developed under
paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall submit the plan to the
relevant congressional committees.
(3) Limitation.--The plan developed under paragraph (1)
shall not be contingent on any Secretary receiving amounts
appropriated for fiscal years beginning in fiscal year 2026 in
amounts greater than amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2024.
(e) Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety, and Well-Being.--
The Secretary concerned shall maintain policies and procedures to
promote the health, safety, and well-being of covered employees.
SEC. 708. SUBMISSIONS TO CONGRESS REGARDING THE FIRE WEATHER SERVICES
PROGRAM, INCIDENT METEOROLOGIST WORKFORCE NEEDS, AND
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WORKFORCE SUPPORT.
(a) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress--
(1) the plan described in subsection (b);
(2) the assessment described in subsection (c); and
(3) the assessment described in subsection (d).
(b) Fire Weather Services Program Plan.--
(1) Elements.--The plan submitted under subsection (a)(1)
shall detail--
(A) the observational data, modeling requirements,
ongoing computational needs, research, development, and
technology transfer activities, data management,
skilled-personnel requirements, engagement with
relevant Federal emergency and land management agencies
and partners, and corresponding research, development,
and operational resources and timelines necessary to
achieve the functions described in subsection (b) of
section 702 and the priorities described in subsection
(c) of such section; and
(B) plans and needs for all other activities and
requirements under this title and the amendments made
by this title.
(2) Submittal of annual budget for plan.--Following
completion of the plan submitted under subsection (a)(1), the
Under Secretary shall, not less frequently than once each year
concurrent with the submission of the budget by the President
to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code,
submit to Congress a proposed budget corresponding with the
elements detailed in the plan.
(c) Incident Meteorologist Workforce Needs Assessment.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall conduct a
workforce needs assessment on the current and future demand for
additional incident meteorologists for wildfires and other
high-impact fire weather events.
(2) Elements.--The assessment required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) A description of staffing levels as of the date
on which the assessment is submitted under subsection
(a)(2) and projected future staffing levels.
(B) An assessment of the state of the research,
development, and operational infrastructure of the
National Weather Service as of the date on which the
assessment is submitted and future needs of such
infrastructure in order to meet current and future
demands, including with respect to information
technology support and logistical and administrative
operations.
(3) Considerations.--In conducting the assessment required
by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall consider user needs
and feedback from relevant stakeholders.
(d) Support Services Assessment.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall conduct a
workforce support services assessment with respect to employees
of the National Weather Service engaged in emergency response.
(2) Elements.--The assessment required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of need for further support of
employees of the National Weather Service engaged in
emergency response through services provided by the
Public Health Service.
(B) A detailed assessment of appropriations
required to secure the level of support services needed
as identified in the assessment described in
subparagraph (A).
(3) Additional support services.--Following the completion
of the assessment required by paragraph (1), the Under
Secretary shall seek to acquire additional support services to
meet the needs identified in the assessment.
SEC. 709. FIRE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP; STRATEGIC PLAN.
(a) Fire Science and Technology Working Group.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Executive Director of the
Interagency Council for Advancing Weather Services established
under section 402 of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8542) (in this section
referred to as the ``Interagency Council'') shall establish a
working group, to be known as the ``Fire Science and Technology
Working Group'' (in this section referred to as the ``Working
Group'').
(2) Chair.--The Working Group shall be chaired by the Under
Secretary, or designee.
(3) General duties.--
(A) In general.--The Working Group shall seek to
build efficiencies among the agencies listed under
section 711(c)(1) and coordinate the planning and
management of science, research, technology, and
operations related to science and support services for
wildland fire prediction, detection, forecasting,
modeling, resilience, response, management, and
assessments.
(B) Input.--The Working Group shall solicit input
from non-Federal stakeholders.
(b) Strategic Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Interagency Council shall
prepare and submit to Congress a strategic plan for interagency
coordination, research, and development that will improve the
assessment of fire environments and the understanding and
prediction of wildland fires, associated wildfire smoke, and
the impacts of such fires and smoke, including--
(A) on communities, buildings, and other
infrastructure;
(B) on ecosystem services and watersheds;
(C) social and economic impacts;
(D) by developing and encouraging the adoption of
science-based and cost-effective measures--
(i) to enhance community resilience to
wildland fires;
(ii) to address and mitigate the impacts of
wildland fires and associated wildfire smoke;
and
(iii) to restore natural fire regimes in
fire-dependent ecosystems;
(E) by improving the understanding and mitigation
of the effects of weather and long-term drought on
wildland fire risk, frequency, and severity;
(F) through integrations of social and behavioral
sciences in public safety fire communication;
(G) by improving the forecasting and understanding
of prescribed fires and the impacts of such fires, and
how those impacts may differ from impacts of wildland
fires that originate from an unplanned ignition; and
(H) consideration and adoption of any
recommendations included in the report required by
section 711(c).
(2) Plan elements.--The strategic plan required by
paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) A description of the priorities and needs of
vulnerable populations.
(B) A description of high-performance computing,
visualization, and dissemination needs.
(C) A timeline and guidance for implementation of--
(i) an interagency data sharing system for
data relevant to performing fire assessments
and modeling fire risk and fire behavior;
(ii) a system for ensuring that the fire
prediction models of relevant agencies can be
interconnected; and
(iii) to the maximum extent practicable,
any recommendations included in the report
required by section 711(c).
(D) A plan for incorporating and coordinating
research and operational observations, including from
infrared technologies, microwave, radars, satellites,
mobile weather stations, and uncrewed aerial systems.
(E) A flexible framework to communicate clear and
simple fire event information to the public.
(F) Integration of social, behavioral, risk, and
communication research to improve the fire operational
environment and societal information reception and
response.
(c) Sunset.--The Working Group shall terminate not later than 1
year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 710. FIRE WEATHER RATING SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall, in collaboration with
the Chief of the United States Forest Service, the Director of the
United States Geological Survey, the Director of the National Park
Service, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the
Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Director of the Bureau of
Land Management, and such stakeholders as the Under Secretary considers
appropriate--
(1) evaluate the system used as of the date of the
enactment of this Act to rate the risk of wildfire; and
(2) determine whether updates to that system are required
to ensure that the ratings accurately reflect the severity of
fire risk.
(b) Update Required.--If the Under Secretary determines under
subsection (a) that updates to the system described in paragraph (1) of
such subsection are necessary, the Under Secretary shall update that
system.
SEC. 711. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORTS.
(a) Report on Fire Weather Services Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to Congress a report on the program
established under section 702(a).
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall--
(A) evaluate the performance of the program by
establishing initial baseline capabilities and tracking
progress made toward fully operationalizing the
functions described in section 702(b); and
(B) include such other recommendations as the
Comptroller General determines are appropriate to
improve the program.
(b) Report on Interagency Bodies for Wildfire Forecasting,
Prevention, Planning, and Management.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to Congress a report that--
(1) identifies all Federal interagency bodies established
for the purpose of wildfire forecasting, prevention, planning,
and management (such as wildfire councils, commissions, and
workgroups), including--
(A) the Wildland Fire Leadership Council;
(B) the White House Wildfire Resilience Interagency
Group;
(C) the Wildland Fire Management Policy Committee;
(D) the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management
Commission;
(E) the Joint Science Fire Program;
(F) the National Interagency Coordination Center;
(G) the National Predictive Services Oversight
Group;
(H) the Interagency Council for Advancing
Meteorological Services;
(I) the National Wildfire Coordinating Group;
(J) the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group;
and
(K) the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group;
(2) evaluates the roles, functionality, and utility of such
interagency bodies;
(3) evaluates the progress, performance, and implementation
of such interagency bodies;
(4) assesses efficacy and identifies potential overlap and
duplication of such interagency bodies in carrying out
interagency collaboration with respect to wildfire prevention,
planning, and management; and
(5) includes such other recommendations as the Comptroller
General determines are appropriate to streamline and improve
wildfire forecasting, prevention, planning, and management,
including recommendations regarding the interagency bodies for
which the addition of the Administration is necessary to
improve wildfire forecasting, prevention, planning, and
management.
(c) Report on Interagency Coordination.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of
the United States shall submit to Congress a report that identifies--
(1) the authorities, roles, and science and support
services relating to wildland fire prediction, detection,
forecasting, modeling, resilience, response, management, and
assessment provided by--
(A) the Department of Commerce, including the
Administration and the National Institute of Standards
and Technology;
(B) the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration;
(C) the Department of the Interior;
(D) the Department of Agriculture;
(E) the National Science Foundation;
(F) the Department of Energy;
(G) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(H) the Department of Transportation;
(I) the Environmental Protection Agency; and
(J) the Department of Defense; and
(2) recommended areas in and mechanisms by which the
agencies listed under paragraph (1) could support and improve--
(A) coordination between Federal agencies, State
and local governments, Indian tribes, Tribal
organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and other
relevant stakeholders, including through examination of
possible public-private partnerships;
(B) research and development, including
interdisciplinary research, related to fire
environments, wildland fires, associated wildfire
smoke, and the impacts of such environments, fires, and
smoke, in furtherance of a coordinated interagency
effort to address wildland fire risk reduction;
(C) data management and stewardship, the
development and coordination of data systems and
computational tools, and the creation of a centralized,
integrated data collaboration environment for agency
data, including historical data, relating to weather,
fire environments, wildland fires, associated wildfire
smoke, and the impacts of such environments, fires, and
smoke, and the assessment of wildland fire risk
mitigation measures;
(D) interoperability, usability, and accessibility
of the scientific data, data systems, and computational
and information tools of the agencies listed under
paragraph (1);
(E) coordinated public safety communications
relating to fire weather events, fire hazards, and
wildland fire and smoke risk reduction strategies; and
(F) secure and accurate real-time data, alerts, and
advisories to wildland firefighters and other decision
support tools for wildland fire incident command posts.
(d) Report on Automated Surface Observing System.--Not later than 4
years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller
General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that--
(1) evaluates the functionality, utility, reliability, and
operational status of the automated surface observing system
across the Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration,
and the Department of Defense;
(2) evaluates the progress, performance, and implementation
of the plan required by section 705(b)(1)(B);
(3) assesses the efficacy of cross-agency collaboration and
stakeholder engagement in carrying out the plan and provides
recommendations to improve such activities;
(4) evaluates the operational continuity and reliability of
the system, particularly in remote and rural areas and areas
where system failure would have the greatest negative impact to
the community, and provides recommendations to improve such
continuity and reliability;
(5) assesses Federal coordination regarding the remote
automatic weather station network, air resource advisors, and
other Federal observing assets used for weather and subseasonal
to seasonal modeling and response activities, and provides
recommendations for improvements; and
(6) includes such other recommendations as the Comptroller
General determines are appropriate to improve the system.
SEC. 712. COOPERATION AND COORDINATION.
(a) Cooperation.--Each Federal agency shall cooperate and
coordinate with the Under Secretary, as appropriate, in carrying out
this title and the amendments made by this title.
(b) Coordination.--
(1) In general.--In meeting the requirements under this
title and the amendments made by this title, the Under
Secretary shall coordinate, and as appropriate, establish
agreements with Federal and external partners to fully use and
leverage existing assets, systems, networks, technologies, and
sources of data.
(2) Inclusions.--Coordination carried out under paragraph
(1) shall include coordination with--
(A) the agencies represented at the National
Interagency Fire Center;
(B) the Predictive Services Program of the National
Interagency Coordination Center;
(C) the National Wildfire Coordinating Group; and
(D) relevant interagency bodies identified in the
report required by section 711(b).
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Under Secretary shall consult with Federal partners including--
(A) the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration;
(B) the Department of the Interior;
(C) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(D) the National Science Foundation;
(E) the United States Geological Survey;
(F) the Department of Agriculture;
(G) the Environmental Protection Agency;
(H) the Department of Energy;
(I) the Department of Defense;
(J) the National Institute of Standards and
Technology; and
(K) such other departments and agencies as the
Under Secretary considers relevant.
(c) Process for Annual Coordination With Non-Federal Entities.--Not
later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Under Secretary shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a process for annual coordination with State and local
governments, Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian
organizations to assist the development of improved fire weather
products and services.
(d) International Coordination.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary may develop
collaborative relationships and agreements with foreign
partners and counterparts to address transboundary issues
pertaining to wildfires, fire weather, wildfire smoke, air
quality, and associated conditions and hazards or other
relevant meteorological phenomena, as appropriate, to
facilitate full and open exchange of data and information.
(2) Consultation.--In carrying out activities under this
subsection, the Under Secretary shall consult with the
Department of State and such other Federal partners as the
Under Secretary considers relevant.
SEC. 713. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Avoidance of Duplication.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall ensure, to the
greatest extent practicable, that activities carried out under
this title and the amendments made by this title are not
duplicative of activities supported by other parts of the
Administration or other relevant Federal agencies.
(2) Coordination.--In carrying out activities under this
title and the amendments made by this title, the Under
Secretary shall coordinate with the Administration and heads of
other Federal research agencies--
(A) to ensure those activities enhance and
complement, but do not constitute unnecessary
duplication of, efforts; and
(B) to ensure the responsible stewardship of funds.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this title may be construed--
(1) to satisfy any requirement for government-to-government
consultation with Indian tribes; or
(2) to affect or modify any treaty or other right of any
Indian tribe.
SEC. 714. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Administration to carry out this title and the amendments made by this
title--
(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
(2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
(3) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
(4) $36,000,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
(5) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.
(b) Prohibition.--None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated
by subsection (a) may be used to unnecessarily duplicate activities
funded under title VIII of division D of the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58; 135 Stat. 1094).
TITLE VIII--PRECIPITATION ESTIMATES AND LANDSLIDE PREPAREDNESS
SEC. 801. INCLUSION OF ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS AND EXTREME PRECIPITATION
EVENTS IN ESTIMATES OF PRECIPITATION FREQUENCY.
(a) Definitions.--Section 12(a) of the Flood Level Observation,
Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(a)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs
(4) and (5), respectively; and
(2) by inserting before paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(1) Atmospheric river.--The term `atmospheric river'
means a transient corridor of strong water vapor in the
atmosphere that--
``(A) produces significant quantities of rain or
snow; and
``(B) may be primarily beneficial to the water
supply or hazardous due to flooding.
``(2) Atmospheric river flooding event.--The term
`atmospheric river flooding event' means an atmospheric river
that--
``(A) results in flooding of rivers and streams or
other hazards to human life, property, or the economy;
and
``(B) is of particular concern to human health,
property, and the economy, as determined by the
Secretary of Commerce.
``(3) Extreme precipitation event.--The term `extreme
precipitation event' means precipitation quantities exceeding
the 5-year annual recurrence interval for a specific
location.''.
(b) Requirements.--Section 12(d)(1) of the Flood Level Observation,
Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(d)(1)) is amended
by inserting ``, such as precipitation resulting from hurricanes,
atmospheric river flooding events, and extreme precipitation events''
before the period at the end.
SEC. 802. REAUTHORIZATION OF NATIONAL LANDSLIDE PREPAREDNESS ACT.
(a) Definitions.--Section 2 of the National Landslide Preparedness
Act (43 U.S.C. 3101) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (11) as
paragraphs (7), (8), (10), (11), (13), (14), (15), and (16),
respectively;
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Atmospheric river.--The term `atmospheric river' has
the meaning given the term in section 12(a) of the Flood Level
Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C.
9707(a)).
``(5) Atmospheric river flooding event.--The term
`atmospheric river flooding event' has the meaning given the
term in section 12(a) of the Flood Level Observation,
Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(a)).
``(6) Extreme precipitation event.--The term `extreme
precipitation event' has the meaning given the term in section
12(a) of the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision
Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(a)).'';
(3) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(9) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).'';
(4) by inserting after paragraph (11) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(12) Native hawaiian organization.--The term `Native
Hawaiian organization' has the meaning given the term in
section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517), except that the term includes the
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian
Affairs.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(17) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'
has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).''.
(b) National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Section 3(a)(3) of the National
Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(a)(3)) is amended by
striking ``protect'' and inserting ``contribute to
protecting''.
(2) Program activities.--Section 3(b)(1)(C)(ii) of the
National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C.
3102(b)(1)(C)(ii)) is amended by striking ``implement'' and
inserting ``disseminate''.
(3) National strategy.--Section 3(b)(2) of the National
Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(2)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C)
as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``Not later than'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--Not later than''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Assessment.--For purposes of the first
national strategy published after the date of enactment
of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026 under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
Commerce, shall include an assessment of the risks that
atmospheric river flooding events and extreme
precipitation events pose to the safety of life and
property in the United States with respect to landslide
hazards.''.
(4) National landslide hazards database.--Section 3(b)(3)
of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C.
3102(b)(3)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as
subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) the identification of areas in need of
additional hazard risk assessment, including areas that
may be at risk due to--
``(i) hydrology or changes in hydrology
that may include erosion, drought, or other
characteristics that could impact landslide
risk;
``(ii) atmospheric river flooding events
and extreme precipitation events, as identified
by the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary;
``(iii) geologic activity, such as volcanic
eruptions, earthquakes, or tsunamis; or
``(iv) data-poor areas or hazards with poor
monitoring that could contribute to increased
landslide risk;''.
(5) Landslide hazard and risk preparedness for
communities.--Section 3(b)(4) of the National Landslide
Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(4)) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
inserting ``Native Hawaiian organizations and other
stakeholders, as appropriate,'' before ``and Indian
tribes'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``local, and Tribal governments and
decisionmakers'' and inserting ``and local
governments, Indian tribes, Tribal
organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations,
and other decisionmakers'';
(ii) by striking clause (iii) and inserting
the following:
``(iii) health and safety with respect to
landslides;'';
(iii) by redesignating clause (iv) as
clause (v); and
(iv) by inserting after clause (iii) the
following:
``(iv) reducing losses from landslides,
including the threats caused by atmospheric
rivers and other extreme precipitation events;
and''; and
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``local, and
Tribal officials'' and inserting ``and local
officials, Indian tribes, Tribal organizations,
and Native Hawaiian organizations''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``local,
and Tribal emergency managers'' and inserting
``and local emergency managers and emergency
managers of Indian tribes, Tribal
organizations, and Native Hawaiian
organizations''.
(6) Debris flow early warning system.--Section 3(b)(5) of
the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(5))
is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``State,
territorial, local, and Tribal governments'' and
inserting ``State, territorial, and local governments,
Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native
Hawaiian organizations'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C)
as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(C) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``In carrying out'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--In carrying out''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Consultation.--In carrying out subparagraph
(A), the Secretary may consult with an institution of
higher education described in subsection (d)(2)(B)(iv)
and other stakeholders to establish and support
emergency response procedures, as appropriate.''.
(7) Emergency response activities.--Section 3(b)(6) of the
National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(6)) is
amended--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C)
as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``In carrying'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--In carrying'';
(C) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as
so redesignated), by inserting ``Native
Hawaiian organizations,'' before ``and Indian
tribes'';
(ii) in clause (ii) (as so redesignated),
by striking ``and'' at the end;
(iii) in clause (iii) (as so redesignated),
by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) to improve real-time risk management
during landslide events, including with respect
to landslide events caused by--
``(I) hydrology or changes in
hydrology that may include erosion,
drought, or other characteristics that
could impact landslide risk;
``(II) atmospheric river flooding
events and extreme precipitation
events, as identified by the Secretary
of Commerce and the Secretary;
``(III) geologic activity, such as
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or
tsunamis;
``(IV) data-poor areas or hazards
with poor monitoring that could
contribute to increased landslide risk;
or
``(V) thawing permafrost and
glacial retreat causing destabilization
of slopes.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Consultation.--In carrying out subparagraph
(A), the Secretary may consult with an institution of
higher education described in subsection (d)(2)(B)(iv)
and the private sector.''.
(8) Advisory committee.--Section 3(d)(2)(B) of the National
Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(d)(2)(B)) is
amended--
(A) in clause (iii), by striking ``geological'';
and
(B) in clause (vi), by striking ``local, and Tribal
emergency management agencies'' and inserting ``and
local emergency management agencies and emergency
management agencies of Indian tribes and Native
Hawaiian organizations''.
(9) Regional partnerships.--Section 3 of the National
Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as
subsections (f) through (j), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subsection (d) the
following:
``(e) Regional Partnerships.--
``(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
the enactment of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026, the Secretary shall
establish, in each region in which the Secretary determines
that there is a high landslide hazard, a regional partnership
with an eligible partner described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Eligible partners.--An organization or institution of
higher education with expertise in landslide mapping, research,
and monitoring shall be eligible for a regional partnership
under paragraph (1).
``(3) Purposes and duties.--A regional partnership
established under paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) allow the Secretary to leverage applicable
expertise in regional organizations;
``(B) coordinate long-term landslide research
specific to the applicable region; and
``(C) align interagency landslide monitoring
efforts.''.
(10) Grant programs.--Section 3 of the National Landslide
Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102) is amended, in paragraph (1)
of subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (9)(A))--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``local,
and Tribal governments to research, map, assess'' and
inserting ``and local governments, Indian tribes,
Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations
to research, map, assess, monitor'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by inserting
``institutions of higher education described in
subsection (d)(2)(B)(iv),'' before ``and Indian
tribes''; and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by redesignating subclauses
(II) through (IV) as subclauses (III)
through (V), respectively; and
(II) by inserting after subclause
(I) the following:
``(II) in regions that have
recently experienced loss of life due
to landslides;''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (i), by inserting ``awarded''
after ``grants''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``made''
and inserting ``or other accomplishments
resulting''.
(11) Significant events.--Section 3 of the National
Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102) is amended, in
subsection (h)(3) (as so redesignated), by striking ``local,
and Tribal partners'' and inserting ``and local partners,
Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian
organizations''.
(12) Funding.--Section 3 of the National Landslide
Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102) is amended, in subsection (i)
(as redesignated by paragraph (9)(A))--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``2024'' and inserting ``2030''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$25,000,000 to
carry out this section'' and inserting ``$35,000,000 to
carry out this section, of which not less than
$10,000,000 shall be made available for the purchase,
deployment, and repair of landslide early warning
systems in high-risk areas''.
(13) Deficit reduction.--Section 3 of the National
Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102) is amended by
striking subsection (j) (as redesignated by paragraph (9)(A))
and inserting the following:
``(j) Funding; Deficit Reduction.--
``(1) Funding.--Funds used by an agency to carry out this
section may, as provided in advance in appropriations Acts,
only come from amounts authorized to be appropriated to that
agency.
``(2) Deficit reduction.--Any amount appropriated to an
account of a Federal agency for the Federal agency to carry out
a responsibility under this section that is cancelled pursuant
to section 1552(a) of title 31, United States Code, shall be
transferred to the general fund of the Treasury and be applied
to deficit reduction.''.
(c) 3D Elevation Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Section 5(a) of the National Landslide
Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3104(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``and
derivative'' after ``3D elevation''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting ``,
process, and integrate'' after ``acquire''.
(2) 3D elevation federal interagency coordinating
committee.--Section 5(b)(3) of the National Landslide
Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3104(b)(3)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as
subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
following:
``(D) the 3D Hydrography Program Working Group;''.
(3) Grants and cooperative agreements.--Section 5(d)(3) of
the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3104(d)(3))
is amended by striking ``publically'' and inserting
``publicly''.
(4) Funding.--Section 5(e) of the National Landslide
Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3104(e)) is amended by striking
``2024'' and inserting ``2034''.
SEC. 803. NEXT GENERATION WATER OBSERVING SYSTEM.
The Act of December 24, 1942 (56 Stat. 1086, chapter 822; 43 U.S.C.
36b), is amended--
(1) in the first section, by striking ``That the Secretary
of the Interior'' and inserting the following:
``SECTION 1. GAGING STREAMS AND UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES.
``The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this Act as the
`Secretary')'';
(2) in section 1 (as so designated)--
(A) in the second sentence, by striking ``of the
Interior''; and
(B) in the proviso--
(i) by striking ``this Act'' each place it
appears and inserting ``this section''; and
(ii) by striking ``of the Interior''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 2. NEXT GENERATION WATER OBSERVING SYSTEM.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish within the
United States Geological Survey a system, to be known as the `Next
Generation Water Observing System' (referred to in this section as the
`System').
``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the System is to provide real-time
data on water quantity and quality--
``(1) that, as compared to previous systems, is more
affordable, more rapid, and available in more locations; and
``(2) to support advanced modeling tools--
``(A) to provide state-of-the-art flood and drought
forecasts;
``(B) to inform emergency- and water-management
decision support systems; and
``(C) to help evaluate--
``(i) the near-term and long-term risks of
floods and droughts, including any scenarios
that modify those risks;
``(ii) the quantity of water stored in
seasonal snow packs, and how changes in
seasonal snow packs affect water supplies;
``(iii) the early stages of drought;
``(iv) the predicted timelines for drought
recovery;
``(v) the quantity of water lost to
evapotranspiration;
``(vi) water quality differences during wet
and dry periods;
``(vii) the effects of streamflow on
groundwater;
``(viii) the effects of groundwater on
streamflow; and
``(ix) ice and water volume stored in
glaciers and changing water volumes due to
glacial retreat.
``(c) System Requirements.--The System shall provide for--
``(1) state-of-the-art measurements;
``(2) a dense array of sensors at selected sites;
``(3) increased spatial and temporal coverage;
``(4) new technology testing and implementation;
``(5) improved operational efficiency; and
``(6) modernized and timely data storage and delivery.
``(d) Priority Regions.--In determining in which regions of the
United States Geological Survey to carry out the System, the Secretary
shall give priority to regions of the United States Geological Survey
in which there is--
``(1) a high level of drought;
``(2) a reliance on reservoirs for water storage;
``(3) a reliance on hydrologic storage, including
groundwater, aquifers, and snowpack; and
``(4) flooding and extreme rainfall.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section in 10 initial basins, as determined
by the Secretary, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, to remain
available until expended.
``(2) Derivation of funds.--Amounts made available to carry
out this section shall be derived from amounts appropriated or
otherwise made available to the United States Geological
Survey.''.
SEC. 804. WATER DATA ENHANCEMENT AND NATIONAL GROUNDWATER RESOURCES
MONITORING BY UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
Section 9507 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (42
U.S.C. 10367) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(C)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and''
after the semicolon at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) the conduct of groundwater quality
assessments relating to permafrost thaw and
changes in precipitation rates;'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``10 years'' and
inserting ``11 years''; and
(II) in clause (i), by striking
``national streamflow information
program'' and inserting ``Federal
priority streamgage program'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``Federal Priority streamgage program'' and
inserting ``Federal Priority Streamgage
Network''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Priority sites.--In selecting sites for the
installation of streamgages under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary shall give priority to regions of the United
States Geological Survey in which there is--
``(i) a high level of drought;
``(ii) a reliance on reservoirs for water
storage;
``(iii) a reliance on hydrologic storage,
including groundwater, aquifers, and snowpack;
and
``(iv) flooding and extreme rainfall.
``(D) No impact on existing sites.--The priority
provided under subparagraph (C) shall have no impact on
any site or region in which a streamgage has been
installed, and is operating, as of the date of
enactment of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026, subject to the
condition that the data from such a site or region are
continuing to meet the priority needs of stakeholders,
as determined by the Secretary.''; and
(C) in paragraph (6)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009
through 2028'' and inserting ``$30,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2033''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Derivation of funds.--Amounts made available
to carry out this subsection shall be derived from
amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the
United States Geological Survey.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), in the matter
preceding clause (i), by striking ``and State
and local water resource agencies and Tribes''
and inserting ``, State and local water
resource agencies, Indian tribes, Tribal
organizations, and Native Hawaiian
organizations''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``State water resource agency or Tribe'' and
inserting ``State water resource agency, Indian
tribe, Tribal organization, or Native Hawaiian
organization'';
(B) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by striking ``give priority to those
activities'' and inserting the following:
``give priority to--
``(A) activities'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so
designated)--
(I) by striking ``State, a Tribe''
and inserting ``State, Indian tribe,
Tribal organization, Native Hawaiian
organization,''; and
(II) by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) activities conducted in regions of the United
States Geological Survey in which there is--
``(i) a high level of drought;
``(ii) a reliance on reservoirs for water
storage;
``(iii) a reliance on hydrologic storage,
including groundwater, aquifers, and snowpack;
and
``(iv) flooding and extreme rainfall.'';
and
(C) in paragraph (7)--
(i) by striking ``There are authorized to
be appropriated'' and inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--There is authorized to be
appropriated''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Derivation of funds.--Amounts made available
to carry out this subsection shall be derived from
amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the
United States Geological Survey.''.
TITLE IX--IMPORTATION OF RED SNAPPER
SEC. 901. METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFYING THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF SEAFOOD.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the Committee on Natural Resources
of the House of Representatives.
(3) Key agency leadership.--The term ``key agency
leadership'' means the Administrator and the Under Secretary in
consultation with the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection and the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
(4) Red snapper.--The term ``red snapper'' means the
species Lutjanus campechanus.
(5) Tuna.--The term ``tuna'' means the following species of
tuna:
(A) Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus).
(B) Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares).
(C) Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus).
(6) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology
and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology.
(b) Standard Methodology for Identification.--
(1) In general.--Key agency leadership shall, in accordance
with this section, jointly develop a standard methodology,
based on chemical analysis, for identifying the country of
origin of seafood to support enforcement against illegal,
unreported, and unregulated fishing.
(2) Requirements.--Key agency leadership shall ensure that
the methodology developed under this subsection--
(A) is consistent with the needs of Federal and
State law enforcement agencies in combating illegal,
unreported, and unregulated fishing;
(B) minimizes processing time;
(C) involves the use of a field kit that can be
easily carried by one individual; and
(D) to the extent practicable, can be used to test
prepared food, including raw preparations of seafood
such as ceviche, sashimi, sushi, and poke.
(3) Initial species for identification.--In developing the
methodology under this subsection, key agency leadership shall
conduct pilot studies on red snapper, as an example of a
stationary stock, and tuna, as an example of a highly migratory
stock.
(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report that includes the following:
(1) A summary of the methodology developed under subsection
(b).
(2) A plan for operationalizing the methodology developed
under subsection (b).
(3) In the event that any aspect of the methodology
developed under subsection (b) is impracticable, an explanation
of why, whether additional research would make developing such
a methodology practicable, and whether a different approach
other than chemical analysis might be practicable.
SEC. 902. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED, OR UNREGULATED
FISHING ENFORCEMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense is authorized to, in
coordination with the United States Coast Guard, expend funds
appropriated for the Department of Defense for operation and
maintenance to provide maritime technical assistance to maritime forces
from other nations in efforts to combat illegal, unreported, or
unregulated fishing (commonly known as ``IUU fishing'') and other
transnational organized crime.
(b) Application of Authority.--The authority provided under
subsection (a) shall apply to the use of--
(1) the United States Coast Guard members deployed to and
operating aboard Department of Defense, partner nation, or
international partner platforms; and
(2) partner nation personnel operating aboard United States
military and Coast Guard assets or international partner
vessels, as appropriate.
TITLE X--IMPROVING CYBERSECURITY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS FOR OCEANIC
RESEARCH
SEC. 1001. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(2) Oceanographic research vessel.--The term
``oceanographic research vessel'' has the meaning given the
term in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code.
(3) U.S. academic research fleet.--The term ``U.S. Academic
Research Fleet'' means the United States flagged vessels that--
(A) have been accepted into, and are active
participants administered within, the University-
National Oceanographic Laboratory System;
(B) are operated as oceanographic research vessels
by research universities and laboratories;
(C) receive funding from the National Science
Foundation; and
(D) have achieved designation as a member vessel of
the fleet through a standard evaluation process.
SEC. 1002. PLAN TO IMPROVE CYBERSECURITY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS OF U.S.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH FLEET.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director shall, in consultation with the head of any
Federal agency, university, or laboratory that owns or operates a
vessel of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, submit to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a
plan to improve the cybersecurity and telecommunications of the U.S.
Academic Research Fleet.
(b) Elements.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall include--
(1) an assessment of the telecommunications and networking
needs of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, consistent with the
typical scientific missions of the vessels of such fleet;
(2) in consultation with guidance issued by the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, an assessment
of cybersecurity needs appropriate for--
(A) the ownership of vessels within the U.S.
Academic Research Fleet; and
(B) the scientific missions of such vessels;
(3) an assessment of the costs necessary to meet the needs
described in paragraphs (1) and (2), including--
(A) any necessary equipment, such as satellite
communications equipment, software, high-performance
computing clusters shipboard and shoreside, or
enterprise hardware; and
(B) estimated personnel costs in excess of current
expenditures, including any necessary training,
support, or logistics;
(4) an assessment of the time required to implement any
upgrades required to meet the needs described in paragraphs (1)
and (2) under varying budgets and funding scenarios;
(5) the adoption of common solutions or consortial
licensing agreements, or by centralizing elements of fleet
cybersecurity, telecommunications, or data management at a
single facility; and
(6) in consultation with any non-Federal owners of a vessel
of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, a spending plan for the
National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, non-
Federal owners of vessels of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet,
users of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, or any combination
thereof, to provide funding to cover the costs described in
paragraph (3).
(c) Considerations.--The Director shall, in preparing the plan
required by subsection (a), consider--
(1) the network capabilities, including speed and bandwidth
targets, necessary to meet the scientific mission needs of each
class of vessel of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet for such
purposes as--
(A) executing the critical functions and
communications of the vessels;
(B) providing network access to conduct medical
care via telemedicine or related crisis response;
(C) as necessary to meet operations, uploading any
scientific data to a shoreside server, including the
copying of data off ship for disaster recovery or risk
mitigation purposes;
(D) as appropriate, conducting real-time streaming
to enable shore-based observers to participate in ship-
based maintenance or research activities; and
(E) real-time coordinated viewing of--
(i) scientific instrumentation so that it
is possible to conduct scientific surveys and
seafloor mapping with fully remote subject-
matter experts; and
(ii) critical operational technology by
manufacturers and vendors so that it is
possible to carry out maintenance and repairs
to systems with limited expertise on the
vessel, with fully remote subject-matter
experts advising; and
(2) in consultation with the Director of the Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the heads
of other Federal agencies, as appropriate--
(A) the cybersecurity recommendations in the report
of the private scientific advisory group known as JASON
entitled ``Cybersecurity at NSF Major Facilities''
(JSR-21-10E) and dated October 2021 as applied to the
U.S. Academic Research Fleet;
(B) standards and guidance for information
security, including the use of encryption for sensitive
information, the detection and handling of security
incidents, and other areas determined relevant by the
Director;
(C) facilitating access to cybersecurity personnel
and training of research and support personnel; and
(D) the requirements for controlled unclassified or
classified information.
TITLE XI--OTHER AUTHORITIES
SEC. 1101. RELOCATION ALLOWANCES.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, acting through the Director
of the National Weather Service, may establish an alternative or fixed
rate relocation allowance for employees of the National Weather Service
transferred in the interest of the Federal Government from one official
station to another for permanent duty, including employees transferred
to the National Weather Service from another Federal agency, and for
the immediate family of the employee, notwithstanding subchapter II of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, and any regulations
prescribed under that subchapter.
(b) Service Agreement.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
to abrogate the requirement that an employee to be afforded a
relocation allowance under subsection (a) agree in writing to remain in
the Government service as would otherwise be required by and under the
same terms as provided in sections 5722 and 5724 of title 5, United
States Code, as relevant to transfers of employees to posts of duty
outside the continental United States and official stations within the
continental United States, respectively.
(c) Relocation Allowance Defined.--In this section, the term
``relocation allowance'' includes any allowance authorized under
section 5724, 5724a, 5726, 5727, or 5729 of title 5, United States
Code.
SEC. 1102. UNFUNDED PRIORITIES LIST, REPORTS, AND PLANS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives;
(D) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives; and
(E) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Capital budgetary line item.--The term ``capital
budgetary line item'' means a line item in the budget
justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the
budget of the President for a fiscal year pursuant to section
1105 of title 31, United States Code, for any aircraft or
vessel for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
valued at more than $3,000,000.
(3) Infrastructure and assets.--The term ``infrastructure
and assets'' means--
(A) repair and construction of infrastructure,
facilities, and laboratories;
(B) instrumentation;
(C) resources for data storage and analysis,
including options for cloud-based and supercomputing
services; and
(D) with respect to the Office of Marine and
Aviation Operations, aircraft, vessels, and uncrewed
systems, associated facility construction and repair
needs, instrumentation, and requirements to operate new
and existing assets to reliably meet the mission needs
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(4) Unfunded priority.--The term ``unfunded priority''
means a program or mission requirement that--
(A) has not been selected for funding in the
applicable proposed budget;
(B) is necessary to fulfill a statutory or mission
requirement; and
(C) the Under Secretary would have recommended for
inclusion in the applicable proposed budget had
additional resources been available or had the
requirement emerged before the budget was submitted.
(b) Unfunded Priorities List.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 15 days after the date on
which the President submits to Congress the budget of the
President for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title
31, United States Code, the Under Secretary, in consultation
with the Assistant Administrator for each line office of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that
includes a list of unfunded priorities of the Administration.
(2) Inclusions.--The list required by paragraph (1) shall
include unfunded priorities related to the needs of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--
(A) to meet statutory and mission requirements to--
(i) protect human life, property, and the
economy from the impacts of weather and water;
(ii) manage the Nation's fisheries and
ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; and
(iii) manage, steward, and make
improvements to data storage, accessibility,
interoperability, and utilization;
(B) with respect to infrastructure and assets to
meet statutory and mission requirements, including--
(i) needs with respect to--
(I) repair and construction of
infrastructure, facilities, and
laboratories;
(II) scientific support equipment
and instrumentation; and
(III) resources for data storage
and analysis, including options for
cloud-based and supercomputing
services; and
(ii) with respect to the Office of Marine
and Aviation Operations, in coordination with
the Assistant Administrator for Marine and
Aviation Operations, needs with respect to
aircraft and vessels, associated facility
construction and repair needs, and resources
required to operate new and existing assets;
(C) with respect to operational shortfalls that
compromise the ability of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to meet the statutory and
mission requirements described in subparagraph (A),
including by compromising the ability of the
Administration to meet those requirements in a timely
manner;
(D) with respect to mitigating fishery disasters,
including in accordance with the requirements under the
heading ``fisheries disaster assistance'' in title II
of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act,
2023 (division N of Public Law 117-328; 136 Stat.
5205); and
(E) with respect to transitioning successful
experimental programs under the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research as of the date of the enactment of
this Act into an operational capacity under another
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(3) Prioritization.--The list required by paragraph (1)
shall--
(A) present the unfunded priorities of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in order from
highest to lowest priority, as determined by the Under
Secretary; and
(B) with respect to each unfunded priority,
include--
(i) a brief description of the unfunded
priority and its relationship to the statutory
and mission requirements of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(ii) an estimate of the funding level
required; and
(iii) an assessment of the status of the
design or acquisition program, if applicable.
(c) Stock Assessments and Surveys.--
(1) Planned stock assessments and surveys.--Not later than
February 1 of each year, the Under Secretary, in consultation
with the Assistant Administrator for Marine and Aviation
Operations and the Assistant Administrator for the National
Marine Fisheries Service, shall make available on a publicly
accessible website a list of planned stock assessments and
surveys for the upcoming fiscal year.
(2) Priority stock assessments in unfunded priorities
list.--The list required by subsection (b)(1) shall include
priority stock assessments described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of
section 304(e)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1854(e)(1)), as added by
paragraph (3), that are unfunded priorities.
(3) Data-poor stocks.--Section 304(e)(1) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C.
1854(e)(1)) is amended--
(A) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(1)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) The report required by subparagraph (A) shall
include--
``(i) an assessment of whether stock survey data is
adequately available, not available, or not
sufficiently available;
``(ii) priority stock assessments and surveys
conducted for the purpose of--
``(I) significantly decreasing uncertainty
in stock assessments;
``(II) maintaining continuity of data for
species management; or
``(III) increasing the ability of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
to meet the statutory and mission requirements
described in section 1103(b)(2)(A) of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Reauthorization Act of 2026; and
``(iii) for the priority stock assessments under
clause (ii), a description of the type, resource needs,
and estimated cost of increased survey efforts to meet
the goals under that clause.''.
(d) Capital Investment Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which the President submits to Congress the budget of the
President for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title
31, United States Code, the Under Secretary, in consultation
with the Assistant Administrator for Marine and Aviation
Operations and the Assistant Administrators for the line
offices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
as appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a future-years capital investment plan.
(2) Inclusions.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall
include--
(A) the fleet replacement and modernization plan
required by section 604 of the NOAA Fleet Modernization
Act (33 U.S.C. 891b);
(B) the NOAA Aircraft Recapitalization Plan and any
plan developed to carry out section 11708 of the Don
Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 (division K
of Public Law 117-263; 33 U.S.C. 851 note prec.);
(C) a replacement and modernization plan of any
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spaced-
based observation platforms maintained under section
301 of the of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8531); and
(D) any other plan the Under Secretary considers
appropriate.
(3) Elements.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall
identify, for each capital budgetary line item--
(A) the proposed funding level included in the
applicable proposed budget;
(B) the total estimated cost of completion;
(C) projected funding levels for each fiscal year
for the next 5 fiscal years or until completion,
whichever is earlier;
(D) an estimated completion date at the projected
funding levels; and
(E) changes, if any, in the total estimated cost of
completion or estimated completion date from previous
future-years capital investment plans submitted under
this subsection.
SEC. 1103. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORITIES.
(a) Technical Assistance in the Pacific.--
(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, and at the discretion of the Secretary of
Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the
Under Secretary may provide to Pacific Island parties technical
assistance and services in line with the mission of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(2) Regional capacity.--
(A) Use of existing programs, offices, and sites.--
To implement this subsection, the Under Secretary shall
primarily use existing programs, offices, and sites of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in
the Pacific Islands region.
(B) Cooperative institute.--In order to further
augment existing regional capacity in the Pacific
Islands region, the Under Secretary may consider the
formation of a cooperative institute to focus and
advise on the unique needs of that region.
(3) Pacific island parties defined.--In this subsection,
the term ``Pacific Island parties'' means--
(A) the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands;
(B) the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of
Micronesia, which have each entered into a Compact of
Free Association with the United States; and
(C) such other parties as the Under Secretary
considers appropriate.
(b) State Assistance.--The Under Secretary may provide technical
assistance, data, and operational products or services in support of
State governments, or entities and institutions partnering or
collaborating with State governments, in the voluntary production of
relevant State assessments.
(c) International Collaboration.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, acting through the
Director of the National Weather Service, may establish and
maintain partnerships and other relationships with national and
regional weather services around the world to support the co-
development and deployment of meteorological information and
instrumentation.
(2) Existing agreements and partnerships.--Partnerships and
other relationships established and maintained under paragraph
(1), including those provided by the international desks of the
National Centers for Environmental Prediction, shall build upon
existing agreements and partnerships with the Department of
State, other relevant Federal agencies, and the World
Meteorological Organization.
(d) Authority To Pay Certain Meeting Expenses.--Notwithstanding
section 1345 of title 31, United States Code, the Under Secretary may,
subject to the availability for appropriations, may incur reasonable
subsistence expenses directly related to hosting a meeting or
conference in the United States, excluding expenses related to travel,
transportation, lodging, and per diem for non-Federal employees.
(e) Service Modernization.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that
data, services, and products of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration comply with the 21st Century Integrated Digital
Experience Act (Public Law 115-336; 44 U.S.C. 3501 note) to increase
the utility of and access to data, services, and products of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(f) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Under Secretary shall provide to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a
briefing on the topic, number, and time commitment of intra-agency and
interagency meetings, councils, boards, and summits attended by each
line office Assistant Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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