[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 4, 2017)]
[House]
[Pages H2653-H2667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 353) to improve the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather research
through a focused program of investment on affordable and attainable
advances in observational, computing, and modeling capabilities to
support substantial improvement in weather forecasting and prediction
of high impact weather events, to expand commercial opportunities for
the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the Senate amendment is as follows:
Senate amendment:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017''.
(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--UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT
Sec. 101. Public safety priority.
Sec. 102. Weather research and forecasting innovation.
Sec. 103. Tornado warning improvement and extension program.
Sec. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program.
Sec. 105. Weather research and development planning.
Sec. 106. Observing system planning.
Sec. 107. Observing system simulation experiments.
Sec. 108. Annual report on computing resources prioritization.
Sec. 109. United States Weather Research program.
Sec. 110. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II--SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTING INNOVATION
Sec. 201. Improving subseasonal and seasonal forecasts.
TITLE III--WEATHER SATELLITE AND DATA INNOVATION
Sec. 301. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite and
data management.
Sec. 302. Commercial weather data.
Sec. 303. Unnecessary duplication.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION
Sec. 401. Environmental Information Services Working Group.
Sec. 402. Interagency weather research and forecast innovation
coordination.
Sec. 403. Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National
Weather Service exchange program.
Sec. 404. Visiting fellows at National Weather Service.
Sec. 405. Warning coordination meteorologists at weather forecast
offices of National Weather Service.
Sec. 406. Improving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
communication of hazardous weather and water events.
Sec. 407. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready
All Hazards Award Program.
Sec. 408. Department of Defense weather forecasting activities.
Sec. 409. National Weather Service; operations and workforce analysis.
Sec. 410. Report on contract positions at National Weather Service.
Sec. 411. Weather impacts to communities and infrastructure.
Sec. 412. Weather enterprise outreach.
Sec. 413. Hurricane hunter aircraft.
Sec. 414. Study on gaps in NEXRAD coverage and recommendations to
address such gaps.
TITLE V--TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2017
Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. References to the Tsunami Warning and Education Act.
Sec. 503. Expansion of purposes of Tsunami Warning and Education Act.
Sec. 504. Modification of tsunami forecasting and warning program.
Sec. 505. Modification of national tsunami hazard mitigation program.
Sec. 506. Modification of tsunami research program.
Sec. 507. Global tsunami warning and mitigation network.
Sec. 508. Tsunami science and technology advisory panel.
Sec. 509. Reports.
Sec. 510. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 511. Outreach responsibilities.
Sec. 512. Repeal of duplicate provisions of law.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Seasonal.--The term ``seasonal'' means the time range
between 3 months and 2 years.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means a State, a territory,
or possession of the United States, including a Commonwealth,
or the District of Columbia.
(3) Subseasonal.--The term ``subseasonal'' means the time
range between 2 weeks and 3 months.
(4) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
(5) Weather industry and weather enterprise.--The terms
``weather industry'' and ``weather enterprise'' are
interchangeable in this Act, and include individuals and
organizations from public, private, and academic sectors that
contribute to the research, development, and production of
weather forecast products, and primary consumers of these
weather forecast products.
TITLE I--UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT
SEC. 101. PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.
In conducting research, the Under Secretary shall
prioritize improving weather data, modeling, computing,
forecasting, and warnings for the protection of life and
property and for the enhancement of the national economy.
[[Page H2654]]
SEC. 102. WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION.
(a) Program.--The Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall conduct a program to
develop improved understanding of and forecast capabilities
for atmospheric events and their impacts, placing priority on
developing more accurate, timely, and effective warnings and
forecasts of high impact weather events that endanger life
and property.
(b) Program Elements.--The program described in subsection
(a) shall focus on the following activities:
(1) Improving the fundamental understanding of weather
consistent with section 101, including the boundary layer and
other processes affecting high impact weather events.
(2) Improving the understanding of how the public receives,
interprets, and responds to warnings and forecasts of high
impact weather events that endanger life and property.
(3) Research and development, and transfer of knowledge,
technologies, and applications to the National Weather
Service and other appropriate agencies and entities,
including the United States weather industry and academic
partners, related to--
(A) advanced radar, radar networking technologies, and
other ground-based technologies, including those emphasizing
rapid, fine-scale sensing of the boundary layer and lower
troposphere, and the use of innovative, dual-polarization,
phased-array technologies;
(B) aerial weather observing systems;
(C) high performance computing and information technology
and wireless communication networks;
(D) advanced numerical weather prediction systems and
forecasting tools and techniques that improve the forecasting
of timing, track, intensity, and severity of high impact
weather, including through--
(i) the development of more effective mesoscale models;
(ii) more effective use of existing, and the development of
new, regional and national cloud-resolving models;
(iii) enhanced global weather models; and
(iv) integrated assessment models;
(E) quantitative assessment tools for measuring the impact
and value of data and observing systems, including Observing
System Simulation Experiments (as described in section 107),
Observing System Experiments, and Analyses of Alternatives;
(F) atmospheric chemistry and interactions essential to
accurately characterizing atmospheric composition and
predicting meteorological processes, including cloud
microphysical, precipitation, and atmospheric electrification
processes, to more effectively understand their role in
severe weather; and
(G) additional sources of weather data and information,
including commercial observing systems.
(4) A technology transfer initiative, carried out jointly
and in coordination with the Director of the National Weather
Service, and in cooperation with the United States weather
industry and academic partners, to ensure continuous
development and transition of the latest scientific and
technological advances into operations of the National
Weather Service and to establish a process to sunset outdated
and expensive operational methods and tools to enable cost-
effective transfer of new methods and tools into operations.
(c) Extramural Research.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under this
section, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research shall collaborate with and support the
non-Federal weather research community, which includes
institutions of higher education, private entities, and
nongovernmental organizations, by making funds available
through competitive grants, contracts, and cooperative
agreements.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
not less than 30 percent of the funds for weather research
and development at the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research should be made available for the purpose described
in paragraph (1).
(d) Annual Report.--Each year, concurrent with the annual
budget request submitted by the President to Congress under
section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Under
Secretary shall submit to Congress a description of current
and planned activities under this section.
SEC. 103. TORNADO WARNING IMPROVEMENT AND EXTENSION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the United States weather industry and academic partners,
shall establish a tornado warning improvement and extension
program.
(b) Goal.--The goal of such program shall be to reduce the
loss of life and economic losses from tornadoes through the
development and extension of accurate, effective, and timely
tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings, including the
prediction of tornadoes beyond 1 hour in advance.
(c) Program Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, in coordination with the
Director of the National Weather Service, shall develop a
program plan that details the specific research, development,
and technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding
resources and timelines, necessary to achieve the program
goal.
(d) Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--Following completion
of the plan, the Under Secretary, acting through the
Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
and in coordination with the Director of the National Weather
Service, shall, not less frequently than once each year,
submit to Congress a proposed budget corresponding with the
activities identified in the plan.
SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the United States weather industry and such academic entities
as the Administrator considers appropriate, shall maintain a
project to improve hurricane forecasting.
(b) Goal.--The goal of the project maintained under
subsection (a) shall be to develop and extend accurate
hurricane forecasts and warnings in order to reduce loss of
life, injury, and damage to the economy, with a focus on--
(1) improving the prediction of rapid intensification and
track of hurricanes;
(2) improving the forecast and communication of storm
surges from hurricanes; and
(3) incorporating risk communication research to create
more effective watch and warning products.
(c) Project Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, acting
through the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research and in consultation with the Director of
the National Weather Service, shall develop a plan for the
project maintained 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 in subsection (b).
SEC. 105. WEATHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, and not less frequently than once each year
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 restore and maintain
United States leadership in numerical weather prediction and
forecasting that--
(1) describes the forecasting skill and technology goals,
objectives, 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, and performance metrics, weighted to
meet the operational weather mission of the National Weather
Service to achieve a weather-ready Nation;
(3) describes how the program will collaborate with
stakeholders, including the United States weather industry
and academic partners; and
(4) identifies, through consultation with the National
Science Foundation, the United States weather industry, and
academic partners, research necessary to enhance the
integration of social science knowledge into weather forecast
and warning processes, including to improve the communication
of threat information necessary to enable improved severe
weather planning and decisionmaking on the part of
individuals and communities.
SEC. 106. OBSERVING SYSTEM PLANNING.
The Under Secretary shall--
(1) develop and maintain a prioritized list of observation
data requirements necessary to ensure weather forecasting
capabilities to protect life and property to the maximum
extent practicable;
(2) consistent with section 107, utilize Observing System
Simulation Experiments, Observing System Experiments,
Analyses of Alternatives, and other appropriate assessment
tools to ensure continuous systemic evaluations of the
observing systems, data, and information needed to meet the
requirements of paragraph (1), including options to maximize
observational capabilities and their cost-effectiveness;
(3) identify current and potential future data gaps in
observing capabilities related to the requirements listed
under paragraph (1); and
(4) determine a range of options to address gaps identified
under paragraph (3).
SEC. 107. OBSERVING SYSTEM SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS.
(a) In General.--In support of the requirements of section
106, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research shall undertake Observing System Simulation
Experiments, or such other quantitative assessments as the
Assistant Administrator considers appropriate, to
quantitatively assess the relative value and benefits of
observing capabilities and systems. Technical and scientific
Observing System Simulation Experiment evaluations--
(1) may include assessments of the impact of observing
capabilities on--
(A) global weather prediction;
(B) hurricane track and intensity forecasting;
(C) tornado warning lead times and accuracy;
(D) prediction of mid-latitude severe local storm
outbreaks; and
(E) prediction of storms that have the potential to cause
extreme precipitation and flooding lasting from 6 hours to 1
week; and
(2) shall be conducted in cooperation with other
appropriate entities within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, other Federal agencies, the
United States weather industry, and academic partners to
ensure the technical and scientific merit of results from
Observing System Simulation Experiments or other appropriate
quantitative assessment methodologies.
(b) Requirements.--Observing System Simulation Experiments
shall quantitatively--
(1) determine the potential impact of proposed space-based,
suborbital, and in situ observing systems on analyses and
forecasts, including potential impacts on extreme weather
events across all parts of the Nation;
[[Page H2655]]
(2) evaluate and compare observing system design options;
and
(3) assess the relative capabilities and costs of various
observing systems and combinations of observing systems in
providing data necessary to protect life and property.
(c) Implementation.--Observing System Simulation
Experiments--
(1) shall be conducted prior to the acquisition of major
Government-owned or Government-leased operational observing
systems, including polar-orbiting and geostationary satellite
systems, with a lifecycle cost of more than $500,000,000; and
(2) shall be conducted prior to the purchase of any major
new commercially provided data with a lifecycle cost of more
than $500,000,000.
(d) Priority Observing System Simulation Experiments.--
(1) Global navigation satellite system radio occultation.--
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research shall complete an Observing System
Simulation Experiment to assess the value of data from Global
Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation.
(2) Geostationary hyperspectral sounder global
constellation.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall complete an Observing
System Simulation Experiment to assess the value of data from
a geostationary hyperspectral sounder global constellation.
(e) Results.--Upon completion of all Observing System
Simulation Experiments, the Assistant Administrator shall
make available to the public the results an assessment of
related private and public sector weather data sourcing
options, including their availability, affordability, and
cost-effectiveness. Such assessments shall be developed in
accordance with section 50503 of title 51, United States
Code.
SEC. 108. ANNUAL REPORT ON COMPUTING RESOURCES
PRIORITIZATION.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act and not less frequently than once each year
thereafter, the Under Secretary, acting through the Chief
Information Officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and in coordination with the Assistant
Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the
Director of the National Weather Service, shall produce and
make publicly available a report that explains how the Under
Secretary intends--
(1) to continually support upgrades to pursue the fastest,
most powerful, and cost-effective high performance computing
technologies in support of its weather prediction mission;
(2) to ensure a balance between the research to operations
requirements to develop the next generation of regional and
global models as well as highly reliable operational models;
(3) to take advantage of advanced development concepts to,
as appropriate, make next generation weather prediction
models available in beta-test mode to operational
forecasters, the United States weather industry, and partners
in academic and Government research; and
(4) to use existing computing resources to improve advanced
research and operational weather prediction.
SEC. 109. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 108 of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567; 15 U.S.C. 313
note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) 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, not
less frequently than once each year, a report, including--
``(A) a list of ongoing research projects;
``(B) project goals and a point of contact for each
project;
``(C) the five projects related to weather observations,
short-term weather, or subseasonal forecasts within Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research that are closest to
operationalization;
``(D) for each project referred to in subparagraph (C)--
``(i) the potential benefit;
``(ii) any barrier to operationalization; and
``(iii) the plan for operationalization, including which
line office will financially support the project and how much
the line office intends to spend;
``(6) establish teams with staff from the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research and the National Weather Service to
oversee the operationalization of research products developed
by the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research;
``(7) develop mechanisms for research priorities of the
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to be informed by
the relevant line offices within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the relevant user community, and
the weather enterprise;
``(8) develop an internal mechanism to track the progress
of each research project within the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research and mechanisms to terminate a project
that is not adequately progressing;
``(9) develop and implement a system to track whether
extramural research grant goals were accomplished;
``(10) provide facilities for products developed by the
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to be tested in
operational simulations, such as test beds; and
``(11) encourage academic collaboration with the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National Weather
Service by facilitating visiting scholars.'';
(2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the'' and inserting ``The''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Subseasonal Defined.--In this section, the term
`subseasonal' means the time range between 2 weeks and 3
months.''.
SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018.--For each of fiscal years
2017 and 2018, there are authorized to be appropriated to
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research--
(1) $111,516,000 to carry out this title, of which--
(A) $85,758,000 is authorized for weather laboratories and
cooperative institutes; and
(B) $25,758,000 is authorized for weather and air chemistry
research programs; and
(2) an additional amount of $20,000,000 for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4).
(b) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to
carry out this title and the amendments made by this title.
TITLE II--SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTING INNOVATION
SEC. 201. IMPROVING SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTS.
Section 1762 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law
99-198; 15 U.S.C. 313 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a)'' and inserting
``(a) Findings.--'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``(b)'' and inserting
``(b) Policy.--''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Functions.--The Under Secretary, acting through the
Director of the National Weather Service and the heads of
such other programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration as the Under Secretary considers appropriate,
shall--
``(1) collect and utilize information in order to make
usable, reliable, and timely foundational forecasts of
subseasonal and seasonal temperature and precipitation;
``(2) leverage existing research and models from the
weather enterprise to improve the forecasts under paragraph
(1);
``(3) determine and provide information on how the
forecasted conditions under paragraph (1) may impact--
``(A) the number and severity of droughts, fires,
tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, heat waves, coastal
inundation, winter storms, high impact weather, or other
relevant natural disasters;
``(B) snowpack; and
``(C) sea ice conditions; and
``(4) develop an Internet clearinghouse to provide the
forecasts under paragraph (1) and the information under
paragraphs (1) and (3) on both national and regional levels.
``(d) Communication.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall provide the forecasts under paragraph (1) of
subsection (c) and the information on their impacts under
paragraph (3) of such subsection to the public, including
public and private entities engaged in planning and
preparedness, such as National Weather Service Core partners
at the Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local levels of
government.
``(e) Cooperation.--The Under Secretary shall build upon
existing forecasting and assessment programs and
partnerships, including--
``(1) by designating research and monitoring activities
related to subseasonal and seasonal forecasts as a priority
in one or more solicitations of the Cooperative Institutes of
the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research;
``(2) by contributing to the interagency Earth System
Prediction Capability; and
``(3) by consulting with the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Homeland Security to determine the highest
priority subseasonal and seasonal forecast needs to enhance
national security.
``(f) Forecast Communication Coordinators.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall foster
effective communication, understanding, and use of the
forecasts by the intended users of the information described
in subsection (d). This may include assistance to States for
forecast communication coordinators to enable local
interpretation and planning based on the information.
``(2) Requirements.--For each State that requests
assistance under this subsection, the Under Secretary may--
``(A) provide funds to support an individual in that
State--
``(i) to serve as a liaison among the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, other Federal departments and
agencies, the weather enterprise, the State, and relevant
interests within that State; and
``(ii) to receive the forecasts and information under
subsection (c) and disseminate the forecasts and information
throughout the State, including to county and tribal
governments; and
``(B) require matching funds of at least 50 percent, from
the State, a university, a nongovernmental organization, a
trade association, or the private sector.
``(3) Limitation.--Assistance to an individual State under
this subsection shall not exceed $100,000 in a fiscal year.
``(g) Cooperation From Other Federal Agencies.--Each
Federal department and agency shall cooperate as appropriate
with the Under Secretary in carrying out this section.
``(h) Reports.--
[[Page H2656]]
``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of the enactment of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017, 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, including--
``(A) an analysis of the how information from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on subseasonal and
seasonal forecasts, as provided under subsection (c), is
utilized in public planning and preparedness;
``(B) specific plans and goals for the continued
development of the subseasonal and seasonal forecasts and
related products described in subsection (c); and
``(C) an identification of research, monitoring, observing,
and forecasting requirements to meet the goals described in
subparagraph (B).
``(2) Consultation.--In developing the report under
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall consult with
relevant Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local
government agencies, research institutions, and the private
sector.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Foundational forecast.--The term `foundational
forecast' means basic weather observation and forecast data,
largely in raw form, before further processing is applied.
``(2) National weather service core partners.--The term
`National Weather Service core partners' means government and
nongovernment entities which are directly involved in the
preparation or dissemination of, or discussions involving,
hazardous weather or other emergency information put out by
the National Weather Service.
``(3) Seasonal.--The term `seasonal' means the time range
between 3 months and 2 years.
``(4) State.--The term `State' means a State, a territory,
or possession of the United States, including a Commonwealth,
or the District of Columbia.
``(5) Subseasonal.--The term `subseasonal' means the time
range between 2 weeks and 3 months.
``(6) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
``(7) Weather industry and weather enterprise.--The terms
`weather industry' and `weather enterprise' are
interchangeable in this section and include individuals and
organizations from public, private, and academic sectors that
contribute to the research, development, and production of
weather forecast products, and primary consumers of these
weather forecast products.
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each of fiscal
years 2017 and 2018, there are authorized out of funds
appropriated to the National Weather Service, $26,500,000 to
carry out the activities of this section.''.
TITLE III--WEATHER SATELLITE AND DATA INNOVATION
SEC. 301. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
SATELLITE AND DATA MANAGEMENT.
(a) Short-Term Management of Environmental Observations.--
(1) Microsatellite constellations.--
(A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall complete and
operationalize the Constellation Observing System for
Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate-1 and Climate-2 (COSMIC)
in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this
Act--
(i) by deploying constellations of microsatellites in both
the equatorial and polar orbits;
(ii) by integrating the resulting data and research into
all national operational and research weather forecast
models; and
(iii) by ensuring that the resulting data of National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's COSMIC-1 and COSMIC-
2 programs are free and open to all communities.
(B) Annual reports.--Not less frequently than once each
year until the Under Secretary has completed and
operationalized the program described in subparagraph (A)
pursuant to such subparagraph, the Under Secretary shall
submit to Congress a report on the status of the efforts of
the Under Secretary to carry out such subparagraph.
(2) Integration of ocean and coastal data from the
integrated ocean observing system.--In National Weather
Service Regions where the Director of the National Weather
Service determines that ocean and coastal data would improve
forecasts, the Director, in consultation with the Assistant
Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the
Assistant Administrator of the National Ocean Service,
shall--
(A) integrate additional coastal and ocean observations,
and other data and research, from the Integrated Ocean
Observing System (IOOS) into regional weather forecasts to
improve weather forecasts and forecasting decision support
systems; and
(B) support the development of real-time data sharing
products and forecast products in collaboration with the
regional associations of such system, including contributions
from the private sector, academia, and research institutions
to ensure timely and accurate use of ocean and coastal data
in regional forecasts.
(3) Existing monitoring and observation-capability.--The
Under Secretary shall identify degradation of existing
monitoring and observation capabilities that could lead to a
reduction in forecast quality.
(4) Specifications for new satellite systems or data
determined by operational needs.--In developing
specifications for any satellite systems or data to follow
the Joint Polar Satellite System, Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellites, and any other satellites, in effect
on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, the
Under Secretary shall ensure the specifications are
determined to the extent practicable by the recommendations
of the reports under subsection (b) of this section.
(b) Independent Study on Future of National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Satellite Systems and Data.--
(1) Agreement.--
(A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall seek to enter
into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to
perform the services covered by this subsection.
(B) Timing.--The Under Secretary shall seek to enter into
the agreement described in subparagraph (A) before September
30, 2018.
(2) Study.--
(A) In general.--Under an agreement between the Under
Secretary and the National Academy of Sciences under this
subsection, the National Academy of Sciences shall conduct a
study on matters concerning future satellite data needs.
(B) Elements.--In conducting the study under subparagraph
(A), the National Academy of Sciences shall--
(i) develop recommendations on how to make the data
portfolio of the Administration more robust and cost-
effective;
(ii) assess the costs and benefits of moving toward a
constellation of many small satellites, standardizing
satellite bus design, relying more on the purchasing of data,
or acquiring data from other sources or methods;
(iii) identify the environmental observations that are
essential to the performance of weather models, based on an
assessment of Federal, academic, and private sector weather
research, and the cost of obtaining the environmental data;
(iv) identify environmental observations that improve the
quality of operational and research weather models in effect
on the day before the date of enactment of this Act;
(v) identify and prioritize new environmental observations
that could contribute to existing and future weather models;
and
(vi) develop recommendations on a portfolio of
environmental observations that balances essential, quality-
improving, and new data, private and nonprivate sources, and
space-based and Earth-based sources.
(C) Deadline and report.--In carrying out the study under
subparagraph (A), the National Academy of Sciences shall
complete and transmit to the Under Secretary a report
containing the findings of the National Academy of Sciences
with respect to the study not later than 2 years after the
date on which the Administrator enters into an agreement with
the National Academy of Sciences under paragraph (1)(A).
(3) Alternate organization.--
(A) In general.--If the Under Secretary is unable within
the period prescribed in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) to
enter into an agreement described in subparagraph (A) of such
paragraph with the National Academy of Sciences on terms
acceptable to the Under Secretary, the Under Secretary shall
seek to enter into such an agreement with another appropriate
organization that--
(i) is not part of the Federal Government;
(ii) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
(iii) has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of
the National Academy of Sciences.
(B) Treatment.--If the Under Secretary enters into an
agreement with another organization as described in
subparagraph (A), any reference in this subsection to the
National Academy of Sciences shall be treated as a reference
to the other organization.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated, out of funds appropriated to National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, to
carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for the period
encompassing fiscal years 2018 through 2019.
SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL WEATHER DATA.
(a) Data and Hosted Satellite Payloads.--Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, the Secretary of Commerce may
enter into agreements for--
(1) the purchase of weather data through contracts with
commercial providers; and
(2) the placement of weather satellite instruments on
cohosted government or private payloads.
(b) Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in
consultation with 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 strategy to enable the
procurement of quality commercial weather data. The strategy
shall assess the range of commercial opportunities, including
public-private partnerships, for obtaining surface-based,
aviation-based, and space-based weather observations. The
strategy shall include the expected cost-effectiveness of
these opportunities as well as provide a plan for procuring
data, including an expected implementation timeline, from
these nongovernmental sources, as appropriate.
(2) Requirements.--The strategy shall include--
(A) an analysis of financial or other benefits to, and
risks associated with, acquiring commercial weather data or
services, including through multiyear acquisition approaches;
(B) an identification of methods to address planning,
programming, budgeting, and execution challenges to such
approaches, including--
(i) how standards will be set to ensure that data is
reliable and effective;
(ii) how data may be acquired through commercial
experimental or innovative techniques and then evaluated for
integration into operational use;
(iii) how to guarantee public access to all forecast-
critical data to ensure that the United
[[Page H2657]]
States weather industry and the public continue to have
access to information critical to their work; and
(iv) in accordance with section 50503 of title 51, United
States Code, methods to address potential termination
liability or cancellation costs associated with weather data
or service contracts; and
(C) an identification of any changes needed in the
requirements development and approval processes of the
Department of Commerce to facilitate effective and efficient
implementation of such strategy.
(3) Authority for agreements.--The Assistant Administrator
for National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information
Service may enter into multiyear agreements necessary to
carry out the strategy developed under this subsection.
(c) Pilot Program.--
(1) Criteria.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall publish data
and metadata standards and specifications for space-based
commercial weather data, including radio occultation data,
and, as soon as possible, geostationary hyperspectral sounder
data.
(2) Pilot contracts.--
(A) Contracts.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall, through an
open competition, enter into at least one pilot contract with
one or more private sector entities capable of providing data
that meet the standards and specifications set by the Under
Secretary for providing commercial weather data in a manner
that allows the Under Secretary to calibrate and evaluate the
data for its use in National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration meteorological models.
(B) Assessment of data viability.--Not later than the date
that is 3 years after the date on which the Under Secretary
enters into a contract under subparagraph (A), the Under
Secretary shall 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 the results of a determination of the extent
to which data provided under the contract entered into under
subparagraph (A) meet the criteria published under paragraph
(1) and the extent to which the pilot program has
demonstrated--
(i) the viability of assimilating the commercially provided
data into National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
meteorological models;
(ii) whether, and by how much, the data add value to
weather forecasts; and
(iii) the accuracy, quality, timeliness, validity,
reliability, usability, information technology security, and
cost-effectiveness of obtaining commercial weather data from
private sector providers.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--For each of fiscal
years 2017 through 2020, there are authorized to be
appropriated for procurement, acquisition, and construction
at National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information
Service, $6,000,000 to carry out this subsection.
(d) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under
subsection (c)(2)(B) demonstrates the ability of commercial
weather data to meet data and metadata standards and
specifications published under subsection (c)(1), the Under
Secretary shall--
(1) where appropriate, cost-effective, and feasible, obtain
commercial weather data from private sector providers;
(2) as early as possible in the acquisition process for any
future National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
meteorological space system, consider whether there is a
suitable, cost-effective, commercial capability available or
that will be available to meet any or all of the
observational requirements by the planned operational date of
the system;
(3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial capability is
or will be available as described in paragraph (2), determine
whether it is in the national interest to develop a
governmental meteorological space 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 determination made under paragraphs (2)
and (3).
(e) Data Sharing Practices.--The Under Secretary shall
continue to meet the international meteorological agreements
into which the Under Secretary has entered, including
practices set forth through World Meteorological Organization
Resolution 40.
SEC. 303. UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION.
In meeting the requirements under this title, the Under
Secretary shall avoid unnecessary duplication between public
and private sources of data and the corresponding expenditure
of funds and employment of personnel.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION
SEC. 401. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION SERVICES WORKING GROUP.
(a) Establishment.--The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Science Advisory Board shall continue to
maintain a standing working group named the Environmental
Information Services Working Group (in this section referred
to as the ``Working Group'')--
(1) to provide advice for prioritizing weather research
initiatives at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to produce real improvement in weather
forecasting;
(2) to provide advice on existing or emerging technologies
or techniques that can be found in private industry or the
research community that could be incorporated into
forecasting at the National Weather Service to improve
forecasting skill;
(3) to identify opportunities to improve--
(A) communications between weather forecasters, Federal,
State, local, tribal, and other emergency management
personnel, and the public; and
(B) communications and partnerships among the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the private and
academic sectors; and
(4) to address such other matters as the Science Advisory
Board requests of the Working Group.
(b) Composition.--
(1) In general.--The Working Group shall be composed of
leading experts and innovators from all relevant fields of
science and engineering including atmospheric chemistry,
atmospheric physics, meteorology, hydrology, social science,
risk communications, electrical engineering, and computer
sciences. In carrying out this section, the Working Group may
organize into subpanels.
(2) Number.--The Working Group shall be composed of no
fewer than 15 members. Nominees for the Working Group may be
forwarded by the Working Group for approval by the Science
Advisory Board. Members of the Working Group may choose a
chair (or co-chairs) from among their number with approval by
the Science Advisory Board.
(c) Annual Report.--Not less frequently than once each
year, the Working Group shall transmit to the Science
Advisory Board for submission to the Under Secretary a report
on progress made by National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration in adopting the Working Group's
recommendations. The Science Advisory Board shall transmit
this report to the Under Secretary. Within 30 days of receipt
of such report, 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 copy of such report.
SEC. 402. INTERAGENCY WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECAST
INNOVATION COORDINATION.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall establish an Interagency
Committee for Advancing Weather Services to improve
coordination of relevant weather research and forecast
innovation activities across the Federal Government. The
Interagency Committee shall--
(1) include participation by the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its
constituent elements, the National Science Foundation, and
such other agencies involved in weather forecasting research
as the President determines are appropriate;
(2) identify and prioritize top forecast needs and
coordinate those needs against budget requests and program
initiatives across participating offices and agencies; and
(3) share information regarding operational needs and
forecasting improvements across relevant agencies.
(b) Co-Chair.--The Federal Coordinator for Meteorology
shall serve as a co-chair of this panel.
(c) Further Coordination.--The Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall take such other steps as
are necessary to coordinate the activities of the Federal
Government with those of the United States weather industry,
State governments, emergency managers, and academic
researchers.
SEC. 403. OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EXCHANGE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Assistant Administrator for Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research and the Director of National Weather
Service may establish a program to detail Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research personnel to the National Weather
Service and National Weather Service personnel to the Office
of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.
(b) Goal.--The goal of this program is to enhance
forecasting innovation through regular, direct interaction
between the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's
world-class scientists and the National Weather Service's
operational staff.
(c) Elements.--The program shall allow up to 10 Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research staff and National Weather
Service staff to spend up to 1 year on detail. Candidates
shall be jointly selected by the Assistant Administrator for
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Director of the
National Weather Service.
(d) Annual Report.--Not less frequently than once each
year, 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 participation in such program and
shall highlight any innovations that come from this
interaction.
SEC. 404. VISITING FELLOWS AT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Weather
Service may establish a program to host postdoctoral fellows
and academic researchers at any of the National Centers for
Environmental Prediction.
(b) Goal.--This program shall be designed to provide direct
interaction between forecasters and talented academic and
private sector researchers in an effort to bring innovation
to forecasting tools and techniques to the National Weather
Service.
(c) Selection and Appointment.--Such fellows shall be
competitively selected and appointed for a term not to exceed
1 year.
SEC. 405. WARNING COORDINATION METEOROLOGISTS AT WEATHER
FORECAST OFFICES OF NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
(a) Designation of Warning Coordination Meteorologists.--
[[Page H2658]]
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall designate at least one warning coordination
meteorologist at each weather forecast office of the National
Weather Service.
(2) No additional employees authorized.--Nothing in this
section shall be construed to authorize or require a change
in the authorized number of full time equivalent employees in
the National Weather Service or otherwise result in the
employment of any additional employees.
(3) Performance by other employees.--Performance of the
responsibilities outlined in this section is not limited to
the warning coordination meteorologist position.
(b) Primary Role of Warning Coordination Meteorologists.--
The primary role of the warning coordination meteorologist
shall be to carry out the responsibilities required by this
section.
(c) Responsibilities.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), consistent with
the analysis described in section 409, and in order to
increase impact-based decision support services, each warning
coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a)
shall--
(A) be responsible for providing service to the geographic
area of responsibility covered by the weather forecast office
at which the warning coordination meteorologist is employed
to help ensure that users of products of the National Weather
Service can respond effectively to improve outcomes from
weather events;
(B) liaise with users of products and services of the
National Weather Service, such as the public, media outlets,
users in the aviation, marine, and agricultural communities,
and forestry, land, and water management interests, to
evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of the products and
services of the National Weather Service;
(C) collaborate with such weather forecast offices and
State, local, and tribal government agencies as the Director
considers appropriate in developing, proposing, and
implementing plans to develop, modify, or tailor products and
services of the National Weather Service to improve the
usefulness of such products and services;
(D) ensure the maintenance and accuracy of severe weather
call lists, appropriate office severe weather policy or
procedures, and other severe weather or dissemination
methodologies or strategies; and
(E) work closely with State, local, and tribal emergency
management agencies, and other agencies related to disaster
management, to ensure a planned, coordinated, and effective
preparedness and response effort.
(2) Other staff.--The Director may assign a responsibility
set forth in paragraph (1) to such other staff as the
Director considers appropriate to carry out such
responsibility.
(d) Additional Responsibilities.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a warning
coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a)
may--
(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;
(B) identify priority community preparedness objectives;
(C) develop plans to meet the objectives identified under
paragraph (2); and
(D) conduct severe weather event preparedness planning and
citizen education efforts with and through various State,
local, and tribal government agencies and other disaster
management-related organizations.
(2) Other staff.--The Director may assign a responsibility
set forth in paragraph (1) to such other staff as the
Director considers appropriate to carry out such
responsibility.
(e) Placement With State and Local Emergency Managers.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the Director
of the National Weather Service may place a warning
coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a)
with a State or local emergency manager if the Director
considers doing so is necessary or convenient to carry out
this section.
(2) Treatment.--If the Director determines that the
placement of a warning coordination meteorologist placed with
a State or local emergency manager under paragraph (1) is
near a weather forecast office of the National Weather
Service, such placement shall be treated as designation of
the warning coordination meteorologist at such weather
forecast office for purposes of subsection (a).
SEC. 406. IMPROVING NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ADMINISTRATION COMMUNICATION OF HAZARDOUS
WEATHER AND WATER EVENTS.
(a) Purpose of System.--For purposes of the assessment
required by subsection (b)(1)(A), the purpose of National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration system for issuing
watches and warnings regarding hazardous weather and water
events shall be risk communication to the general public that
informs action to prevent loss of life and property.
(b) Assessment of System.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall--
(A) assess the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration system for issuing watches and warnings
regarding hazardous weather and water events; and
(B) submit to Congress a report on the findings of the
Under Secretary with respect to the assessment conducted
under subparagraph (A).
(2) Elements.--The assessment required by paragraph (1)(A)
shall include the following:
(A) An evaluation of whether the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration system for issuing watches and
warnings regarding hazardous weather and water events meets
the purpose described in subsection (a).
(B) Development of recommendations for--
(i) legislative and administrative action to improve the
system described in paragraph (1)(A); 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:
(A) Ways to communicate the risks posed by hazardous
weather or water events to the public that are most likely to
result in action to mitigate the risk.
(B) Ways to communicate the risks posed by hazardous
weather or water events to the public as broadly and rapidly
as practicable.
(C) Ways to preserve the benefits of the existing watches
and warnings system.
(D) Ways to maintain the utility of the watches and
warnings system for Government and commercial users of the
system.
(4) Consultation.--In conducting the assessment required by
paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall--
(A) consult with such line offices within the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the Under Secretary
considers relevant, including the National Ocean Service, the
National Weather Service, and the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research;
(B) consult with individuals in the academic sector,
including individuals in the field of social and behavioral
sciences, and other weather services;
(C) consult with media outlets that will be distributing
the watches and warnings;
(D) consult with non-Federal forecasters that produce
alternate severe weather risk communication products;
(E) consult with emergency planners and responders,
including State and local emergency management agencies, and
other government users of the watches and warnings system,
including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Office
of Personnel Management, the Coast Guard, and such other
Federal agencies as the Under Secretary determines rely on
watches and warnings for operational decisions; and
(F) make use of the services of the National Academy of
Sciences, as the Under Secretary considers necessary and
practicable, including contracting with the National Research
Council to review the scientific and technical soundness of
the assessment required by paragraph (1)(A), including the
recommendations developed under paragraph (2)(B).
(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 social and
behavioral sciences.
(c) Improvements to System.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall, based on the
assessment required by subsection (b)(1)(A), make such
recommendations to Congress to improve the system as the
Under Secretary considers necessary--
(A) to improve the system for issuing watches and warnings
regarding hazardous weather and water events; and
(B) to support efforts to satisfy research needs to enable
future improvements to such system.
(2) Requirements regarding recommendations.--In carrying
out paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall ensure that
any recommendation 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) accounts for the differences between types of weather
and water hazards;
(D) responds to the needs of Federal, State, and local
government partners and media partners; and
(E) accounts for necessary changes to Federally operated
watch and warning propagation and dissemination
infrastructure and protocols.
(d) Watches and Warnings Defined.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in
this section, the terms ``watch'' and ``warning'', with
respect to a hazardous weather and water event, mean products
issued by the Administration, intended for consumption by the
general public, to alert the general public to the potential
for or presence of the event and to inform action to prevent
loss of life and property.
(2) Exception.--ln this section, the terms ``watch'' and
``warning'' do not include technical or specialized
meteorological and hydrological forecasts, outlooks, or model
guidance products.
SEC. 407. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
WEATHER READY ALL HAZARDS AWARD PROGRAM.
(a) Program.--The Director of the National Weather Service
is authorized to establish the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Award
Program. This award program shall provide annual awards to
honor individuals or organizations that use or provide
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio
All Hazards receivers or transmitters to save lives and
protect property. Individuals or organizations that utilize
other early warning tools or applications also qualify for
this award.
(b) Goal.--This award program draws attention to the life-
saving work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Program, as well as
emerging tools and applications, that provide real-time
warning to individuals and communities of severe weather or
other hazardous conditions.
(c) Program Elements.--
(1) Nominations.--Nominations for this award shall be made
annually by the Weather
[[Page H2659]]
Field Offices to the Director of the National Weather
Service. Broadcast meteorologists, weather radio
manufacturers and weather warning tool and application
developers, emergency managers, and public safety officials
may nominate individuals or organizations to their local
Weather Field Offices, but the final list of award nominees
must come from the Weather Field Offices.
(2) Selection of awardees.--Annually, the Director of the
National Weather Service shall choose winners of this award
whose timely actions, based on National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards
receivers or transmitters or other early warning tools and
applications, saved lives or property, or demonstrated public
service in support of weather or all hazard warnings.
(3) Award ceremony.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall establish a means of making these awards to
provide maximum public awareness of the importance of
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather
Radio, and such other warning tools and applications as are
represented in the awards.
SEC. 408. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WEATHER FORECASTING
ACTIVITIES.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, 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 analyzing the impacts of the
proposed Air Force divestiture in the United States Weather
Research and Forecasting Model, including--
(1) the impact on--
(A) the United States weather forecasting capabilities;
(B) the accuracy of civilian regional forecasts;
(C) the civilian readiness for traditional weather and
extreme weather events in the United States; and
(D) the research necessary to develop the United States
Weather Research and Forecasting Model; and
(2) such other analysis relating to the divestiture as the
Under Secretary considers appropriate.
SEC. 409. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE; OPERATIONS AND WORKFORCE
ANALYSIS.
The Under Secretary shall contract or continue to partner
with an external organization to conduct a baseline analysis
of National Weather Service operations and workforce.
SEC. 410. REPORT ON CONTRACT POSITIONS AT NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE.
(a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall
submit to Congress a report on the use of contractors at the
National Weather Service for the most recently completed
fiscal year.
(b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall
include, with respect to the most recently completed fiscal
year, the following:
(1) The total number of full-time equivalent employees at
the National Weather Service, disaggregated by each
equivalent level of the General Schedule.
(2) The total number of full-time equivalent contractors at
the National Weather Service, disaggregated by each
equivalent level of the General Schedule that most closely
approximates their duties.
(3) The total number of vacant positions at the National
Weather Service on the day before the date of enactment of
this Act, disaggregated by each equivalent level of the
General Schedule.
(4) The five most common positions filled by full-time
equivalent contractors at the National Weather Service and
the equivalent level of the General Schedule that most
closely approximates the duties of such positions.
(5) Of the positions identified under paragraph (4), the
percentage of full-time equivalent contractors in those
positions that have held a prior position at the National
Weather Service or another entity in National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
(6) The average full-time equivalent salary for Federal
employees at the National Weather Service for each equivalent
level of the General Schedule.
(7) The average salary for full-time equivalent contractors
performing at each equivalent level of the General Schedule
at the National Weather Service.
(8) A description of any actions taken by the Under
Secretary to respond to the issues raised by the Inspector
General of the Department of Commerce regarding the hiring of
former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
employees as contractors at the National Weather Service such
as the issues raised in the Investigative Report dated June
2, 2015 (OIG-12-0447).
(c) Annual Publication.--For each fiscal year after the
fiscal year covered by the report required by subsection (a),
the Under Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after the
completion of the fiscal year, publish on a publicly
accessible Internet website the information described in
paragraphs (1) through (8) of subsection (b) for such fiscal
year.
SEC. 411. WEATHER IMPACTS TO COMMUNITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Review.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall review existing research, products, and
services that meet the specific needs of the urban
environment, given its unique physical characteristics and
forecasting challenges.
(2) Elements.--The review required by paragraph (1) shall
include research, products, and services with the potential
to improve modeling and forecasting capabilities, taking into
account factors including varying building heights,
impermeable surfaces, lack of tree canopy, traffic,
pollution, and inter-building wind effects.
(b) Report and Assessment.--Upon completion of the review
required by subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall submit
to Congress a report on the research, products, and services
of the National Weather Service, including an assessment of
such research, products, and services that is based on the
review, public comment, and recent publications by the
National Academy of Sciences.
SEC. 412. WEATHER ENTERPRISE OUTREACH.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary may establish
mechanisms for outreach to the weather enterprise--
(1) to assess the weather forecasts and forecast products
provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration; and
(2) to determine the highest priority weather forecast
needs of the community described in subsection (b).
(b) Outreach Community.--In conducting outreach under
subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall contact leading
experts and innovators from relevant stakeholders, including
the representatives from the following:
(1) State or local emergency management agencies.
(2) State agriculture agencies.
(3) Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
5304)) and Native Hawaiians (as defined in section 6207 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7517)).
(4) The private aerospace industry.
(5) The private earth observing industry.
(6) The operational forecasting community.
(7) The academic community.
(8) Professional societies that focus on meteorology.
(9) Such other stakeholder groups as the Under Secretary
considers appropriate.
SEC. 413. HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT.
(a) Backup Capability.--The Under Secretary shall acquire
backup for the capabilities of the WP-3D Orion and G-IV
hurricane aircraft of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration that is sufficient to prevent a single point
of failure.
(b) Authority to Enter Agreements.--In order to carry out
subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall negotiate and enter
into 1 or more agreements or contracts, to the extent
practicable and necessary, with governmental and non-
governmental entities.
(c) Future Technology.--The Under Secretary shall continue
the development of Airborne Phased Array Radar under the
United States Weather Research Program.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each of fiscal
years 2017 through 2020, support for implementing subsections
(a) and (b) is authorized out of funds appropriated to the
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
SEC. 414. STUDY ON GAPS IN NEXRAD COVERAGE AND
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS SUCH GAPS.
(a) Study on Gaps in NEXRAD Coverage.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall
complete a study on gaps in the coverage of the Next
Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather Service
(``NEXRAD'').
(2) Elements.--In conducting the study required under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) identify areas in the United States where limited or no
NEXRAD coverage has resulted in--
(i) instances in which no or insufficient warnings were
given for hazardous weather events, including tornadoes; or
(ii) degraded forecasts for hazardous weather events that
resulted in fatalities, significant injuries, or substantial
property damage; and
(B) for the areas identified under subparagraph (A)--
(i) identify the key weather effects for which prediction
would improve with improved radar detection;
(ii) identify additional sources of observations for high
impact weather that were available and operational for such
areas on the day before the date of the enactment of this
Act, including dense networks of x-band radars, Terminal
Doppler Weather Radar (commonly known as ``TDWR''), air
surveillance radars of the Federal Aviation Administration,
and cooperative network observers;
(iii) assess the feasibility and advisability of efforts to
integrate and upgrade Federal radar capabilities that are not
owned or controlled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, including radar capabilities of the Federal
Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense;
(iv) assess the feasibility and advisability of
incorporating State-operated and other non-Federal radars
into the operations of the National Weather Service;
(v) identify options to improve hazardous weather detection
and forecasting coverage; and
(vi) provide the estimated cost of, and timeline for, each
of the options identified under clause (v).
(3) Report.--Upon the completion of the study required
under paragraph (1), the 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 that includes the
findings of the Secretary with respect to the study.
(b) Recommendations to Improve Radar Coverage.--Not later
than 90 days after the completion of the study under
subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to
the congressional committees referred to in subsection (a)(3)
recommendations for improving
[[Page H2660]]
hazardous weather detection and forecasting coverage in the
areas identified under subsection (a)(2)(A) by integrating
additional observation solutions to the extent practicable
and meteorologically justified and necessary to protect
public safety.
(c) Third-party Consultation Regarding Recommendations to
Improve Radar Coverage.--The Secretary of Commerce may seek
reviews by, or consult with, appropriate third parties
regarding the scientific methodology relating to, and the
feasibility and advisability of implementing, the
recommendations submitted under subsection (b), including the
extent to which warning and forecast services of the National
Weather Service would be improved by additional observations.
TITLE V--TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2017
SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Tsunami Warning,
Education, and Research Act of 2017''.
SEC. 502. REFERENCES TO THE TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION
ACT.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this
title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
reference shall be considered to be made to a section or
other provision of 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; 33 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.).
SEC. 503. EXPANSION OF PURPOSES OF TSUNAMI WARNING AND
EDUCATION ACT.
Section 803 (33 U.S.C. 3202) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``research,'' after
``warnings,'';
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) to enhance and modernize the existing United States
Tsunami Warning System to increase the accuracy of forecasts
and warnings, to ensure full coverage of tsunami threats to
the United States with a network of detection assets, and to
reduce false alarms;'';
(3) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) to improve and develop standards and guidelines for
mapping, modeling, and assessment efforts to improve tsunami
detection, forecasting, warnings, notification, mitigation,
resiliency, response, outreach, and recovery;'';
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as
paragraphs (5), (6), and (8), respectively;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) to improve research efforts related to improving
tsunami detection, forecasting, warnings, notification,
mitigation, resiliency, response, outreach, and recovery;'';
(6) in paragraph (5), as redesignated--
(A) by striking ``and increase'' and inserting ``,
increase, and develop uniform standards and guidelines for'';
and
(B) by inserting ``, including the warning signs of locally
generated tsunami'' after ``approaching'';
(7) in paragraph (6), as redesignated, by striking ``,
including the Indian Ocean; and'' and inserting a semicolon;
and
(8) by inserting after paragraph (6), as redesignated, the
following:
``(7) to foster resilient communities in the face of
tsunami and other similar coastal hazards; and''.
SEC. 504. MODIFICATION OF TSUNAMI FORECASTING AND WARNING
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 804 (33 U.S.C.
3203(a)) is amended by striking ``Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean
Sea, and Gulf of Mexico region'' and inserting ``Atlantic
Ocean region, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of
Mexico''.
(b) Components.--Subsection (b) of section 804 (33 U.S.C.
3203(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``established'' and
inserting ``supported or maintained'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (9) as
paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively;
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as
paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively;
(4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) to the degree practicable, maintain not less than 80
percent of the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of
Tsunamis buoy array at operational capacity to optimize data
reliability;''.
(5) by amending paragraph (5), as redesignated by paragraph
(3), to read as follows:
``(5) provide tsunami forecasting capability based on
models and measurements, including tsunami inundation models
and maps for use in increasing the preparedness of
communities and safeguarding port and harbor operations, that
incorporate inputs, including--
``(A) the United States and global ocean and coastal
observing system;
``(B) the global Earth observing system;
``(C) the global seismic network;
``(D) the Advanced National Seismic system;
``(E) tsunami model validation using historical and
paleotsunami data;
``(F) digital elevation models and bathymetry; and
``(G) newly developing tsunami detection methodologies
using satellites and airborne remote sensing;'';
(6) by amending paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph
(3), to read as follows:
``(7) include a cooperative effort among the
Administration, the United States Geological Survey, and the
National Science Foundation under which the Director of the
United States Geological Survey and the Director of the
National Science Foundation shall--
``(A) provide rapid and reliable seismic information to the
Administrator from international and domestic seismic
networks; and
``(B) support seismic stations installed before the date of
the enactment of the Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research
Act of 2017 to supplement coverage in areas of sparse
instrumentation;'';
(7) in paragraph (8), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``, including graphical warning
products,'' after ``warnings'';
(B) by inserting ``, territories,'' after ``States''; and
(C) by inserting ``and Wireless Emergency Alerts'' after
``Hazards Program''; and
(8) in paragraph (9), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``provide and'' before ``allow''; and
(B) by inserting ``and commercial and Federal undersea
communications cables'' after ``observing technologies''.
(c) Tsunami Warning System.--Subsection (c) of section 804
(33 U.S.C. 3203(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Tsunami Warning System.--The program under this
section shall operate a tsunami warning system that--
``(1) is capable of forecasting tsunami, including
forecasting tsunami arrival time and inundation estimates,
anywhere in the Pacific and Arctic Ocean regions and
providing adequate warnings;
``(2) is capable of forecasting and providing adequate
warnings, including tsunami arrival time and inundation
models where applicable, in areas of the Atlantic Ocean,
including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, that are
determined--
``(A) to be geologically active, or to have significant
potential for geological activity; and
``(B) to pose significant risks of tsunami for States along
the coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or
Gulf of Mexico; and
``(3) supports other international tsunami forecasting and
warning efforts.''.
(d) Tsunami Warning Centers.--Subsection (d) of section 804
(33 U.S.C. 3203(d)) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Tsunami Warning Centers.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall support or
maintain centers to support the tsunami warning system
required by subsection (c). The Centers shall include--
``(A) the National Tsunami Warning Center, located in
Alaska, which is primarily responsible for Alaska and the
continental United States;
``(B) the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, located in
Hawaii, which is primarily responsible for Hawaii, the
Caribbean, and other areas of the Pacific not covered by the
National Center; and
``(C) any additional forecast and warning centers
determined by the National Weather Service to be necessary.
``(2) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities of the
centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
``(A) Continuously monitoring data from seismological, deep
ocean, coastal sea level, and tidal monitoring stations and
other data sources as may be developed and deployed.
``(B) Evaluating earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic
eruptions that have the potential to generate tsunami.
``(C) Evaluating deep ocean buoy data and tidal monitoring
stations for indications of tsunami resulting from
earthquakes and other sources.
``(D) To the extent practicable, utilizing a range of
models, including ensemble models, to predict tsunami,
including arrival times, flooding estimates, coastal and
harbor currents, and duration.
``(E) Using data from the Integrated Ocean Observing System
of the Administration in coordination with regional
associations to calculate new inundation estimates and
periodically update existing inundation estimates.
``(F) Disseminating forecasts and tsunami warning bulletins
to Federal, State, tribal, and local government officials and
the public.
``(G) Coordinating with the tsunami hazard mitigation
program conducted under section 805 to ensure ongoing sharing
of information between forecasters and emergency management
officials.
``(H) In coordination with the Commandant of the Coast
Guard and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, evaluating and recommending procedures for
ports and harbors at risk of tsunami inundation, including
review of readiness, response, and communication strategies,
and data sharing policies, to the maximum extent practicable.
``(I) Making data gathered under this Act and post-warning
analyses conducted by the National Weather Service or other
relevant Administration offices available to the public.
``(J) Integrating and modernizing the program operated
under this section with advances in tsunami science to
improve performance without compromising service.
``(3) Fail-safe warning capability.--The tsunami warning
centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1) shall
maintain a fail-safe warning capability and perform back-up
duties for each other.
``(4) Coordination with national weather service.--The
Administrator shall coordinate with the forecast offices of
the National Weather Service, the centers supported or
maintained under paragraph (1), and such program offices of
the Administration as the Administrator or the coordinating
committee, as established in section 805(d), consider
appropriate to ensure that regional and local forecast
offices--
``(A) have the technical knowledge and capability to
disseminate tsunami warnings for the communities they serve;
``(B) leverage connections with local emergency management
officials for optimally disseminating tsunami warnings and
forecasts; and
``(C) implement mass communication tools in effect on the
day before the date of the enactment of the Tsunami Warning,
Education, and
[[Page H2661]]
Research Act of 2017 used by the National Weather Service on
such date and newer mass communication technologies as they
are developed as a part of the Weather-Ready Nation program
of the Administration, or otherwise, for the purpose of
timely and effective delivery of tsunami warnings.
``(5) Uniform operating procedures.--The Administrator
shall--
``(A) develop uniform operational procedures for the
centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1),
including the use of software applications, checklists,
decision support tools, and tsunami warning products that
have been standardized across the program supported under
this section;
``(B) ensure that processes and products of the warning
system operated under subsection (c)--
``(i) reflect industry best practices when practicable;
``(ii) conform to the maximum extent practicable with
internationally recognized standards for information
technology; and
``(iii) conform to the maximum extent practicable with
other warning products and practices of the National Weather
Service;
``(C) ensure that future adjustments to operational
protocols, processes, and warning products--
``(i) are made consistently across the warning system
operated under subsection (c); and
``(ii) are applied in a uniform manner across such warning
system;
``(D) establish a systematic method for information
technology product development to improve long-term
technology planning efforts; and
``(E) disseminate guidelines and metrics for evaluating and
improving tsunami forecast models.
``(6) Available resources.--The Administrator, through the
National Weather Service, shall ensure that resources are
available to fulfill the obligations of this Act. This
includes ensuring supercomputing resources are available to
run, as rapidly as possible, such computer models as are
needed for purposes of the tsunami warning system operated
under subsection (c).''.
(e) Transfer of Technology; Maintenance and Upgrades.--
Subsection (e) of section 804 (33 U.S.C. 3203(e)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(e) Transfer of Technology; Maintenance and Upgrades.--In
carrying out this section, the Administrator shall--
``(1) develop requirements for the equipment used to
forecast tsunami, including--
``(A) provisions for multipurpose detection platforms;
``(B) reliability and performance metrics; and
``(C) to the maximum extent practicable, requirements for
the integration of equipment with other United States and
global ocean and coastal observation systems, the global
Earth observing system of systems, the global seismic
networks, and the Advanced National Seismic System;
``(2) develop and execute a plan for the transfer of
technology from ongoing research conducted as part of the
program supported or maintained under section 6 into the
program under this section; and
``(3) ensure that the Administration's operational tsunami
detection equipment is properly maintained.''.
(f) Federal Cooperation.--Subsection (f) of section 804 (33
U.S.C. 3203(f)) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Federal Cooperation.--When deploying and maintaining
tsunami detection technologies under the program under this
section, the Administrator shall--
``(1) identify which assets of other Federal agencies are
necessary to support such program; and
``(2) work with each agency identified under paragraph
(1)--
``(A) to acquire the agency's assistance; and
``(B) to prioritize the necessary assets in support of the
tsunami forecast and warning program.''.
(g) Unnecessary Provisions.--Section 804 (33 U.S.C. 3203)
is further amended--
(1) by striking subsection (g);
(2) by striking subsections (i) through (k); and
(3) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).
(h) Congressional Notifications.--Subsection (g) of section
804 (33 U.S.C. 3203(g)), as redesignated by subsection
(g)(3), is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and moving such
subparagraphs 2 ems to the right;
(2) in the matter before subparagraph (A), as redesignated
by paragraph (2), by striking ``The Administrator'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Administrator'';
(3) in paragraph (1), as redesignated by paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), as redesignated by paragraph (2),
by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated by paragraph (2),
by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the occurrence of a significant tsunami warning.'';
and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Contents.--In a case in which notice is submitted
under paragraph (1) within 30 days of a significant tsunami
warning described in subparagraph (C) of such paragraph, such
notice shall include, as appropriate, brief information and
analysis of--
``(A) the accuracy of the tsunami model used;
``(B) the specific deep ocean or other monitoring equipment
that detected the incident, as well as the deep ocean or
other monitoring equipment that did not detect the incident
due to malfunction or other reasons;
``(C) the effectiveness of the warning communication,
including the dissemination of warnings with State,
territory, local, and tribal partners in the affected area
under the jurisdiction of the National Weather Service; and
``(D) such other findings as the Administrator considers
appropriate.''.
SEC. 505. MODIFICATION OF NATIONAL TSUNAMI HAZARD MITIGATION
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 805(a) (33 U.S.C. 3204(a)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(a) Program Required.--The Administrator, in coordination
with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and the heads of such other agencies as the
Administrator considers relevant, shall conduct a community-
based tsunami hazard mitigation program to improve tsunami
preparedness and resiliency of at-risk areas in the United
States and the territories of the United States.''.
(b) National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.--Section
805 (33 U.S.C. 3204) is amended by striking subsections (c)
and (d) and inserting the following:
``(c) Program Components.--The Program conducted under
subsection (a) shall include the following:
``(1) Technical and financial assistance to coastal States,
territories, tribes, and local governments to develop and
implement activities under this section.
``(2) Integration of tsunami preparedness and mitigation
programs into ongoing State-based hazard warning, resilience
planning, and risk management activities, including
predisaster planning, emergency response, evacuation
planning, disaster recovery, hazard mitigation, and community
development and redevelopment planning programs in affected
areas.
``(3) Coordination with other Federal preparedness and
mitigation programs to leverage Federal investment, avoid
duplication, and maximize effort.
``(4) Activities to promote the adoption of tsunami
resilience, preparedness, warning, and mitigation measures by
Federal, State, territorial, tribal, and local governments
and nongovernmental entities, including educational and risk
communication programs to discourage development in high-risk
areas.
``(5) Activities to support the development of regional
tsunami hazard and risk assessments. Such regional risk
assessments may include the following:
``(A) The sources, sizes, and other relevant historical
data of tsunami in the region, including paleotsunami data.
``(B) Inundation models and maps of critical infrastructure
and socioeconomic vulnerability in areas subject to tsunami
inundation.
``(C) Maps of evacuation areas and evacuation routes,
including, when appropriate, traffic studies that evaluate
the viability of evacuation routes.
``(D) Evaluations of the size of populations that will
require evacuation, including populations with special
evacuation needs.
``(E) Evaluations and technical assistance for vertical
evacuation structure planning for communities where models
indicate limited or no ability for timely evacuation,
especially in areas at risk of near shore generated tsunami.
``(F) Evaluation of at-risk ports and harbors.
``(G) Evaluation of the effect of tsunami currents on the
foundations of closely-spaced, coastal high-rise structures.
``(6) Activities to promote preparedness in at-risk ports
and harbors, including the following:
``(A) Evaluation and recommendation of procedures for ports
and harbors in the event of a distant or near-field tsunami.
``(B) A review of readiness, response, and communication
strategies to ensure coordination and data sharing with the
Coast Guard.
``(7) Activities to support the development of community-
based outreach and education programs to ensure community
readiness and resilience, including the following:
``(A) The development, implementation, and assessment of
technical training and public education programs, including
education programs that address unique characteristics of
distant and near-field tsunami.
``(B) The development of decision support tools.
``(C) The incorporation of social science research into
community readiness and resilience efforts.
``(D) The development of evidence-based education
guidelines.
``(8) Dissemination of guidelines and standards for
community planning, education, and training products,
programs, and tools, including--
``(A) standards for--
``(i) mapping products;
``(ii) inundation models; and
``(iii) effective emergency exercises; and
``(B) recommended guidance for at-risk port and harbor
tsunami warning, evacuation, and response procedures in
coordination with the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
``(d) Authorized Activities.--In addition to activities
conducted under subsection (c), the program conducted under
subsection (a) may include the following:
``(1) Multidisciplinary vulnerability assessment research,
education, and training to help integrate risk management and
resilience objectives with community development planning and
policies.
``(2) Risk management training for local officials and
community organizations to enhance understanding and
preparedness.
``(3) In coordination with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, interagency, Federal, State, tribal, and territorial
intergovernmental tsunami response exercise planning and
implementation in high risk areas.
``(4) Development of practical applications for existing or
emerging technologies, such as modeling, remote sensing,
geospatial technology, engineering, and observing systems,
including the
[[Page H2662]]
integration of tsunami sensors into Federal and commercial
submarine telecommunication cables if practicable.
``(5) Risk management, risk assessment, and resilience data
and information services, including--
``(A) access to data and products derived from observing
and detection systems; and
``(B) development and maintenance of new integrated data
products to support risk management, risk assessment, and
resilience programs.
``(6) Risk notification systems that coordinate with and
build upon existing systems and actively engage
decisionmakers, State, local, tribal, and territorial
governments and agencies, business communities,
nongovernmental organizations, and the media.
``(e) No Preemption With Respect to Designation of At-risk
Areas.--The establishment of national standards for
inundation models under this section shall not prevent
States, territories, tribes, and local governments from
designating additional areas as being at risk based on
knowledge of local conditions.
``(f) No New Regulatory Authority.--Nothing in this Act may
be construed as establishing new regulatory authority for any
Federal agency.''.
(c) Report on Accreditation of TsunamiReady Program.--Not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration 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 which authorities and activities
would be needed to have the TsunamiReady program of the
National Weather Service accredited by the Emergency
Management Accreditation Program.
SEC. 506. MODIFICATION OF TSUNAMI RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 806 (33 U.S.C. 3205) is amended--
(1) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking ``The
Administrator shall'' and all that follows through
``establish or maintain'' and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall, in consultation
with such other Federal agencies, State, tribal, and
territorial governments, and academic institutions as the
Administrator considers appropriate, the coordinating
committee under section 805(d), and the panel under section
808(a), support or maintain'';
(2) in subsection (a), as designated by paragraph (1), by
striking ``and assessment for tsunami tracking and numerical
forecast modeling. Such research program shall--'' and
inserting the following: ``assessment for tsunami tracking
and numerical forecast modeling, and standards development.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The research program supported or
maintained under subsection (a) shall--''; and
(3) in subsection (b), as designated by paragraph (2)--
(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) consider other appropriate and cost effective
solutions to mitigate the impact of tsunami, including the
improvement of near-field and distant tsunami detection and
forecasting capabilities, which may include use of a new
generation of the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of
Tsunamis array, integration of tsunami sensors into
commercial and Federal telecommunications cables, and other
real-time tsunami monitoring systems and supercomputer
capacity of the Administration to develop a rapid tsunami
forecast for all United States coastlines;'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``include'' and inserting ``conduct''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
(D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) develop the technical basis for validation of tsunami
maps, numerical tsunami models, digital elevation models, and
forecasts; and''; and
(E) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by subparagraph (C),
by striking ``to the scientific community'' and inserting
``to the public and the scientific community''.
SEC. 507. GLOBAL TSUNAMI WARNING AND MITIGATION NETWORK.
Section 807 (33 U.S.C. 3206) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Support for Development of an International Tsunami
Warning System.--The Administrator shall, in coordination
with the Secretary of State and in consultation with such
other agencies as the Administrator considers relevant,
provide technical assistance, operational support, and
training to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of
the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization, the World Meteorological Organization of the
United Nations, and such other international entities as the
Administrator considers appropriate, as part of the
international efforts to develop a fully functional global
tsunami forecast and warning system comprised of regional
tsunami warning networks.'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall'' each place it
appears and inserting ``may''; and
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``establishing'' and
inserting ``supporting''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``establish'' and inserting ``support'';
and
(ii) by striking ``establishing'' and inserting
``supporting''.
SEC. 508. TSUNAMI SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY PANEL.
(a) In General.--The Act is further amended--
(1) by redesignating section 808 (33 U.S.C. 3207) as
section 809; and
(2) by inserting after section 807 (33 U.S.C. 3206) the
following:
``SEC. 808. TSUNAMI SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY PANEL.
``(a) Designation.--The Administrator shall designate an
existing working group within the Science Advisory Board of
the Administration to serve as the Tsunami Science and
Technology Advisory Panel to provide advice to the
Administrator on matters regarding tsunami science,
technology, and regional preparedness.
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) Composition.--The Panel shall be composed of no fewer
than 7 members selected by the Administrator from among
individuals from academia or State agencies who have academic
or practical expertise in physical sciences, social sciences,
information technology, coastal resilience, emergency
management, or such other disciplines as the Administrator
considers appropriate.
``(2) Federal employment.--No member of the Panel may be a
Federal employee.
``(c) Responsibilities.--Not less frequently than once
every 4 years, the Panel shall--
``(1) review the activities of the Administration, and
other Federal activities as appropriate, relating to tsunami
research, detection, forecasting, warning, mitigation,
resiliency, and preparation; and
``(2) submit to the Administrator and such others as the
Administrator considers appropriate--
``(A) the findings of the working group with respect to the
most recent review conducted under paragraph (1); and
``(B) such recommendations for legislative or
administrative action as the working group considers
appropriate to improve Federal tsunami research, detection,
forecasting, warning, mitigation, resiliency, and
preparation.
``(d) Reports to Congress.--Not less frequently than once
every 4 years, the 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 a report on the findings and
recommendations received by the Administrator under
subsection (c)(2).''.
(b) Table of Contents Amendment.--The table of contents in
section 1(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-479;
120 Stat. 3575) is amended by striking the item relating to
section 808 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 808. Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel.
``Sec. 809. Authorization of appropriations.''.
SEC. 509. REPORTS.
(a) Report on Implementation of Tsunami Warning and
Education Act.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall submit to
Congress a report on the implementation of 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; 33 U.S.C.
3201 et seq.), as amended by this Act.
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A detailed description of the progress made in
implementing sections 804(d)(6), 805(b), and 806(b)(4) of the
Tsunami Warning and Education Act the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of
2006 (Public Law 109-479; 33 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.).
(B) A description of the ways that tsunami warnings and
warning products issued by the Tsunami Forecasting and
Warning Program established under section 804 of the Tsunami
Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3203), as amended by
this Act, may be standardized and streamlined with warnings
and warning products for hurricanes, coastal storms, and
other coastal flooding events.
(b) Report on National Efforts That Support Rapid Response
Following Near-shore Tsunami Events.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall jointly, in coordination
with the Director of the United States Geological Survey,
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the
Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and the heads of such
other Federal agencies as the Administrator considers
appropriate, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress
a report on the national efforts in effect on the day before
the date of the enactment of this Act that support and
facilitate rapid emergency response following a domestic
near-shore tsunami event to better understand domestic
effects of earthquake derived tsunami on people,
infrastructure, and communities in the United States.
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A description of scientific or other measurements
collected on the day before the date of the enactment of this
Act to quickly identify and quantify lost or degraded
infrastructure or terrestrial formations.
(B) A description of scientific or other measurements that
would be necessary to collect to quickly identify and
quantify lost or degraded infrastructure or terrestrial
formations.
(C) Identification and evaluation of Federal, State, local,
tribal, territorial, and military first responder and search
and rescue operation centers, bases, and other facilities as
well as other critical response assets and infrastructure,
including search and rescue aircraft, located
[[Page H2663]]
within near-shore and distant tsunami inundation areas on the
day before the date of the enactment of this Act.
(D) An evaluation of near-shore tsunami response plans in
areas described in subparagraph (C) in effect on the day
before the date of the enactment of this Act, and how those
response plans would be affected by the loss of search and
rescue and first responder infrastructure described in such
subparagraph.
(E) A description of redevelopment plans and reports in
effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this
Act for communities in areas that are at high-risk for near-
shore tsunami, as well identification of States or
communities that do not have redevelopment plans.
(F) Recommendations to enhance near-shore tsunami
preparedness and response plans, including recommended
responder exercises, predisaster planning, and mitigation
needs.
(G) Such other data and analysis information as the
Administrator and the Secretary of Homeland Security consider
appropriate.
(3) Appropriate committees of congress.--In this
subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress''
means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the
Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives.
SEC. 510. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 809 of the Act, as redesignated by section
_08(a)(1) of this Act, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) $25,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2021, of which--
``(A) not less than 27 percent of the amount appropriated
for each fiscal year shall be for activities conducted at the
State level under the tsunami hazard mitigation program under
section 805; and
``(B) not less than 8 percent of the amount appropriated
shall be for the tsunami research program under section
806.''.
SEC. 511. OUTREACH RESPONSIBILITIES.
The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, in coordination with State and local
emergency managers, shall develop and carry out formal
outreach activities to improve tsunami education and
awareness and foster the development of resilient
communities. Outreach activities may include--
(1) the development of outreach plans to ensure the close
integration of tsunami warning centers supported or
maintained under section 804(d) of the Tsunami Warning and
Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3203(d)), as amended by this Act,
with local Weather Forecast Offices of the National Weather
Service and emergency managers;
(2) working with appropriate local Weather Forecast Offices
to ensure they have the technical knowledge and capability to
disseminate tsunami warnings to the communities they serve;
and
(3) evaluating the effectiveness of warnings and of
coordination with local Weather Forecast Offices after
significant tsunami events.
SEC. 512. REPEAL OF DUPLICATE PROVISIONS OF LAW.
(a) Repeal.--The Tsunami Warning and Education Act enacted
by Public Law 109-424 (120 Stat. 2902) is repealed.
(b) Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed
to repeal, or affect in any way, 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; 33 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Smith) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
General Leave
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and include any extraneous materials on the bill under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 advances weather research and technology and
will transform our Nation's weather industry.
I thank the vice chairman of the Science Committee, Mr. Lucas, for
sponsoring this legislation.
We must better understand short-term weather events so that we can
better protect lives and property. Severe weather routinely affects
large portions of the United States. Nearly every year, we witness the
devastating effects of tornadoes and intense storms across our country.
This bill will ensure that Americans are more protected from severe
weather because of accurate supercomputing, forecasts, and earlier
warnings.
H.R. 353 directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
NOAA, to prioritize its research to improve weather data, modeling,
computing, forecasting, and warnings. This enables NOAA to support its
core mission of protecting lives and property.
The bill strengthens NOAA's ability to study the underlying
atmospheric science while simultaneously advancing innovative
technologies and reforming operations to provide better weather data
models and forecasts.
Also, the legislation creates a tornado research program to develop
more accurate, effective, and timely tornado forecasts. This program
will increase our understanding of these deadly events, just as the
Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program advanced our ability to predict
and forecast hurricanes.
The bill improves weather observation systems through the use of
observing system simulation experiments and next generation computing
and modeling capabilities. These requirements will help ensure we use
the best and most appropriate technologies to protect our country from
severe weather. It prompts NOAA to actively embrace new commercial data
and private sector weather solutions through a multiyear commercial
weather data pilot program. Further, it directs NOAA to seriously
consider commercial data options rather than rely on slow, costly, and
often delayed government-owned satellites.
For far too long, our government has relied on these massive
multibillion-dollar government weather satellites. The government has
failed to consider other options that could help strengthen our weather
industry. The Science Committee has jurisdiction over NOAA's satellite
office and conducts ongoing oversight of the agency's satellite
program. Our conclusion is that NOAA is in need of real reform.
Over the years, events at NOAA have revealed mismanagement, cost
overruns, and launching delays of its weather satellites. This detracts
from our ability to accurately predict our own weather, which places
Americans in harm's way. It is also a tremendous burden to taxpayers
who have to pay the massive bills for these satellites. This is a waste
of resources that should be put to better use.
This bill gives NOAA a new vision and allows NOAA the flexibility to
buy new, affordable, and potentially better sources of data from the
private sector. With more and better options, we can finally have the
power to make real improvements to our weather forecasting
capabilities. This is long overdue.
The bill also creates a much-needed technology transfer fund in
NOAA's research office to help push technologies into operation. This
ensures that the technologies that are developed are effectively
employed and do not sit idly on the lab bench.
I again thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) and I thank the
former Environment Subcommittee chairman, Mr. Bridenstine, for their
initiative on this issue. I also want to thank Senator Thune for
helping produce bipartisan and bicameral legislation that will protect
all Americans from harmful weather events. Americans from coast to
coast will now be better prepared for severe weather with the passage
of this bill.
Recently, we have seen the devastating effects of severe weather
across our country, especially in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri,
Kansas, Alabama, and Mississippi, among other States. This bill will
help these residents be better prepared so that they can protect their
property and their families.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 353, the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act, which also includes the Tsunami Warning,
Education, and Research Act.
The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act is a product of
hard work and negotiation over the past two Congresses. I want to thank
[[Page H2664]]
Congressman Frank Lucas, Chairman Lamar Smith, and former Environment
Subcommittee Chairs Jim Bridenstine and Chris Stewart, who were great
partners in getting us here today.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible
for important work at the cutting edge of science and public service.
Weather forecasting is one of the most critical tasks for our country.
At a time when budget uncertainty jeopardizes some of the most
fundamental services NOAA provides to our Nation, it is imperative that
we support legislation like H.R. 353 to give the agency the resources
and flexibility needed to fulfill its mission.
The northwest Oregon communities I represent and communities across
the country rely on timely and accurate weather forecasts to decide
when to harvest their crops, when to go to sea to fish, how to navigate
the roads safely when there is freezing rain or snow and to prepare for
possible flood conditions.
The National Weather Service provides excellent forecasting products
to support our economy, but with the increasing frequency and severity
of severe weather events, there can be and should be improvements in
our forecasting capabilities and delivery. Improvements in forecasts
can provide more lead time to allow communities to prepare, especially
in severe weather events. More effective communication of forecast
information to the public and those in harm's way can reduce the loss
of life and property.
This bill connects the research side of NOAA--the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research--more effectively to the forecasting needs of
the National Weather Service, cultivating a research-to-operations
pipeline that is essential for the continued improvement of our weather
forecasting enterprise. The bill contains several provisions that will
improve interactions and information sharing between NOAA's researchers
and the National Weather Service. It improves communication between
NOAA and the broader research and private weather communities. The bill
also formally establishes the pilot program currently operating at NOAA
to engage in contracts with the commercial sector for weather
forecasting data.
Even the best forecasts will not adequately serve the public's needs
unless there are effective communication systems in place. H.R. 353
directs NOAA to do more research, listen to experts, and improve its
risk communication techniques.
The bill also establishes interagency coordination through the Office
of Science and Technology Policy across multiple agencies outside NOAA
that share responsibilities for weather research and forecast
communications. This is essential, and it highlights the important role
the Office of Science and Technology Policy and NOAA share to help
speed the adoption of best tools and practices across the various
agencies of the Federal Government.
The legislation before us today also includes the Tsunami Warning,
Education, and Research Act, legislation I have introduced over the
past three Congresses. The Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act
seeks to improve our country's understanding of the threat posed by
tsunami events by improving forecasting and notification systems,
developing supportive technologies, and supporting local community
outreach preparedness and response plans. This bill helps to address
the risk faced by communities on both coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico
by improving our mitigation and research program and enhancing
community outreach and planning.
Many, if not most, of my colleagues represent districts that have
experienced some kind of natural disaster. The threat of a catastrophic
earthquake and tsunami is real because of the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
West Coast Members take this threat very seriously.
I have heard from coastal communities, people who fish, the tourism
and maritime industries, marine and public safety officials, sheriffs,
emergency managers, small-business owners, older Americans, and
students who are concerned that their communities are not prepared for
a tsunami.
Students at Seaside High School, a coastal community in my district,
engaged in a year-long project to educate Oregonians about the threat a
tsunami has on lives and property. Three of the four public schools in
Seaside are still located inside the tsunami inundation zone. The high
school students have practiced their evacuation route, and they know
that, in the projected time between a major earthquake and the
devastating wave of a tsunami, they couldn't make it to higher ground.
That is unacceptable.
The University of Oregon and Oregon State University are working on
seismic warning systems and tsunami preparedness to help make sure that
our communities are prepared and have the best research available to
give the most warning time possible, and this bill compliments their
work.
I am proud to have worked on this legislation which is so important
to the people of northwest Oregon and all coastal communities, but I do
remain very concerned that the funding level is below current spending.
This cut would have serious consequences. The operation and maintenance
funding for the buoy network we rely on to detect tsunami could
decrease, adding hours of delay in appropriately warning coastal
communities.
Tsunami warning centers in Alaska and Hawaii are likely to see a
reduction in staff, resulting in gaps in coverage and creating greater
risks because of time delays in sending out accurate warnings and, in
some instances, not being able to provide adequate warning at all.
Tsunami are among the most deadly natural disasters. In the past two
decades, tsunami have caused the deaths of roughly a quarter million
people around the world. These disasters also have profound economic
consequences. The 2001 tsunami in Japan caused more than $200 billion
in economic losses.
We are fortunate, in the United States, to have been spared these
catastrophes so far.
{time} 1445
But our coastlines, from the Gulf of Mexico to Alaska, are very
susceptible to the same kind of disasters we have seen in Indonesia and
in Japan. It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when.
Tsunami program activities protect coastal Oregonians just as
hurricane forecasting protects coastal Floridians, Carolinians, and
others up and down the East Coast of the United States. It is important
that we reauthorize these lifesaving activities, and just as important
to provide the necessary funding to support them.
I will work tirelessly with my colleagues to make sure this program
receives the full funding it needs to serve our communities and save
lives and property.
Although there are always areas where we can do more, this underlying
bill, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, with the
tsunami bill, is a good bipartisan agreement and one that I am proud to
support while continuing to ask for current levels of funding.
I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on H.R. 353.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman
from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas), who is the vice chairman of the Science,
Space, and Technology Committee, and also the sponsor of this
legislation.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas,
Chairman Smith, for his continued leadership on the Science, Space, and
Technology Committee, and for bringing forward this important
legislation.
H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017, prioritizes improving weather forecasting for the protection of
lives and property at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. This is a core program of the agency that has been in
need of improved direction and investment for years.
The bill directs NOAA to develop plans to restore our country's
leadership in weather forecasting. It is no secret that many people in
our weather community are distraught that our forecasting capacities
have deteriorated in recent years. Some even say that America no longer
has the best weather prediction system in the world. In fact, we
routinely rely on forecasts of other countries to predict what will
happen in this country. This
[[Page H2665]]
is unacceptable, but I am glad we are here today to pass legislation
that will dramatically improve our weather forecasting system.
The bill before us today enhances our ability to predict severe
weather by focusing research and computing resources on improved
weather forecasting, quantitative observing data planning, next
generation modeling, and an emphasis on research-to-operations
technology transfer.
As a Representative from Oklahoma, I understand the need for accurate
and timely weather predictions firsthand. Every year, the loss of life
from deadly tornadoes in my home State are a stark reminder that we can
do better to predict severe weather events and provide longer lead
times to protect Americans in harm's way.
I am proud that this legislation has a dedicated tornado warning
improvement program. The goal of this program is to reduce the loss of
life from tornadoes by advancing the understanding of fundamental
meteorological science. This will allow detection and notifications of
severe weather that are more accurate, effective, and timely.
Constituents in my home State will benefit greatly from longer tornado
warning lead times, which will save lives and better protect property.
Being better prepared for severe weather events is of the utmost
important. The bill will improve our forecasting by encouraging
innovations and new technologies through a joint technology transfer
fund at NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. This
transfer is essential to get new forecasting, models, and technologies
out of the research side of NOAA and into the operational forecasts to
better protect our country.
Furthermore, the legislation will enhance our forecasting by
directing NOAA to engage new commercial data and private sector
solutions. This legislation includes a pilot project, which will
provide NOAA a clear demonstration of the valuable data from commercial
technologies. The private sector has the potential to aid our
forecasting skill while reducing government cost with innovative
solutions. In order to increase our weather skills, we must not limit
ourselves by solely relying on government data.
This legislation packs in multiple efforts to protect lives and
property from severe weather. From encouraging new technologies both
inside and outside of NOAA to the careful planning and prioritization
of weather research, this legislation will put our country back on
track to be a world leader in weather prediction.
The time has come for Americans to have the most accurate and timely
weather predictions. They deserve nothing less.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for the bill.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to
the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), the ranking
member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of
H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.
Climate and weather are not fundamentally partisan concerns; they
affect all of our constituents, regardless of their party affiliation.
The bill we are considering today, which is the culmination of more
than 4 years of bipartisan compromise and negotiation, demonstrates
what can be accomplished when we work together to address the concerns
of our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, weather affects all of us each and every day. It is a
constant presence in our lives. Extreme weather events, which are
becoming more severe and more frequent, are damaging lives and property
in my home State of Texas, across the continental U.S., and all the way
to the islands of Hawaii.
Sadly, the devastation caused by tornadoes, hurricanes, and other
severe weather incidents have become a far more familiar occurrence
and, really, too much of it for far more Americans. It should go
without saying that we need to help Americans avoid and cope with these
potentially devastating events by utilizing the very best weather
forecasting and warning capabilities.
In that regard, the National Weather Service and the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, or NOAA, play a central role in
protecting the lives and property of every American. H.R. 353 will help
accelerate innovation that NOAA can make use of, turning cutting-edge
weather research into essential weather forecasting tools and products;
tools the forecasters can then use to protect American lives.
The legislation improves collaboration and cooperation within NOAA
and removes barriers that exist between the weather research community,
our Nation's forecasters, and the private sector weather enterprise.
Improving these relationships will strengthen the accuracy and timing
of our weather predictions and, ultimately, will save lives and make
our communities safer.
H.R. 353 also reauthorizes NOAA's tsunami warning activities.
Communities along our Western Coasts are particularly impacted by the
threat of tsunamis. While this bill reauthorizes tsunami warning and
research activities at NOAA, it does so at a level far below current
agency spending. Such a cut makes little sense. Even in a tough fiscal
climate, we should be wary of cuts to programs that negatively affect
our ability to protect American lives and property from natural
disasters.
I want to applaud Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne
Bonamici for her fight to retain funding for these programs at their
current level, and I hope that we can work together with our colleagues
to maintain current tsunami funding when it comes time for
appropriations.
Mr. Speaker, strengthening our resilience to severe weather events is
both vital and necessary to strengthen our Nation's economic security.
H.R. 353 will advance our weather forecasting capabilities, and I urge
my colleagues to support its passage.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Arizona (Mr. Biggs), who is the chairman of the Environment
Subcommittee.
Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, Chairman
Smith, for yielding me time to speak on this important legislation.
It has become increasingly apparent with every major weather event
that our forecasting services are desperately in need of a major
overhaul. I am happy to support legislation that will do just that.
H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, will
put our country's weather forecasting back on track to provide citizens
with lifesaving predictions and warnings.
I specifically point to this bill's innovative language on weather
technology planning. H.R. 353 calls on NOAA to evaluate the combination
of observing systems it needs to meet weather forecasting requirements.
It also requires the agency to conduct experiments on different
observing systems to evaluate their costs and benefits.
Such reforms will grant NOAA more flexibility to develop new
technologies while scrapping older approaches that do not bring enough
value to our forecasts. We need to better assess our observing system
resources instead of continuing to rely on outdated methods.
This bill will help push NOAA to consider new approaches, including
those from the private sector. For its part, the growing private sector
has signaled it is ready and willing to work with NOAA to bring better
weather forecasting to our citizens, and we should welcome this
development.
I am confident that H.R. 353 will create the kind of meaningful
change that we want to see at NOAA. This bill will better protect
American lives and property with more accurate weather forecasting. I
applaud the sponsors. I encourage all Members to support this bill.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from North Carolina (Mr. Pittenger), who is also a member of the
Financial Services Committee.
Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his exceptional
leadership on this very important legislation.
In 2012, 7-year-old Jamal Stevens was in his bed when a tornado tore
through the house, tossing him onto the embankment along Interstate
485, hundreds of feet from his room.
The warning from the National Weather Service came 10 minutes later,
[[Page H2666]]
after the tornado had already touched down. This is because my hometown
of Charlotte relies on radar nearly 100 miles away, meaning that the
National Weather Service is using weak or inaccurate readings when
issuing crucial safety warnings for Charlotteans.
In 2013, the current system provided a tornado warning, but for
citizens in an entirely wrong neighborhood. More recently, a tornado in
December of 2015 struck neighboring Union County with no warning from
the National Weather Service.
Fortunately, our region has not suffered any fatalities due to the
inadequate coverage, but we shouldn't wait for tragedy to act.
The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act requires the
Commerce Department to identify weak coverage areas and identify
solutions to the problem by improving existing government radars or
incorporating non-Federal radars into the National Weather Service's
operations.
Americans across the country rely on the National Weather Service to
detect and provide warning for severe weather such as thunderstorms and
tornadoes. But Charlotte is currently the largest metropolitan area
without an adequate radar coverage. Addressing this shortcoming is an
important step for public safety.
With that in mind, I do urge my colleagues to support H.R. 353. I
thank the chairman so much for his support on this critical
legislation.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), who is a very active member of the
Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Texas, Chairman Smith, for yielding me time to highlight my support for
H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.
This past weekend, deadly storms ravaged Louisiana's Third District,
my district, tragically taking the lives of Francine Gotch and her 3-
year-old daughter, Nevaeh Alexander, when their singlewide trailer
flipped during high winds produced by a tornado.
The United States was once at the forefront of weather forecasting;
however, that ability has diminished over the years with the
capabilities of some other countries now paralleling or even exceeding
our own.
I do not know if a better weather forecasting service would have made
a difference this past weekend. However, as elected officials, we must
make it a priority to protect American lives and property to the
fullest extent.
{time} 1500
We must never waver in this most significant responsibility. This
legislation will put America back on track to lead the world in
accurately predicting severe weather events with a renewed focus on
increasing weather research and placing new technologies into
operation.
More specifically, this bill also creates a tornado forecasting
improvement program to develop more accurate, effective, and timely
tornado forecasts that will allow for increased tornado warning lead
times, which is crucial to saving lives and would perhaps have saved
the lives of that mother and her young daughter this past weekend.
Mr. Speaker, with the number of hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes
that have hit Louisiana in the last few decades, my constituency knows
all too well the danger that mother nature can pose, as well as the
need for reliable information to adequately prepare for such
occurrences.
Constituents in my district need good, commonsense legislation like
this to protect their families and their property. I applaud the
efforts of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Smith
and Representative Lucas for leading this effort to protect Americans
from severe weather.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Indiana (Mr. Banks) who is the vice chairman of the Environment
Subcommittee.
Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his
leadership on important issues like these.
Unfortunately, my home State of Indiana is no stranger to severe
weather. As we enter peak tornado season, my constituents are
vulnerable to tornado outbreaks which could lead to loss of life and
destruction. Protecting lives and property from severe weather needs to
be a top priority at NOAA. I am glad we are addressing this issue for
that reason today.
This legislation will greatly improve our ability to predict severe
weather, like the tornadoes that affect my district, through a focused
program to enhance forecasting. When mere seconds make the difference
between life and death, my constituents deserve the most accurate and
timely forecasts available, and I am confident that this legislation
will help give them that information.
I am also pleased that this bill gives NOAA the ability to
incorporate data and forecasting skill from private sector companies
like Harris Corporation in northeast Indiana, which employs about 450
engineers and technicians in my district. These talented professionals
build the world's most advanced weather satellite instruments.
Many government-operated systems are slow and costly, and the private
sector can be used to fill critical weather data needs. Directing NOAA
to integrate next-generation commercial solutions improves our ability
to protect lives and property.
The time to think outside of the government-only-weather-data box is
now. That is why I applaud the chairman of the Science, Space, and
Technology Committee, Mr. Smith, as well as my colleague from Oklahoma
(Mr. Lucas) for bringing this important legislation to the forefront. I
look forward to its passage into law.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to thanking all my colleagues on both sides
of the aisle who have worked so hard on this legislation, I want to
take a moment, also, to thank all of the staff in our offices and
committee on both sides of the aisle who worked so hard on this
legislation.
I encourage all my colleagues to support the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act, which includes the Tsunami Warning,
Education, and Research Act. This legislation will improve weather
forecasting and tsunami preparedness.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to support this bipartisan
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is the culmination of hard work and
negotiations that have spanned 5 years. Today, we finalize this House-
initiated weather policy reform legislation that will benefit residents
throughout the United States. H.R. 353 greatly improves our ability to
predict short-term severe weather events. It better protects lives and
property, a core mission of NOAA that has needed greater attention in
recent years.
Again, I want to thank Mr. Lucas and Mr. Bridenstine for their
initiative on this issue. I thank the former Environment Subcommittee
chairman, Representative Chris Stewart, for his years of commitment to
this subject as well.
I especially appreciate Ms. Bonamici and her 5 years of effort to
make this a bipartisan bill. I would like to thank the Science, Space,
and Technology Subcommittee on Environment staff for their years of
effort on this bill, especially Taylor Jordan, who worked diligently to
ensure that this bill became a reality. I also recognize the minority
staff who were central to the process as well.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation will transform our weather forecasting
ability. It ensures that we, once again, have a world-class forecasting
system that will protect lives and property from the dangers of severe
weather.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) that the House suspend the rules and
concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 353.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
[[Page H2667]]
rules were suspended and the Senate amendment was concurred in.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________