[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2658-H2679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023

  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 6093) to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration's weather research, support improvements in weather 
forecasting and prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the 
provision of weather data, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6093

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Weather 
     Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 
     2023'' or the ``Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

   TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING 
                         INNOVATION ACT OF 2017

Sec. 101. Public safety priority.
Sec. 102. United States weather research and forecasting.
Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes 
              Experiment (VORTEX).
Sec. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program.
Sec. 105. Tsunami Warning and Education Act reauthorization.
Sec. 106. Observing system planning.
Sec. 107. Observing system simulation experiments.
Sec. 108. Computing resources prioritization.
Sec. 109. Earth prediction innovation center.
Sec. 110. Satellite architecture planning.
Sec. 111. Improving uncrewed activities.
Sec. 112. Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services.
Sec. 113. Ocean observations.
Sec. 114. Consolidation of reports.
Sec. 115. National Landslide Preparedness Act reauthorization.
Sec. 116. Amendments to Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and 
              Control Act of 1998.

     TITLE II--ENHANCING FEDERAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND INNOVATION

Sec. 201. Weather innovation for the next generation.
Sec. 202. Next generation radar.
Sec. 203. Data voids in highly vulnerable areas of the United States.
Sec. 204. Atmospheric rivers forecast improvement program.
Sec. 205. Coastal flooding and storm surge forecast improvement 
              program.
Sec. 206. Aviation weather and data innovation.
Sec. 207. NESDIS joint venture partnership transition program.
Sec. 208. Advanced weather interactive processing system.
Sec. 209. Reanalysis and reforecasting.
Sec. 210. National Weather Service workforce.

      TITLE III--COMMERCIAL WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS

Sec. 301. Commercial Data Program.
Sec. 302. Commercial Data Pilot Program.
Sec. 303. Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication.
Sec. 304. Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices.
Sec. 305. Clerical amendment.

             TITLE IV--COMMUNICATING WEATHER TO THE PUBLIC

Sec. 401. Definitions.
Sec. 402. Hazardous weather or water event risk communication.
Sec. 403. Hazard communication research and engagement.
Sec. 404. National Weather Service communications improvement.
Sec. 405. NOAA Weather Radio modernization.
Sec. 406. Post-storm surveys and assessments.
Sec. 407. Government Accountability Office report on alert 
              dissemination for hazardous weather or water events.
Sec. 408. Data collection management and protection.

   TITLE V--IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER 
                               MANAGEMENT

Sec. 501. Weather and climate information in agriculture and water 
              management.
Sec. 502. National Integrated Drought Information System.
Sec. 503. National Mesonet Program.
Sec. 504. National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network.
Sec. 505. National water center.
Sec. 506. Satellite transfers report.
Sec. 507. Precipitation forecast improvement program.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) In General.--In this Act, the terms ``seasonal'', 
     ``State'', ``subseasonal'', ``Under Secretary'', ``weather 
     enterprise'', ``weather data'', and ``weather industry'' have 
     the meanings given such terms in section 2 of the Weather 
     Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 
     8501).
       (b) Weather Data Defined.--Section 2 of the Weather 
     Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 
     8501) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(5) Weather data.--The term `weather data' means 
     information used to track and predict weather conditions and 
     patterns, including forecasts, observations, and derivative 
     products from such information.''.

   TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING 
                         INNOVATION ACT OF 2017

     SEC. 101. PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.

       Section 101 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8511) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new sentence: ``The Under Secretary 
     shall ensure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration remains focused on providing accurate and 
     timely weather forecasts that protect lives and property and 
     enhance the national economy by disseminating to the public 
     and core partners through nimble, flexible, and mobile 
     methods critical weather information and impact-based 
     decision support services.''.

     SEC. 102. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING.

       Section 110 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8519) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Research to carry out this title the following:
       ``(1) $155,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, of which--
       ``(A) $90,000,000 is authorized for weather laboratories 
     and cooperative institutes;
       ``(B) $30,000,000 is authorized for the United States 
     Weather Research Program;
       ``(C) $20,000,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, 
     and next generation radar research; and

[[Page H2659]]

       ``(D) $15,000,000 is authorized for the joint technology 
     transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this 
     title.
       ``(2) $156,550,000 for fiscal year 2025, of which--
       ``(A) $90,900,000 is authorized for weather laboratories 
     and cooperative institutes;
       ``(B) $30,300,000 is authorized for the United States 
     Weather Research Program;
       ``(C) $20,200,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, 
     and next generation radar research; and
       ``(D) $15,150,000 is authorized for the joint technology 
     transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this 
     title.
       ``(3) $158,116,000 for fiscal year 2026, of which--
       ``(A) $91,809,000 is authorized for weather laboratories 
     and cooperative institutes;
       ``(B) $30,603,000 is authorized for the United States 
     Weather Research Program;
       ``(C) $20,402,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, 
     and next generation radar research; and
       ``(D) $15,302,000 is authorized for the joint technology 
     transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this 
     title.
       ``(4) $159,697,000 for fiscal year 2027, of which--
       ``(A) $92,727,000 is authorized for weather laboratories 
     and cooperative institutes;
       ``(B) $30,909,000 is authorized for the United States 
     Weather Research Program;
       ``(C) $20,606,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, 
     and next generation radar research; and
       ``(D) $15,455,000 is authorized for the joint technology 
     transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this 
     title.
       ``(5) $161,294,000 for fiscal year 2028, of which--
       ``(A) $93,654,000 is authorized for weather laboratories 
     and cooperative institutes;
       ``(B) $31,218,000 is authorized for the United States 
     Weather Research Program;
       ``(C) $20,812,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, 
     and next generation radar research; and
       ``(D) $15,609,000 is authorized for the joint technology 
     transfer initiative described in section 8512(b)(4) of this 
     title.
       ``(b) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to 
     carry out this title or the amendments made by this title.''.

     SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN 
                   TORNADOES EXPERIMENT (VORTEX).

       (a) In General.--Section 103 of the Weather Research and 
     Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8513) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN 
                   TORNADOES EXPERIMENT (VORTEX).

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration 
     with the United States weather industry and academic 
     partners, shall maintain a program for rapidly improving 
     tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings, including 
     forecaster training in radar interpretation and information 
     integration from new sources.
       ``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) 
     shall be to develop and extend accurate tornado forecasts, 
     predictions, and warnings in order to reduce the loss of life 
     or property related to tornadoes, with a focus on the 
     following:
       ``(1) Improving the effectiveness and timeliness of tornado 
     forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
       ``(2) Optimizing lead time and providing actionable 
     information beyond one hour in advance.
       ``(3) Transitioning from warn-on-detection to warn-on-
     forecast.
       ``(c) Innovative Observations.--The Under Secretary shall 
     ensure the program under subsection (a) periodically 
     examines, tests, and evaluates the value of incorporating 
     innovative observations, such as novel sensor technologies, 
     observation tools or networks, crewed or uncrewed systems, 
     and hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts, vessels, and 
     satellites, with respect to the improvement of tornado 
     forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
       ``(d) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall award grants 
     for research, including relating to the following:
       ``(1) Implementing key goals and achieving program 
     milestones to the maximum extent practicable as outlined by 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2019 
     report, `Tornado Warning Improvement and Extension Program 
     Plan'.
       ``(2) In coordination with the National Science and 
     Technology Council's Social and Behavioral Sciences 
     Subcommittee, improving the social, behavioral, risk, 
     communication, and economic sciences regarding 
     vulnerabilities, risk communication, and delivery of 
     information critical for reducing the loss of life or 
     property related to tornadoes.
       ``(3) Improving the physical sciences, computer modeling, 
     and tools related to tornado formation, the impacts of 
     tornadoes on the built and natural environment, and the 
     interaction of tornadoes and hurricanes.
       ``(e) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under 
     Secretary, in coordination with the program established under 
     section 406, shall--
       ``(1) conduct and transition to operations the research 
     necessary to develop and deploy probabilistic weather 
     forecast guidance technology for tornadoes and related 
     weather phenomena;
       ``(2) incorporate into tornado modeling and forecasting, as 
     appropriate, social, behavioral, risk, communication, and 
     economic sciences;
       ``(3) enhance workforce training on radar interpretation 
     and use of tornado warning systems; and
       ``(4) expand computational resources to support higher-
     resolution modeling to advance the capability for warn-on-
     forecast.
       ``(f) Tornado Rating System.--The Under Secretary, in 
     collaboration with local communities and emergency managers, 
     shall--
       ``(1) evaluate the system used as of the date of the 
     enactment of this section to rate the severity of tornadoes;
       ``(2) determine whether updates to such system are required 
     to ensure such ratings accurately reflect the severity of 
     tornados; and
       ``(3) if determined necessary, update such system.
       ``(g) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less 
     frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed 
     budget corresponding with carrying out this section.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act 
     of 2017 is amended by amending the item relating to section 
     103 to read as follows:

``Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes 
              Experiment (VORTEX).''.

     SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

       Section 104 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8514) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration 
     with the United States weather industry and academic 
     partners, shall maintain a program to improve hurricane 
     forecasting, predictions, and warnings.
       ``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) 
     shall be to develop and extend accurate hurricane forecasts, 
     predictions, and warnings in order to reduce the loss of life 
     or property related to hurricanes, with a focus on the 
     following:
       ``(1) Improving the understanding and prediction of rapid 
     intensity change and projected path of hurricanes, including 
     probabilistic methods for hurricane hazard mapping.
       ``(2) Improving the forecast and impact-based communication 
     of inland flooding, compound flooding, and storm surges from 
     hurricanes, in coordination with the program established 
     under section 205 of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 
     2023.
       ``(3) Incorporating social, behavioral, risk, 
     communication, and economic sciences to clearly inform 
     response to prevent the loss of life or property, such as 
     evacuation or shelter in place.
       ``(4) Evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate, 
     innovative observations, such as novel sensor technologies, 
     observation tools or networks, crewed or uncrewed systems, 
     and hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts, vessels, and 
     satellites.
       ``(c) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall award grants 
     for research, including relating to the following:
       ``(1) Implementing key strategies and following priorities 
     and objectives outlined by the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration's 2019 report `Hurricane Forecast 
     Improvement Program'.
       ``(2) In coordination with the National Science and 
     Technology Council's Social and Behavioral Sciences 
     Subcommittee and other relevant interagency committees, 
     improving the social, behavioral, risk, communications, and 
     economic sciences related to vulnerabilities, risk 
     communication, and delivery of information critical for 
     reducing the loss of life or property related to hurricanes.
       ``(3) Improving the physical sciences, operational 
     modeling, and tools related to hurricane formation, the 
     impacts of wind and water-based hurricane hazards on the 
     built and natural environment, and the interaction of 
     hurricanes and tornadoes.
       ``(d) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under 
     Secretary, in coordination with the program established under 
     section 406, shall--
       ``(1) conduct and transition to operations the research 
     necessary to develop and deploy probabilistic weather 
     forecast guidance technology relating to hurricanes and 
     related weather phenomena;
       ``(2) incorporate into hurricane modeling and forecasting, 
     as appropriate, social, behavioral, risk, communication, and 
     economic sciences research; and
       ``(3) expand computational resources to support and improve 
     higher-resolution operational modeling of hurricanes and 
     related weather phenomena.
       ``(e) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less 
     frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed 
     budget corresponding with carrying out this section.''.

     SEC. 105. TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION ACT REAUTHORIZATION.

       (a) Title Heading.--The Tsunami Warning and Education Act 
     (enacted as title VIII of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
     Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 
     (Public Law 109-479)) is amended in the title heading, by 
     inserting ``RESEARCH,'' after ``WARNING,''.
       (b) Purposes.--Section 803 of the Tsunami Warning and 
     Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3202) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``timeliness and'' 
     before ``accuracy'';

[[Page H2660]]

       (2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (3) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(9) to ensure data and metadata are managed, archived, 
     and made available for operations, research, education, and 
     mitigation activities in accordance with section 305 of the 
     Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.''.
       (c) Tsunami Forecasting and Warning Program.--Section 804 
     of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3203) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, using industry and 
     scientific best practices,'' after ``operational condition'';
       (B) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``global seismic 
     network'' and inserting ``Global Seismic Network'';
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D), (E), (F), and (G), 
     as subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (H), respectively; and
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new 
     subparagraph:
       ``(D) the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) 
     network;'';
       (C) by amending paragraph (6) to read as follows:
       ``(6) ensure data quality and management systems, support 
     data and metadata access and archiving, and support the 
     requirements of the program pursuant to the Foundations for 
     Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-435) 
     and chapter 31 of title 44, United States Code;'';
       (D) in paragraph (7)--
       (i) by amending the matter preceding subparagraph (A) to 
     read as follows: ``include a cooperative effort among the 
     Administration, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and 
     the National Science Foundation (NSF) under which the 
     Director of USGS, the Director of the NSF, and the 
     Administrator of NASA shall--'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; 
     and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
       ``(C) provide reliable and real-time support for the GNSS 
     network data streams from NSF, NASA, and USGS maintained 
     networks, and supplement instrumentation coverage for rapid 
     earthquake assessment;
       ``(D) assess the data and information relating to warning 
     systems of collaborating agencies for potential utilization 
     in NOAA's warning system, taking into consideration 
     advancement in research and technology;
       ``(E) incorporate, as practicable, tsunami notifications 
     and warnings in the USGS Earthquake Early Warning System; and
       ``(F) incorporate, as practicable, preliminary analysis or 
     data from the National Earthquake Information Center 
     regarding the source and magnitude of an offshore earthquake 
     within five minutes of detection;'';
       (E) in paragraph (8)--
       (i) by inserting `` and decision support aides'' after 
     ``graphical warning products,''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``-prone'' after ``tsunami'';
       (F) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (G) in paragraph (10), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (H) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(11) update tsunami inundation maps, models, or other 
     geographic products, in order to best support, as 
     appropriate, relevant agencies with tsunami mitigation and 
     recovery activities.'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1) and redesignating paragraphs 
     (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively; and
       (B) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``the Atlantic Ocean, including the 
     Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, that are determined--'' and 
     inserting ``the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans, 
     including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, that are 
     determined to pose significant risks of tsunami for States 
     and United States territories along the coastal areas of such 
     regions; and''; and
       (ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B);
       (3) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) as 
     subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively;
       (4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(d) Tsunami Warning Alert Level Evaluation.--The 
     Administrator, in collaboration with social scientists, 
     emergency personnel, and high-risk communities, shall--
       ``(1) evaluate tsunami alert levels terminology, timing, 
     and effectiveness;
       ``(2) determine if such alerts produce the desired response 
     and understanding from possible tsunami-prone communities; 
     and
       ``(3) if necessary, update the alert level system for 
     increased effectiveness.'';
       (5) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``responsible for Alaska, the continental United States, 
     Hawaii, United States territories, and international entities 
     the Administrator determines appropriate'' before the period;
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``which is primarily 
     responsible for Alaska and the continental United States''; 
     and
       (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, which is 
     primarily responsible for Hawaii, the Caribbean, and other 
     areas of the Pacific not covered by the National Center'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``current,'' after 
     ``sea level,'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and volcanic 
     eruptions'' and inserting ``volcanic eruptions, or other 
     sources'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``buoy data and 
     tidal'' and inserting ``and coastal'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``Integrated Ocean 
     Observing System of the Administration'' and inserting 
     ``United States and global ocean and coastal observing 
     system'';
       (v) in subparagraph (H), by inserting ``monitoring needs,'' 
     after ``response,''; and
       (vi) by amending subparagraph (I) to read as follows:
       ``(I) Providing a Tsunami Warning Coordinator to coordinate 
     with partners and stakeholders products and services of the 
     centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1).'';
       (C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
       ``(3) Fail-safe warning capability.--The Administrator 
     shall support and maintain fail-safe warning capability for 
     the tsunami warning centers supported or maintained under 
     paragraph (1), and such centers shall conduct at least one 
     service back up drill biannually.'';
       (D) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) by amending the matter preceding subparagraph (A) to 
     read as follows: ``The Administrator shall coordinate with 
     the weather forecast offices of the National Weather Service, 
     the centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1), and 
     such national and regional program offices of the 
     Administration as the Administrator or the coordinating 
     committee, as established in section 805(b), consider 
     appropriate to ensure that regional and local weather 
     forecast offices--'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) conduct education and outreach efforts to help 
     prepare coastal communities for tsunami hazards.'';
       (E) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) in the section heading, by striking ``Uniform'' and 
     inserting ``Standardized'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``uniform'' and 
     inserting ``standardized'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ``uniform'' and 
     inserting ``standardized'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (v) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (vi) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(F) align the analytic techniques and methodologies of 
     the existing tsunami warning centers supported or maintained 
     under paragraph (1) to ensure seamless continuity of 
     operations and mitigate risk of operational failure by 
     prioritizing investments that include--
       ``(i) replacing end of life equipment;
       ``(ii) ensuring product consistency;
       ``(iii) enabling consistent operational process for backup 
     capabilities;
       ``(iv) mitigating existing operational security risks; and
       ``(v) meeting information security requirements specified 
     in chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code.''; and
       (F) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(7) Reporting.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this paragraph and annually thereafter until 
     such time as all relevant requirements have been satisfied, 
     the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate an update briefing on the progress of the following:
       ``(A) Standardizing products and procedures under paragraph 
     (5), including tsunami assessments, forecast guidance, and 
     related products.
       ``(B) Migrating the message generation systems of the 
     centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1) to the 
     Advanced Weather Information Processing Systems, or successor 
     systems.
       ``(C) The structural reorganization effort, if necessary, 
     to align such centers' organizational charts.
       ``(D) The expected timeline for the full completion of 
     standardizing such centers' products and procedures.'';
       (6) in subsection (f), as so redesignated--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``detect, measure, and'' after ``used to'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and the Advanced 
     National Seismic System'' and inserting ``the Advanced 
     National Seismic System, and the global navigation satellite 
     system (GNSS); and''; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) ensure research is coordinated with tsunami warning 
     operations;''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``according to industry 
     best practices'' before the period; and

[[Page H2661]]

       (7) in subsection (h)(2)(A), as so redesignated, by 
     striking ``accuracy of the tsunami model used'' and inserting 
     ``timeliness and accuracy of the forecast used to issue the 
     warning''.
       (d) National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.--Section 
     805(c) of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 
     3204(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), 
     and (G) as subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), and (H), 
     respectively;
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new 
     subparagraph:
       ``(B) Coastal digital elevation models (DEMs) to support 
     the development of inundation maps.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
       ``(I) Evaluation of the variation of inundation impact 
     resulting from tsunami-driven sediment transport.
       ``(J) Evaluation of tsunami debris impact on critical 
     infrastructure (as such term is defined in section 1016(e) of 
     Public Law 107-56 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e))) and lifelines.
       ``(K) High-resolution and high-quality digital elevation 
     models needed for at-risk coastlines, ports, and harbors, 
     particularly for regions not covered by existing inundation 
     maps.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (7)(C), by inserting ``and behavioral'' 
     after ``social'';
       (e) Tsunami Research Program.--Section 806 of the Tsunami 
     Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3205) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``section 805(d)'' and inserting ``section 
     805(b)''; and
       (B) by inserting ``and management'' after ``data 
     collection'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``deployment and'' after 
     ``may include'';
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``social science 
     research'' and inserting ``social and behavioral science 
     research, including data collection,'';
       (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (7); and
       (E) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new 
     paragraphs:
       ``(5) develop decision support tools;
       ``(6) leverage and prioritize research opportunities; 
     and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Research and Development Plan.--Not later than 12 
     months after the date of the enactment of this subsection and 
     not less frequently than every 36 months thereafter, the 
     Administrator, in consultation with the Interagency Council 
     for Advancing Meteorological Services, shall develop a 
     research and development and research to operations plan to 
     improve tsunami detection and forecasting capabilities that--
       ``(1) identifies and prioritizes research and development 
     priorities to satisfy section 804;
       ``(2) identifies key research needs for better detecting 
     tsunamis that may occur in open ocean and along the 
     coastlines of the United States and its territories, improve 
     forecasting of tsunamis that are not seismically driven, and 
     other opportunities determined appropriate;
       ``(3) develops plans for transitioning research to 
     operations; and
       ``(4) identifies collaboration opportunities that may 
     further and align tsunami research, development, warnings, 
     and operations between the centers supported or maintained 
     under section 804, the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation 
     Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     Center for Tsunami Research, the National Science Foundation, 
     the United States Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency, institutions of higher education, private 
     entities, stakeholders, and others determined appropriate.'';
       (f) Global Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Network.--Section 
     807(d) of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 
     3206(d)) is amended by inserting ``and management'' after 
     ``data sharing'';
       (g) Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel.--Section 
     808(b)(1) of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 
     3206a(b)(1)) is amended by inserting ``and behavioral'' after 
     ``social'';
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 809 of the 
     Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3207) is amended 
     to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 809. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Administrator to carry out this title $30,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2024 through 2028, of which--
       ``(1) not less than 27 percent of the amount appropriated 
     for each fiscal year shall be for activities conducted at the 
     State level under the national tsunami hazard mitigation 
     program under section 805; and
       ``(2) not less than 8 percent of the amount appropriated 
     shall be for the tsunami research program under section 
     806.''.

     SEC. 106. OBSERVING SYSTEM PLANNING.

       Section 106 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8516) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by inserting ``Federal'' before ``observing 
     capabilities''; and
       (B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) by inserting ``, including private sector partnerships 
     or commercial acquisition,'' after ``options''; and
       (B) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(5) compare costs and schedule, including cost-benefit 
     analysis, of Federal and private sector supplemental options 
     to fill the observation data requirements under paragraph (1) 
     and gaps identified pursuant to paragraph (3); and
       ``(6) not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this paragraph, submit to Congress a report that 
     provides an analysis of the technical, schedule, cost, and 
     cost benefit analyses to place an operational polar-orbiting 
     environmental satellite capability in the early morning orbit 
     to support the weather enterprise and the Administration's 
     mission.''.

     SEC. 107. OBSERVING SYSTEM SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS.

       Section 107 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8517) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``providing data'' 
     and inserting ``comparison to current or experimental 
     commercial system capabilities that provide data'';
       (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``, including polar-
     orbiting and geostationary satellite systems,'';
       (3) by striking subsection (d); and
       (4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).

     SEC. 108. COMPUTING RESOURCES PRIORITIZATION.

       Section 108 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8518) is amended by 
     striking subsection (a)(3)(C) and all that follows through 
     subsection (b)(7) and inserting the following new 
     subsections:
       ``(b) Computing Research Initiative.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration 
     with the Secretary of Energy, shall carry out an initiative, 
     which may leverage Department of Energy high performance 
     computers, cloud computing, or expertise, to run advanced 
     coupled models in order to conduct proof of concept scenarios 
     in comparison with current issued forecasts and models. The 
     Under Secretary and Secretary of Energy shall carry out the 
     initiative through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, and 
     consider applications from Federal agencies, National 
     Laboratories, institutions of higher education (as such term 
     is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001)), nonprofit institutions, and other 
     appropriate entities (or a consortia thereof).
       ``(2) Components.--In carrying out the initiative under 
     paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall prevent duplication 
     and coordinate research efforts in artificial intelligence, 
     high performance computing, cloud computing, quantum 
     computing, modeling and simulation, machine learning, data 
     assimilation, large scale data analytics, and predictive 
     analysis across the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, and may--
       ``(A) conduct research to compare National Weather Service 
     forecast and model outputs to predictions and model outputs 
     developed through such initiative;
       ``(B) share relevant modeling system and applications 
     innovations developed through such initiative, including 
     Unified Forecast System-based applications, through 
     community-based activities, in accordance with section 10601 
     of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2023 (15 U.S.C. 8512a);
       ``(C) leverage coordinating activities managed by the 
     National Science and Technology Council, the Interagency 
     Council for Advancing Meteorological Services, and other 
     relevant interagency entities;
       ``(D) provide sufficient capacity for long-term archive and 
     access of model output to support research and long-term 
     study;
       ``(E) determine computing decisions based on an agile 
     requirements framework; and
       ``(F) support the training, recruitment, and retention of 
     the next generation weather, water, and climate computing 
     workforce through incentives and pathways for career 
     development and employment opportunities.
       ``(3) Research security.--The activities authorized under 
     this section shall be applied in a manner consistent with 
     subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development, 
     Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as division B of 
     Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq.).
       ``(4) Termination.--The authority under this subsection 
     shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of 
     this subsection.
       ``(c) Artificial Intelligence Investments.--The Under 
     Secretary shall leverage artificial intelligence and machine 
     learning technologies to facilitate, optimize, and further 
     leverage advanced computing to accomplish critical missions 
     of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by 
     enhancing existing and forthcoming high-performance and cloud 
     computing infrastructure or systems.
       ``(d) Centers of Excellence.--The Under Secretary may 
     expand, and where applicable establish, centers of excellence 
     to aid the adoption of next-generation artificial 
     intelligence and machine learning enabled advanced computing 
     capabilities. Each such center may carry out activities that 
     include the following:
       ``(1) Leveraging robust public-private partnership models 
     to provide access to training,

[[Page H2662]]

     experience, and long-term development of workforce and 
     infrastructure.
       ``(2) Developing and optimizing tools, libraries, 
     algorithms, data structures, and other supporting software 
     necessary for specific applications on high performance 
     computing systems.
       ``(3) Applying modern artificial intelligence, deep 
     machine-learning, and advanced data analysis technologies to 
     address current and future mission challenges.
       ``(4) To the maximum extent practicable, explore quantum 
     computing and related application partnerships with public, 
     private, and academic entities to improve the accuracy and 
     resolution of weather predictions.
       ``(e) Multi-Year Contracts.--The Under Secretary may enter 
     into multi-year contracts in accordance with section 3903 of 
     title 41, United States Code, and shall ensure compliance 
     with all clauses provided in such section to support 
     operations, research, and development related to high 
     performance and cloud computing infrastructure or systems 
     with an unfunded contingent liability in the event of 
     cancellation.
       ``(f) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Energy and 
     Natural Resources of the Senate a report evaluating the 
     following:
       ``(1) The effectiveness of the initiative required under 
     subsection (b), including applied research discoveries and 
     advanced modeling improvements achieved.
       ``(2) A best estimate of the overall value of high-
     resolution probabilistic forecast guidance for hazardous 
     weather or water events (as such term is defined in section 
     406) using a next-generation weather forecast and warning 
     framework.
       ``(3) The needs for cloud computing, quantum computing, or 
     high-performance computing, visualization, and dissemination 
     collaboration between the Department of Energy and the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
       ``(4) A timeline and guidance for implementation of the 
     following:
       ``(A) High-resolution numerical weather prediction models.
       ``(B) Methods for meeting the cloud computing, quantum 
     computing, or high-performance computing, visualization, and 
     dissemination needs identified under paragraph (3).''.

     SEC. 109. EARTH PREDICTION INNOVATION CENTER.

       Paragraph (5) of section 102(b) of the Weather Research and 
     Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon; and
       (2) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the 
     following new subparagraphs:
       ``(E) developing community weather research modeling 
     systems that--
       ``(i) are accessible by the public in accordance with 
     section 10601 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (15 U.S.C. 8512a) and 
     available for archive and long-term study;
       ``(ii) meet basic end-user requirements for running on 
     public computers and networks located outside of secure 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration information 
     and technology systems;
       ``(iii) utilize, whenever appropriate and cost-effective, 
     innovative strategies and methods, including cloud-based 
     computing capabilities, for hosting and management of part or 
     all of the system described in this subparagraph;
       ``(iv) utilize modeling systems that allow for 
     interoperability with new model components, modules, and 
     next-generation software and coding languages;
       ``(v) allow for open testing and integration of promising 
     operational model improvements from the broader community;
       ``(vi) access as close to a real-time basis as possible 
     operational data and metadata, including commercially 
     purchased data for use in Earth Prediction Innovation Center 
     research and development testing grounds pursuant to 
     redistribution restrictions, licensing agreements, and 
     applicable existing laws and regulations; and
       ``(vii) provide supported and portable versions of the 
     unified forecast system, including applications for 
     hurricane, space weather, ocean, cryosphere, air quality, and 
     coastal models, that can reproduce current operational global 
     and regional model prediction; and
       ``(F) establishing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration Data Lake, to be maintained by the 
     Administration, a commercial partner, or non-profit entity, 
     that consolidates and maintains a publicly available and 
     continuously updated collection of data and metadata used in 
     numerical weather prediction for use in the Earth Prediction 
     Innovation Center's model testing, pursuant to redistribution 
     restrictions, licensing agreements, and applicable existing 
     laws and regulations.''.

     SEC. 110. SATELLITE ARCHITECTURE PLANNING.

       Section 301 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8531) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and 
     redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (1), 
     (2), and (3), respectively;
       (2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
       ``(b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     Satellite Systems and Data.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a 
     fleet of Administration space-based observation platforms 
     that provide critical operations-focused data and information 
     to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration's mission to monitor the global environment in 
     order to protect lives and property from extreme weather and 
     other natural phenomena.
       ``(2) Collaboration.--The Under Secretary shall implement 
     recommendations from the NOAA Observing Systems Council to 
     ensure an appropriate mix of government, academic, commercial 
     sector, and international partnerships in the provision of 
     data and information, including a broadened effort on data 
     acquisition through the Commercial Data Program under section 
     302 when cost effective and beneficial to the Administration.
       ``(3) Priority.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that 
     Administration platforms maintained under paragraph (1) 
     prioritize the development of products and services that are 
     tailored to meet the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration's mission.
       ``(4) National centers for environmental information.--The 
     Under Secretary shall maintain the National Centers for 
     Environmental Information to provide a long-term archive and 
     access to the Administration's national and global data and 
     metadata.''; and
       (3) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2030''.

     SEC. 111. IMPROVING UNCREWED ACTIVITIES.

       Subparagraph (G) of section 102(b)(3) of the Weather 
     Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 
     8512(b)(3)) is amended by striking ``, including commercial 
     observing systems'' and inserting ``, including stationary 
     and mobile commercial observing systems, such as uncrewed 
     aircraft and marine systems, to provide observations of the 
     atmosphere and ocean, and other observations, in cooperation 
     with the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations''.

     SEC. 112. INTERAGENCY COUNCIL FOR ADVANCING METEOROLOGICAL 
                   SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Section 402 of the Weather Research and 
     Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8542) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Advancing Weather Services'' and 
     inserting ``Advancing Meteorological Services (in this 
     section referred to as the `Interagency Council')''; and
       (B) by striking ``Committee'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Council'';
       (2) by amending subsections (b) and (c) to read as follows:
       ``(b) Co-Chairs.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy and the Under Secretary shall serve as co-
     chairs of the Interagency Council. The Under Secretary shall 
     serve as the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology.
       ``(c) Further Coordination.--The Director of the Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy shall take such steps as are 
     necessary to coordinate the activities of the Federal 
     Government with stakeholders in the United States weather 
     industry, academic partners, State governments, and emergency 
     managers, including by implementing mechanisms to encourage 
     and enable the participation of non-Federal employees in the 
     functions of the Interagency Council.'';
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(d) Functions.--The Interagency Council shall be the 
     formal mechanism by which all relevant Federal departments 
     and agencies coordinate implementation of policy and 
     practices to ensure United States global leadership in 
     meteorological services. In doing so, the Interagency Council 
     shall review programs and support relevant weather research 
     and forecast innovation activities, as well as other related 
     implementation activities, related to Federal meteorological 
     services, including by carrying out the following:
       ``(1) Identifying and helping prioritize meteorological 
     research and service delivery needs, including relating to 
     observations, operational systems, communications, and 
     infrastructure.
       ``(2) Providing recommendations to streamline or 
     consolidate activities and develop greater efficiencies in 
     cross-agency activities.
       ``(3) Leveraging Earth system science research outcomes of 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other 
     relevant Federal departments and agencies, including research 
     outcomes related to the relevant recommended key science and 
     applications questions and priorities in the National 
     Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's 2018 
     report `Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy 
     for Earth Observation from Space', to understand and predict 
     high-impact weather phenomena.
       ``(4) Facilitating the expansion and strengthening of 
     partnerships with private sector entities to advance 
     meteorological research, communications, and computing in 
     collaboration with the Earth system science, service, and 
     stakeholder communities.
       ``(5) Sharing information regarding meteorological research 
     improvement needs and science opportunities across relevant 
     Federal departments and agencies.
       ``(6) Providing advice to all relevant Federal departments 
     and agencies regarding potential collaborations and expected 
     level of

[[Page H2663]]

     resources needed to maintain and operate the Interagency 
     Council.
       ``(7) Enhancing communication and coordination and 
     promoting sharing within relevant Federal departments and 
     agencies and across the Interagency Council.
       ``(8) Developing, recruiting, and sustaining a professional 
     and diverse workforce for meteorological research and 
     services.
       ``(e) Data Inventory.--The Interagency Council, in 
     coordination and avoidance of duplication with the United 
     States Group on Earth Observations, shall promote data and 
     metadata access and archive activities to increase 
     accessibility, interoperability, and reusability by 
     maintaining a data inventory of meteorological observations. 
     Not less frequently than annually for a period of five years 
     beginning on the date of the enactment of this subsection, 
     the Interagency Council shall solicit updated information 
     from private sector entities identifying current and near 
     future sources of such data. Such data shall be made 
     available to member departments and agencies under subsection 
     (a).
       ``(f) Coordination Office.--The Interagency Meteorological 
     Coordination Office shall provide to the Interagency Council 
     such administrative and logistical support as the Interagency 
     Council may require, as determined by the co-chairs.
       ``(g) Cost Share.--Member departments and agencies of the 
     Interagency Council under subsection (a) may provide 
     reimbursable financial support to the Interagency 
     Meteorological Coordinating Office to enhance cost-sharing 
     and collaboration related to weather research and forecast 
     innovation activities.
       ``(h) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this subsection and annually thereafter, the 
     Interagency Council shall publish a report which identifies 
     among member agencies the following:
       ``(1) Federal programs that use meteorological 
     observations, data sources, and capabilities.
       ``(2) Federal programs that acquire such data from private 
     sector entities.
       ``(3) Advancements in meteorological data collection, 
     assimilation, and forecasting that could improve Federal 
     programmatic operational capabilities.
       ``(4) Barriers to acquiring meteorological observations, 
     data sources, and capabilities that could be used to better 
     meet Federal programmatic needs.''.
       (b) References.--Any reference to the Interagency Committee 
     for Advancing Weather Services in any law, rule, regulation, 
     paper, record, map, or other such document of the United 
     States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Interagency 
     Council for Advancing Meteorological Services.

     SEC. 113. OCEAN OBSERVATIONS.

       Subsection (b) of section 12304 of the Integrated Coastal 
     and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3603) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(5) Ships of opportunity pilot program.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
     the heads of relevant Federal departments and agencies, 
     shall, subject to relevant regulations and certifications, 
     maintain pilot programs or projects to contract with research 
     or commercial ship operators for data collection and assess 
     the potential costs, benefits, and viability of a global 
     network of ocean and atmospheric observing instruments 
     operating on research or commercial ocean vessels, including 
     in the Arctic, in order to supplement the Integrated Coastal, 
     Great Lakes, and Ocean Observation System in improving 
     understanding of coastal and ocean systems and their 
     relationships to human activities.
       ``(B) Standards and specifications.--The Administrator 
     shall ensure that data acquired through the pilot program 
     established pursuant to subparagraph (A) meets the most 
     recent standards and specifications required for observation 
     services and data as published pursuant to subsection (c) of 
     section 302 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than five years after the date of 
     the enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall 
     submit to Congress a report on the requirements for a global 
     network of ocean and atmospheric instruments operating on 
     research or commercial ocean vessels for measurement and data 
     transmission.
       ``(D) Sunset.--This paragraph shall terminate on the 
     earlier of--
       ``(i) September 30, 2029; or
       ``(ii) one year after the date on which the report required 
     under subparagraph (B) is submitted by the Administrator.''.

     SEC. 114. CONSOLIDATION OF REPORTS.

       (a) Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 
     2017.--
       (1) In general.--The Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 is amended--
       (A) in section 102 (15 U.S.C. 8512), by striking subsection 
     (d);
       (B) by amending section 105 (15 U.S.C. 8515) to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 105. WEATHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.

       ``Not later than two years after the date of the enactment 
     of this section and not less frequently than semiannually 
     thereafter, the Under Secretary, acting through the Assistant 
     Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and in 
     coordination with the Director of the National Weather 
     Service and the Assistant Administrator for Satellite and 
     Information Services, shall issue a research and development 
     and research to operations plan to maintain United States 
     leadership in numerical weather prediction and forecasting 
     that--
       ``(1) describes the forecasting skill and technology goals, 
     objectives, expected budget, and progress of the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in carrying out the 
     program conducted under section 102;
       ``(2) identifies and prioritizes specific research and 
     development activities, data collection and analysis, 
     predictive modeling, demonstration of potential operational 
     forecast application, education, training, and performance 
     metrics, weighted to meet the operational weather and flood-
     event mission of the National Weather Service to achieve a 
     weather-ready Nation;
       ``(3) describes how the program conducted under section 102 
     will collaborate with Federal agencies and departments, 
     international partners, and stakeholders, including the 
     United States weather industry and academic partners, and the 
     role of each in advancing weather forecasting and 
     communication;
       ``(4) identifies, through consultation with the National 
     Science Foundation, the United States weather industry, and 
     academic partners, research necessary to advance the 
     scientific understanding of weather processes and provide 
     information to improve weather warning and forecast systems 
     in the United States most effectively; and
       ``(5) describes how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration is advancing community weather modeling.'';
       (C) in section 403 (15 U.S.C. 8543)--
       (i) in subsection (a), by inserting ``the'' after 
     ``Director of''; and
       (ii) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
       ``(d) Annual Briefing.--Not less frequently than once each 
     year, the Under Secretary shall brief the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives on participation in the program under 
     subsection (a) and shall highlight any innovations that come 
     from the interaction described in subsection (b).''; and
       (D) by striking sections 408 through 411 and section 414 
     and redesignating sections 412 and 413 as sections 408 and 
     409, respectively.
       (2) Clerical amendments.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act 
     of 2017 is amended by striking the items relating to sections 
     408 through 414 and inserting the following new items:

``Sec. 408. Weather enterprise outreach.
``Sec. 409. Hurricane hunter aircraft.''.
       (b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     Authorization Act of 1992.--The National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public 
     Law 102-567) is amended--
       (1) in section 106, by striking subsection (c) (15 U.S.C. 
     1537); and
       (2) in section 108 (15 U.S.C. 8520)--
       (A) by striking subsection (b); and
       (B) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

     SEC. 115. NATIONAL LANDSLIDE PREPAREDNESS ACT 
                   REAUTHORIZATION.

       The National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3101 et 
     seq.) is amended--
       (1) in section 3 (43 U.S.C. 3102)--
       (A) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``protect'' and 
     inserting ``contribute to protecting'';
       (B) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(ii), by striking ``implement'' 
     and inserting ``disseminate'';
       (C) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(J) The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration.''; and
       (D) in subsection (h), by striking ``2024'' and inserting 
     ``2029''; and
       (2) in section 5 (43 U.S.C. 3104)--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``and derivative'' 
     after ``3D elevation''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting ``, process, and 
     integrate'' after ``acquire'';
       (B) in subsection (b)(3)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as 
     subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and
       (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) the 3D Hydrography Program Working Group;'';
       (C) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``publically'' and 
     inserting ``publicly''; and
       (D) in subsection (e), by striking ``2024'' and inserting 
     ``2029''.

     SEC. 116. AMENDMENTS TO HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA 
                   RESEARCH AND CONTROL ACT OF 1998.

       (a) Assessments.--Section 603 of the Harmful Algal Bloom 
     and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4001) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (13) and (14) as paragraphs 
     (14) and (15); and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(13) the Department of Energy;'';
       (2) by striking subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), (h), and 
     (i) and redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections 
     (b) and (c), respectively;
       (3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--

[[Page H2664]]

       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``coastal waters 
     including the Great Lakes'' and inserting ``marine, 
     estuarine, and freshwater systems''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) examine the causes and ecological consequences of 
     hypoxia on marine and aquatic species in their natural 
     environments, and socio-cultural or economic costs of 
     hypoxia, including impacts on food safety and security;'';
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as 
     subparagraphs (D) through (F), respectively;
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new 
     subparagraphs:
       ``(B) examine the effect of other environmental stressors 
     on hypoxia;
       ``(C) evaluate alternatives for reducing, mitigating, and 
     controlling hypoxia and its environmental impacts;'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``, social,'' after ``ecological''; and
       (v) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``hypoxia modeling and monitoring data'' and inserting 
     ``hypoxia modeling, forecasting, and monitoring and 
     observation data''; and
       (4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, to read as 
     follows:
       ``(c) Action Strategy and Scientific Assessment for Marine 
     and Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms.--
       ``(1) Not less often than once every 5 years, the Task 
     Force shall complete and submit to Congress an action 
     strategy, including a scientific assessment, of harmful algal 
     blooms in the United States (in this Act referred to as the 
     `Action Strategy'). Each such Action Strategy, including 
     scientific assessment, shall examine both marine and 
     freshwater harmful algal blooms, including those in the Great 
     Lakes and upper reaches of estuaries, those in freshwater 
     lakes and rivers, and those that originate in freshwater 
     lakes or rivers and migrate to coastal waters.
       ``(2) Each Action Strategy under this subsection shall--
       ``(A) examine the causes and ecological consequences, and 
     the socio-cultural or economic costs, including impacts food 
     safety and security, of harmful algal blooms;
       ``(B) examine the effect of other environmental stressors 
     on harmful algal blooms;
       ``(C) examine potential methods to prevent, control, and 
     mitigate harmful algal blooms and the potential ecological, 
     social, cultural, and economic costs and benefits of such 
     methods;
       ``(D) identify priorities for research needed to advance 
     techniques and technologies to detect, predict, monitor, 
     respond to, and minimize the occurrence, duration, and 
     severity of harmful algal blooms, including recommendations 
     to eliminate significant gaps in harmful algal bloom 
     forecasting, monitoring, and observation data;
       ``(E) evaluate progress made by, and the needs of, Task 
     Force activities and actions to prevent, control, and 
     mitigate harmful algal blooms;
       ``(F) identify ways to improve coordination and prevent 
     unnecessary duplication of effort among Federal departments 
     and agencies with respect to research on harmful algal 
     blooms;
       ``(G) include regional chapters relating to the 
     requirements described in this paragraph in order to 
     highlight geographically and ecologically diverse locations 
     with significant ecological, social, cultural, and economic 
     impacts from harmful algal blooms; and
       ``(H) define methodology used to determine ecological, 
     social, cultural and economic impacts from harmful algal 
     blooms and hypoxia.''.
       (b) Consultations.--Section 102 of the Harmful Algal Bloom 
     and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 (33 U.S.C. 4001a) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``the coastal'';
       (2) by inserting ``and'' after ``Indian tribes,'';
       (3) by inserting ``and'' after ``local governments,''; and
       (4) by striking ``with expertise in coastal zone science 
     and management'' and inserting ``with relevant expertise''.
       (c) National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.--
     Section 603A of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research 
     and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4002) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``predicting,'' and inserting ``monitoring, 
     observing, forecasting,''; and
       (ii) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``comprehensive research plan and action 
     strategy under section 603B'' and inserting ``Action 
     Strategy, including scientific assessment, under section 
     603(c)''; and
       (ii) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) the scientific assessment under section 603(b).'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``ocean and Great Lakes'' 
     and inserting ``marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems''; 
     and
       (B) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``while recognizing each 
     agency is acting under its own independent mission and 
     authority'' before the semicolon;
       (3) in subsection (d), by striking ``Except as provided in 
     subsection (h), the'' and inserting ``The'';
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) examine, in collaboration with State and local 
     entities and Indian Tribes, including island communities, 
     low-population rural communities, Indigenous communities, 
     subsistence communities, fisheries, and recreation industries 
     that are most dependent on coastal and water resources that 
     may be impacted by marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms 
     and hypoxia, the causes, ecological consequences, cultural 
     impacts, and social and economic costs of harmful algal 
     blooms and hypoxia;'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (3);
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as 
     paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respectively;
       (D) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``to, regional'' and inserting ``to 
     regional''; and
       (ii) by striking ``agencies'' and inserting ``entities, and 
     regional coastal observing systems (as such term is defined 
     in section 12330(6) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean 
     Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3602(6)))'';
       (E) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``and communities'' after ``ecosystems'';
       (F) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(6) support sustained observations, including through 
     peer-reviewed, merit-based, competitive grant funding, to 
     provide State and local entities, Indian Tribes, and others 
     access to real-time or near real-time observation data for 
     decision-making to protect human and ecological health and 
     local economies;'';
       (G) in paragraph (8), by striking ``State and local'' and 
     inserting ``State, local, and Tribal''; and
       (H) in paragraph (9)(A), by striking ``tribal'' and 
     inserting ``Tribal'';
       (5) by amending subsections (f) and (g) to read as follows:
       ``(f) Cooperative Efforts.--The Under Secretary shall work 
     cooperatively with and avoid duplication of effort of other 
     agencies on the Task Force, and with and of States, Indian 
     tribes, and nongovernmental organizations concerned with 
     marine and freshwater issues, and shall coordinate harmful 
     algal bloom and hypoxia and related activities and research.
       ``(g) Freshwater and Estuarine Program Duties.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall--
       ``(A) with respect to freshwater aspects of the Program, in 
     coordination with the Task Force, carry out the duties under 
     subsection (e) through the activities required under section 
     603C; and
       ``(B) with respect to estuarine aspects of the Program, 
     coordinate with the Under Secretary to carry out activities 
     required under this section.
       ``(2) Nonduplication.--The Administrator shall ensure that 
     activities carried out under this subsection focus on new 
     approaches to addressing freshwater harmful algal blooms and 
     are not duplicative of existing research and development 
     programs authorized under this Act or any other law.''; and
       (6) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:
       ``(h) Anti-Deficiency Act Applied to Harmful Algal Bloom 
     Services.--Any services by an officer or employee under this 
     title relating to the immediate development and dissemination 
     of the Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System of the 
     National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be considered, 
     for purposes of section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, 
     services for emergencies involving the safety of human life 
     or the protection of property. Such consideration shall only 
     apply to areas with active harmful algal blooms during any 
     lapse in appropriations beginning on or after the date of the 
     enactment of this subsection.''.
       (d) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     Activities.--
       (1) In general.--Section 603B of the Harmful Algal Bloom 
     and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4003) 
     is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 603B. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall--
       ``(1) carry out marine, coastal, and Great Lakes harmful 
     algal bloom and hypoxia events response activities;
       ``(2) develop and enhance operational harmful algal bloom 
     observing and forecasting programs, including operational 
     observations and forecasting, monitoring, modeling, data 
     management, and information dissemination;
       ``(3) maintain and enhance peer-reviewed, merit-based, 
     competitive grant funding relating to harmful algal blooms 
     and hypoxia to--
       ``(A) maintain and enhance baseline monitoring programs 
     established by the Program;
       ``(B) support the projects maintained and established by 
     the Program;
       ``(C) address the research and management needs and 
     priorities identified in the Action Strategy under section 
     603(c);
       ``(D) accelerate the utilization of effective methods of 
     intervention and mitigation to

[[Page H2665]]

     reduce the frequency, severity, and impacts of harmful algal 
     bloom and hypoxia events;
       ``(E) identify opportunities to improve monitoring of 
     harmful algal bloom and hypoxia, with a particular focus on 
     coastal waters that may affect fisheries, public health, or 
     subsistence harvest;
       ``(F) examine the effects of other environmental stressors 
     on harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
       ``(G) assess the effects of multiple environmental 
     stressors on living marine resources and coastal ecosystems; 
     and
       ``(H) evaluate adaptation and mitigation strategies to 
     address the impacts of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
       ``(4) enhance communication and coordination among Federal 
     agencies carrying out marine and freshwater harmful algal 
     bloom and hypoxia activities and research;
       ``(5) to the greatest extent practicable, leverage existing 
     resources and expertise available from local research 
     universities and institutions; and
       ``(6) use cost effective methods in carrying out this 
     section.
       ``(b) Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.--The 
     collection of monitoring and observing data under this 
     section shall comply with all data standards and protocols 
     developed pursuant to the Integrated Coastal and Ocean 
     Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.). Such 
     data shall be made available through the system established 
     under that Act.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2 
     of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
     383) is amended by amending the item relating to section 603B 
     to read as follows:

``Sec. 603B. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
              activities.''.
       (e) Environmental Protection Agency Activities.--
       (1) In general.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia 
     Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) is 
     amended by inserting after section 603B of that Act (33 
     U.S.C. 4003), as amended by subsection (d), the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC. 603C. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACTIVITIES.

       ``The Administrator shall--
       ``(1) carry out research on the ecology and human health 
     impacts of freshwater harmful algal blooms;
       ``(2) develop and maintain forecasting and monitoring of, 
     and event response to, freshwater harmful algal blooms in 
     lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and estuaries (including 
     tributaries thereof);
       ``(3) enhance communication and coordination among Federal 
     agencies carrying out freshwater harmful algal bloom and 
     hypoxia activities and research;
       ``(4) to the greatest extent practicable, leverage existing 
     resources and expertise available from local research 
     universities and institutions; and
       ``(5) use cost effective methods in carrying out this 
     section.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2 
     of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
     383) is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
     section 603B, as amended by subsection (e), the following new 
     item:

``Sec. 603C. Environmental Protection Agency activities.''.
       (f) National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Observing 
     Network.--
       (1) In general.--Section 606 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and 
     Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4005) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 606. NATIONAL HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM OBSERVING NETWORK.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, acting through the 
     National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (referred to in 
     this section as `NCCOS') and the Integrated Ocean Observing 
     System (referred to in this section as `IOOS') of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall 
     integrate Federal, State, regional, and local observing 
     capabilities to establish a national network of harmful algal 
     bloom observing systems for the monitoring, detection, and 
     forecasting of harmful algal blooms by leveraging the 
     capacity of IOOS regional associations, including through the 
     incorporation of emerging technologies and new data 
     integration methods, such as artificial intelligence.
       ``(b) Coordination.-- In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     IOOS Program Office shall--
       ``(1) coordinate with NCCOS regarding observations, data 
     integration, and information dissemination; and
       ``(2) establish a Harmful Algal Bloom Data Assembly Center 
     to integrate, disseminate, and provide a central architecture 
     to support ecological forecasting.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2 
     of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
     383) is amended by amending the item relating to section 606 
     to read as follows:

``Sec. 606. National harmful algal bloom observing network.''.
       (g) Definitions.--Section 609 of the Harmful Algal Bloom 
     and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4008) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``means the comprehensive 
     research plan and action strategy established under section 
     603B'' and inserting ``means the action strategy, including 
     scientific assessment, for marine and freshwater harmful 
     algal blooms established under section 603(c)'';
       (2) in paragraph (3), to read as follows:
       ``(3) Appropriate federal official.--The term `appropriate 
     Federal official' means--
       ``(A) in the case of marine systems or Great Lakes hypoxia 
     or harmful algal bloom event, including those in estuarine 
     areas, the Under Secretary; and
       ``(B) in the case of a freshwater hypoxia or harmful algal 
     bloom event, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
     Under Secretary.'';
       (3) by striking paragraph (9);
       (4) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) 
     as paragraphs (6), (7), (8), (10), and (11);
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
     paragraphs:
       ``(4) Harmful algal bloom; harmful algal bloom and hypoxia 
     event.--
       ``(A) Harmful algal bloom.--The term `harmful algal bloom' 
     means marine or freshwater algae or macroalgae, including 
     Sargassum, that proliferate to high concentrations, resulting 
     in nuisance conditions or harmful impacts on marine and 
     freshwater ecosystems, communities, or human health through 
     the production of toxic compounds or other biological, 
     chemical, or physical impacts of the algae outbreak.
       ``(B) Harmful algal bloom and hypoxia event.--The term 
     `harmful algal bloom and hypoxia event' means the occurrence 
     of a harmful algal bloom or hypoxia as a result of a natural, 
     anthropogenic, or undetermined cause.
       ``(5) Harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event of 
     significance.--The term `harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event 
     of significance' means a harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event 
     that has had or will likely have significant detrimental 
     environmental, economic, social, subsistence use, or public 
     health impacts.'';
       (6) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated--
       (A) by striking ``aquatic'' and inserting ``marine or 
     freshwater''; and
       (B) by striking ``resident'' and inserting ``marine or 
     freshwater''; and
       (7) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated, 
     the following new paragraph:
       ``(9) Subsistence use.--The term `subsistence use' means 
     the customary and traditional use of fish, wildlife, or other 
     freshwater, coastal, or marine resources by any individual or 
     community to meet personal or family needs, including 
     essential economic, nutritional, or cultural applications.''.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 610 of the 
     Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 
     1998 (33 U.S.C. 4009) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), to read as follows:
       ``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to the Under Secretary to carry out this title $27,500,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Transfer Authority.--The Under Secretary is 
     authorized to make a direct non-expenditure transfer of funds 
     authorized to be appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) to 
     the head of any Federal department or agency, with the 
     concurrence of such head, to carry out, as appropriate, 
     relevant provisions of this title.''.
       (i) National Level Incubator Program; Harmful Algal Bloom 
     or Hypoxia Event of Significance.--
       (1) In general.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia 
     Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 611. NATIONAL LEVEL INCUBATOR PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration 
     with research universities and institutions, shall establish 
     a national level incubator program to increase the number of 
     available control strategies and technologies relating to 
     harmful algal blooms. Such incubator shall establish a 
     framework for preliminary assessments of novel harmful algal 
     bloom prevention, mitigation, and control technologies in 
     order to determine the potential for effectiveness and 
     scalability.
       ``(b) Operation.--The incubator established under 
     subsection (a) shall provide merit-based funding for harmful 
     algal bloom control strategies and technologies that 
     eliminate or reduce through biological, chemical, or physical 
     means the levels of harmful algae and associated toxins.
       ``(c) Database.--The incubator established under subsection 
     (a) shall include a database to catalog the licensing and 
     permitting requirements, economic costs, feasibility, 
     effectiveness, and scalability of both novel and established 
     prevention, control, and mitigation measures.
       ``(d) Prioritization.--In carrying out the incubator 
     established under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall 
     prioritize proposed activities that would, to the maximum 
     extent practicable--
       ``(1) protect key habitats for fish and wildlife;
       ``(2) maintain biodiversity;
       ``(3) protect public health;
       ``(4) protect coastal resources of national, historical, 
     and cultural significance; or
       ``(5) seek to partially or fully benefit communities of 
     color, low-income communities, Indian Tribes or Indigenous 
     communities, and rural communities.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2 
     of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
     383) is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
     section 610 the following new item:


[[Page H2666]]


``Sec. 611. National level incubator program.''.
       (j) Harmful Algal Bloom or Hypoxia Event of Significance.--
     Section 9(g) of the National Integrated Drought Information 
     System Reauthorization Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 4010(g)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the following 
     new sentence: ``The appropriate Federal official may waive 
     the non-Federal share requirements of this subsection if such 
     official determines no reasonable means are available through 
     which the recipient of the Federal share can meet the non-
     Federal share requirement.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) Contract, grant, and cooperative agreement 
     authority.--The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and 
     Atmosphere may enter into agreements and grants with States, 
     Indian Tribes, local governments, or other entities to pay 
     for or reimburse costs incurred for the purposes of 
     supporting the determination of and assessing the 
     environmental, economic, social, subsistence use, and public 
     health effects of a harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event of 
     significance.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``, leadership 
     official of an affected Indian Tribe, the executive official 
     of the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of 
     the United States, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, 
     Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the 
     Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, and American Samoa, 
     if affected'' after ``State''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) Funding authority.--To carry out this subsection, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, there is 
     authorized to be appropriated from the amounts made available 
     to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere 
     $2,000,000, to remain available until expended.''.
       (k) Protect Families From Toxic Algal Blooms.--Section 128 
     of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (33 U.S.C. 610 
     note) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(e) Harmful Algal Bloom Technologies.--In carrying out 
     the demonstration program under subsection (a), the Secretary 
     may enter into agreements with water and irrigation districts 
     located in the focus areas described in subsections (c) and 
     (d) for the use or sale of any new technologies developed 
     under the program to expedite the removal of harmful algal 
     blooms in such areas.''.

     TITLE II--ENHANCING FEDERAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND INNOVATION

     SEC. 201. WEATHER INNOVATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall 
     establish a Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation 
     Program (in this section referred to as the ``Program'') to 
     ensure the continued performance of weather radar 
     capabilities, including systems currently being developed, 
     with interferences in the line of sight of such radar.
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the Program, the Under 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Interagency Council for 
     Advancing Meteorological Services, shall--
       (1) partner with the private sector, academia, Federal, 
     State, and local government entities, and any other entity 
     the Under Secretary considers appropriate;
       (2) identify, evaluate, and test existing or near-
     commercial technologies and solutions that improve radar 
     coverage and performance, including by mitigating the 
     potential impact of interferences on weather radar;
       (3) to the maximum extent practicable, research additional 
     solutions that could mitigate the effects of interferences on 
     weather radar, such as--
       (A) signal processing algorithms;
       (B) short-term forecasting algorithms to replace 
     contaminated data;
       (C) the use of dual polarization characteristics in 
     mitigating the effects of wind turbines on weather radar; and
       (D) gap filling radars to provide supplemental or 
     replacement observations in impacted areas; and
       (4) develop, support, or partner with developers to provide 
     commercially viable technical mitigation solutions for 
     interferences to weather radar capabilities that are 
     compatible with the operational requirements of the weather 
     radar systems.
       (c) Priority.--In carrying out subsection (b), the Under 
     Secretary shall prioritize consideration of the following 
     technology-based mitigation solutions:
       (1) Phased array weather radar systems.
       (2) Supplementing or replacing contaminated data with 
     commercial radar data.
       (3) The utilization of data from private sector associated 
     meteorological towers or similar capabilities.
       (4) The display on local forecasting equipment of wind farm 
     boundaries and consolidated wind farm areas.
       (5) The installation and provision of access to rain 
     gauges.
       (6) Any other technology-based mitigation solution the 
     Under Secretary determines could improve radar coverage by 
     overcoming interferences, beam blockage, or ghost echoes.
       (d) Report; Recommendation.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this section and annually thereafter until 
     the Program terminates pursuant to subsection (e), the Under 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     implementation of the Program, including an evaluation of 
     each technology-based mitigation solution identified for 
     priority consideration pursuant to subsection (c), and a 
     recommendation regarding additional identification and 
     testing of new technologies based on such consideration.
       (2) Final recommendation.--Not later than five years after 
     the date of the enactment of this section, the Under 
     Secretary shall provide to Congress a recommendation on 
     whether additional research, testing, and development through 
     the Program established under subsection (a) is needed, and a 
     determination of whether a cessation of field research, 
     testing, development and evaluation is appropriate.
       (e) Termination.--The authority of the Under Secretary to 
     carry out the Program shall terminate on the earlier of--
       (1) September 30, 2029; or
       (2) one year after the date on which the final 
     recommendation required under subsection (d)(2) is submitted 
     by the Under Secretary.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Beam blockage.--The term ``beam blockage'' means a 
     signal that is partially or fully blocked due to an 
     interference.
       (2) Ghost echo.--The term ``ghost echo'' means radar signal 
     reflectivity or velocity return errors in radar data due to 
     the proximity of an interference.
       (3) Interference.--The term ``interference'' includes the 
     following:
       (A) a wind turbine that could limit the effectiveness of a 
     weather radar system;
       (B) any building that disrupts or limits the effectiveness 
     of a weather radar system; or
       (C) any other natural or human built structure that affects 
     a weather radar system.

     SEC. 202. NEXT GENERATION RADAR.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall develop a plan 
     to replace the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National 
     Weather Service (``NEXRAD'') system in existence as of the 
     date of the enactment of this section.
       (b) Procurement Deadline.--The Under Secretary shall take 
     such actions as may be necessary to ensure the replacement 
     described in subsection (a) is completed by not later than 
     September 30, 2040.
       (c) Elements.--The plan developed pursuant to subsection 
     (a) shall include the following:
       (1) Estimates of quantifiable improvements in radar 
     performance and service delivery, including coverage and 
     accuracy, to be made from replacement of the NEXRAD system 
     referred to in such subsection.
       (2) Development of a digital phased array radar test 
     article designed to test and determine the specifications and 
     requirements for such replacement.
       (3) Establishment of a weather surveillance radar testbed 
     for the following:
       (A) Evaluation of commercial radars with the potential to 
     replace or supplement the NEXRAD system.
       (B) Providing technical assistance for commercial 
     replacement or supplemental radars, including data void 
     filling radars in regions where geographical topography 
     prevents full utilization of conventional systems.
       (4) Consultation and input solicited from meteorologists, 
     emergency managers, and public safety officials regarding the 
     specifications and requirements for the replacement of the 
     NEXRAD system referred in such subsection.
       (5) Prioritized locations for initial deployment of the 
     replacement system described in subsection (a) that will 
     replace the NEXRAD system.
       (6) Expected locations of such replacement system described 
     in subsection (a), including sites located more than 75 miles 
     away from an existing NEXRAD station and additional 
     appropriate locations.
       (d) Radar-as-a-Service.--
       (1) In general.--In order to supplement data voids in radar 
     coverage in existence as of the date of the enactment of this 
     section and ensure the continued performance of weather radar 
     capabilities, the Under Secretary may utilize and contract 
     with third party entities to fill such low-level and wide-
     area radar data voids using diverse weather radars and data 
     assimilation technologies to better detect significant 
     precipitation and severe weather over a greater area across 
     the population.
       (2) Considerations.--In carrying out the activities under 
     paragraph (1), the Under Secretary may consider--
       (A) utilizing and contracting with third-party entities 
     that have participated in the testbed established in 
     accordance with subsection (c)(3), the National Mesonet 
     Program, or Cooperative Research and Development Agreements; 
     and
       (B) weather camera systems and services, including systems 
     and services in consultation with the Federal Aviation 
     Administration, as viable technologies to supplement weather 
     forecasting and prediction needs.
       (e) Updates to Congress.--The Under Secretary shall provide 
     to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate periodic updates on 
     the implementation of this section.

[[Page H2667]]

  


     SEC. 203. DATA VOIDS IN HIGHLY VULNERABLE AREAS OF THE UNITED 
                   STATES.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in coordination with 
     the Director of the National Weather Service and the 
     Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in 
     consultation with the United States weather industry, 
     academic partners, and in accordance with activities 
     implemented through existing regional atmospheric, coastal, 
     ocean, and Great Lakes observing systems, shall carry out 
     activities to ensure equitable and comprehensive weather 
     observation coverage and emergency information sharing in the 
     United States, including relating to the following:
       (1) Reviewing areas in the continental United States and 
     the territories that are considered under-observed, 
     underserved, or highly vulnerable for weather phenomenon, 
     including urban and offshore regions, and identifying 
     associated challenges to providing such coverage.
       (2) Increasing weather observations and developing new 
     weather observational capabilities, such as urban heat island 
     mapping campaigns, with respect to under-observed, 
     underserved, or highly vulnerable regions.
       (3) Establishing or supporting testbeds to develop and 
     integrate new weather, water, and climate observation or 
     emergency information sharing tools, such as next 
     generational or supplemental radars for weather observations, 
     in under-observed, underserved, or highly vulnerable regions.
       (4) To the maximum extent practicable, advancing weather 
     and water forecasting and climate modeling capabilities for 
     under-observed, underserved, or highly vulnerable regions.
       (5) Undertaking workforce development efforts for emergency 
     management officials and meteorologists in under-observed, 
     underserved, or highly vulnerable areas, including urban 
     regions, of the United States.
       (6) Using data void filling observations to better resolve 
     extreme rainfall in complex topography.
       (7) Contributing to a national integrated heat health 
     information systems.
       (b) Pilot Program.--In carrying out this section, the Under 
     Secretary, acting through the Director of the National 
     Weather Service and the Administrator of the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency, shall establish an interagency 
     partnership to support pilot projects that accelerate 
     coordination and use of localized weather, water, and climate 
     data and impact-based communications in infrastructure and 
     emergency management decisions by Federal, State, and local 
     officials.
       (c) Priority.--At least one pilot project under subsection 
     (b) shall address key science challenges to using mesonet 
     data in local decision making and development of new tools 
     and training for owners and operators of critical 
     infrastructure (as such term is defined in section 1016(e) of 
     Public Law 107-56 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e))), such as dams, energy 
     generation and distribution facilities, nuclear power plants, 
     and transportation networks.

     SEC. 204. ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with 
     the United States weather industry and academic partners, 
     shall establish an atmospheric river forecast improvement 
     program (in this section referred to as the ``program'').
       (b) Goal.--The goal of the program shall be to reduce 
     through the development and extension of accurate, effective, 
     and actionable forecasts and warnings the loss of life or 
     property from atmospheric rivers, including by--
       (1) establishing quantitative atmospheric river forecast 
     skill metrics that include quantifying the benefits of 
     dynamical modeling, data assimilation, and machine learning 
     improvements in the probabilistic forecasts of landfall 
     location, extreme wind and precipitation, and cascading 
     impacts;
       (2) developing an atmospheric river forecast system within 
     the unified forecast system, and advancing next-generation 
     coupled modeling systems, with the capability of providing 
     seasonal to short-range atmospheric river forecasts that 
     include forecast of snow accumulation and other hydrologic 
     components;
       (3) advancing scientific understanding of the roles of 
     atmospheric rivers in subseasonal to seasonal precipitation 
     and probabilistic predictions at subseasonal and seasonal 
     scales;
       (4) developing tools and improved forecast products to 
     predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river 
     landfalls and inland penetration over the western United 
     States with a focus on addressing stakeholder and public 
     needs related to perceiving, comprehending, and responding to 
     atmospheric river forecast improvements; and
       (5) enhancing research transition to operations through the 
     Administration's testbeds, including the evaluation of 
     physical and social science, technology, and other research 
     to develop products and services for implementation and use 
     by relevant stakeholders.
       (c) Innovative Observations and Modeling.--The Under 
     Secretary shall ensure the program periodically examines, 
     tests, and evaluates the value of incorporating innovative 
     observations, such as novel sensor technologies, observation 
     networks, soil moisture monitoring systems, reservoir storage 
     data, observations from crewed or uncrewed systems, and 
     hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts, vessels, and 
     satellites, and data assimilation tools, with respect to the 
     improvement of atmospheric river forecasts, predictions, and 
     warnings.
       (d) Program Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall 
     develop a plan that details the specific research, 
     development, data acquisition, and technology transfer 
     activities, as well as corresponding resources, limitations, 
     and timelines, necessary to achieve the goal of the program 
     under subsection (b).
       (e) Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--After the 
     development of the plan pursuant to subsection (d), the Under 
     Secretary shall, not less frequently than annually, submit to 
     Congress a proposed budget corresponding with the activities 
     identified in such plan.

     SEC. 205. COASTAL FLOODING AND STORM SURGE FORECAST 
                   IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with 
     the Integrated Ocean Observing System, the United States 
     weather industry, and academic partners, shall establish a 
     coastal flooding and storm surge forecast improvement program 
     (in this section referred to as the ``program'').
       (b) Goal.--The goal of the program shall be to reduce 
     through the development and extension of accurate, effective, 
     actionable, and probable forecasts and warnings the loss of 
     life or property from coastal flooding, including high tide 
     flooding, and storm surge events.
       (c) Priority.--In implementing the program, the Under 
     Secretary shall prioritize activities that carry out the 
     following:
       (1) Improving understanding and capacity for real-time 
     operational prediction of the ocean's role in coastal 
     flooding, including high tide flooding, and storm surge 
     events.
       (2) Improving the capacity to mitigate or prevent the 
     impacts of coastal flooding, including high tide flooding, 
     and storm surge events, including by improving the 
     understanding and capacity of coastal communities to 
     perceive, comprehend, and respond to forecast information.
       (3) Incorporating data from in situ distributed sensors 
     into models.
       (4) Developing probabilistic coastal flooding, including 
     high tide flooding, and storm surge estimates to complement 
     worst-case scenario estimates, including for use in long-term 
     planning and risk management by States, Tribal governments, 
     localities, and emergency managers in coordination with the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency, as appropriate.
       (5) Establishing skill metrics for coastal inundation 
     forecasting that quantify the benefits of dynamical modeling, 
     data assimilation, and machine learning improvements in the 
     probabilistic forecast of coastal flooding, including high 
     tide flooding, and storm surge risk and impacts.
       (6) Improving operational regional storm surge and wave 
     prediction models to enhance probabilistic guidance and 
     messaging.
       (d) Innovative Observations and Modeling.--The Under 
     Secretary shall ensure the program periodically examines, 
     tests, and evaluates the value of incorporating enhanced 
     model physics, hybrid dynamical or machine learning based 
     prediction systems, and innovative observations, such as 
     novel sensor technologies, observation networks, crewed or 
     uncrewed systems, and hosted instruments on commercial 
     aircrafts, vessels, and satellites, with respect to the 
     improvement of coastal flooding, including high tide 
     flooding, and storm surge forecasts, predictions, and 
     warnings.
       (e) Program Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall 
     develop a plan that details the specific research, 
     development, data acquisition, and technology transfer 
     activities, as well as corresponding resources and timelines, 
     necessary to achieve the goal of the program under subsection 
     (b).
       (f) Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--After the 
     development of the plan pursuant to subsection (e), the Under 
     Secretary shall, not less frequently than annually, submit to 
     Congress a proposed budget corresponding with the activities 
     identified in such plan.

     SEC. 206. AVIATION WEATHER AND DATA INNOVATION.

       (a) Program.--The Under Secretary shall maintain an 
     airborne observation program (in this section referred to as 
     the ``program'') for the acquisition of atmospheric sensor 
     data and the deployment of critical atmospheric sensors, 
     including in partnership with the weather enterprise.
       (b) Activities.--The program shall include activities that 
     carry out the following:
       (1) Procurement of weather data available from commercial 
     aircraft, as determined by the Under Secretary.
       (2) Acquisition of additional vertical profile observations 
     that provide spatial and temporal density, as determined by 
     the Under Secretary.
       (3) Analysis of procured data when incorporated into the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's unified 
     forecast system in order to provide improved forecast 
     information for aircraft.
       (c) Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less frequently 
     than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget 
     corresponding with the activities described in subsection 
     (b), including and analysis of activities that can be 
     complemented by National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration aircraft.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts made 
     available to the Commercial Data Program under section 302 of 
     the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, 
     there is authorized to be

[[Page H2668]]

     appropriated up to $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 
     through 2028 to carry out the program.
       (e) Aviation Weather and Turbulence Forecasting.--The 
     Director of the National Weather Service shall include 
     turbulence events, icing conditions, or other phenomena in 
     the forecasting capabilities of the National Weather 
     Service's Aviation Weather Center, and deliver operational 
     forecasts with consistent, timely, and accurate weather and 
     turbulence information for the airspace system and the 
     protection of lives and property.
       (f) Coordination.--In carrying out subsection (e), the 
     Director of the National Weather Service shall give 
     consideration to recommendations from the Administrator of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration in furtherance of section 
     44720 of title 49, United States Code, and improve weather 
     and turbulence forecasting capabilities by--
       (1) designating or establishing within the Federal 
     Government an interagency working group to determine weather 
     and environmental data or observation requirements, needs, 
     and potential solutions related to aviation weather and 
     turbulence modeling or forecasting;
       (2) identifying current and future potential data gaps 
     related to turbulence events or phenomena that can--
       (A) identify or inform route specific flight planning; and
       (B) be supplemented or filled by commercial aviation tools;
       (3) transitioning research initiatives and pilot programs, 
     including a pilot program of instrumentation for observing 
     greenhouse gases and other atmospheric factors deployed on 
     commercial aircraft and supporting the evaluation of a 
     sustained observing network using such platforms, into 
     operations that improve the forecasting missions of the 
     Aviation Weather Center;
       (4) developing and deploying improved probabilistic 
     aviation weather forecast guidance technology; and
       (5) updating interagency agreements as appropriate, 
     including to address reimbursable agreements.
       (g) Next Generation Aviation Research.--Paragraph (3) of 
     section 102(b) of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512(b)), is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as 
     subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new 
     subparagraph:
       ``(F) aviation weather phenomena, including atmospheric 
     composition and turbulence, to improve scientific 
     understanding and forecast capabilities for the airspace 
     system;''.
       (h) Aviation Information Dissemination.--The Under 
     Secretary shall ensure the Aviation Weather Center is able, 
     to the maximum extent possible, to disseminate in a timely 
     manner full resolution aviation weather data, forecasts, and 
     information to meet the needs of aviation users.

     SEC. 207. NESDIS JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP TRANSITION 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Assistant Administrator of the 
     National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information 
     Service, in consultation with the Administrator of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration, shall 
     administer broad agency announcements and other transactional 
     authority or contracting mechanisms, on an annual or more 
     frequent basis, to support a joint venture partnership 
     program that allows the Service to prioritize engagement with 
     the private sector, academia, and other Federal departments 
     and agencies.
       (b) Transition Program.--To support the development of 
     next-generation technologies, missions, data systems, 
     spacecraft, and instrument design, the Assistant 
     Administrator of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, 
     and Information Service, in consultation with the 
     Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, shall maintain a program to transition 
     selected awards from research and study phases into 
     demonstration. In selecting awardees for demonstrations, the 
     Assistant Administrator shall consider technologies, 
     missions, data systems, spacecraft, and instrument design 
     that--
       (1) improve upon the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration's satellite architecture;
       (2) have a direct impact on implementing the 
     recommendations of the Administration's 2018 Satellite 
     Observing System Architecture Study, ``Building a Plan for 
     NOAA's 21st Century Satellite Observing System''; and
       (3) meet current or future mission requirements.
       (c) Operational Planning.--In carrying out the transition 
     program under subsection (b), the Assistant Administrator of 
     the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information 
     Service shall monitor demonstration phase progress and plan 
     for promising results that meet mission requirements to be 
     transitioned into National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration's operational satellite architecture.
       (d) Annual Plan.--The Assistant Administrator of the 
     National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information 
     Service shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation an annual plan that outlines the progress made 
     in the joint venture partnership program under subsection 
     (a), the transition program for demonstrations under section 
     (b), and transition to operational architecture planning 
     under subsection (c).
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated to the National Environmental 
     Satellite, Data, and Information Service, there is authorized 
     to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal years 2024 through 
     2028 to carry out to this section.

     SEC. 208. ADVANCED WEATHER INTERACTIVE PROCESSING SYSTEM.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary, acting through the 
     Director of the National Weather Service, shall develop a 
     strategy to transition operations of the Advanced Weather 
     Interactive Processing System to an operational cloud-based 
     environment in order to enable a more nimble, flexible, and 
     mobile workforce.
       (b) Services.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that the 
     Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System in an 
     operational cloud-based environment referred to in subsection 
     (a) provides impact-based decision support services to 
     emergency managers at the Federal, State, local, and Tribal 
     levels, and continues to provide the following services:
       (1) Integrating and displaying forecast data, including 
     meteorological, hydrological, climate, ocean, satellite, and 
     radar data, for National Weather Service field offices and 
     national centers.
       (2) Acquiring and processing observational data from 
     sensors and local sources.
       (3) Providing an interactive communications system, 
     including the satellite broadcast network, to connect 
     relevant National Weather Service employees and sites.
       (4) Initiating the dissemination of weather, water, marine, 
     ecological, climate, aviation, and space warnings and 
     forecasts in a rapid and highly reliable manner.
       (c) Elements.--The transition strategy developed pursuant 
     to subsection (a) may include the following:
       (1) Establishment or support of testbeds, pilot projects, 
     and functional testing activities to facilitate remote 
     evaluation and automated testing.
       (2) Coordinated training efforts needed for Federal and 
     non-Federal users and operators of the Advanced Weather 
     Interactive Processing System in an operational cloud-based 
     environment referred to in subsection (a).
       (3) Evaluation of bandwidth requirements to achieve a 
     quality user experience.
       (4) Installation of circuits to reduce lapses in network 
     operations and support backup functions.
       (5) Establishment of a cloud-based, remotely accessible 
     repository for data referred to in subsection (b)(2).
       (6) Development and deployment of virtualized systems to 
     replace physical hardware at operational sites.
       (7) Evaluation of commercial cloud providers, including 
     hybrid approaches, to meet mission needs.
       (8) Development, testing, demonstration, evaluation, and 
     operationalization of forecast and warning products, 
     consistent with the mission and scientific expertise of the 
     Administration.
       (d) Transition Deadline.--The Under Secretary shall take 
     such actions as may be necessary to ensure the transition 
     strategy described in subsection (a) is completed by not 
     later than September 30, 2030.
       (e) Updates to Congress.--The Under Secretary shall submit 
     to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate periodic updates on 
     the implementation of this section.
       (f) Continued Innovation.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed as prohibiting the development of new forecast 
     capabilities, sub-systems, or implementing modeling 
     advancements on the operational computing systems of the 
     Administration.

     SEC. 209. REANALYSIS AND REFORECASTING.

       The Under Secretary may support reanalysis and 
     reforecasting activities within the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration, including through the hazardous 
     weather testbed of the Administration, for improving weather 
     forecasts, extreme weather predictions, and weather and 
     climate datasets.

     SEC. 210. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WORKFORCE.

       (a) Hiring.--The Director of the National Weather Service 
     shall annually submit to the Under Secretary and Congress an 
     assessment of the milestones, timelines, and service level 
     expectations required for the expeditious hiring and timely 
     on-boarding of employees of the National Weather Service. 
     Each such assessment may include the following:
       (1) Recommendations to outsource hiring to any entity other 
     than the National Weather Service in order to meet such 
     milestones, timelines, and service level expectations.
       (2) Determinations of the number of staff and designated 
     positions required at each forecasting office to provide 
     services to protect lives and property in the geographic 
     region of responsibility.
       (b) Health and Morale Assessment.--The Director of the 
     National Weather Service shall contract or continue to 
     partner with an entity other than the National Weather 
     Service to conduct an assessment of medical impacts, 
     including stress and long-term health impacts, on National 
     Weather Service employees related to required rotating shift

[[Page H2669]]

     work. Such assessment may include options for mitigating such 
     impacts on employees and recommendations for improving 
     benefits related to required rotating shift work.
       (c) Designation of Service Hydrologist.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather 
     Service may designate at least one service hydrologist at 
     each Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service.
       (2) Limitation.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
     to authorize or require a change in the authorized number of 
     full time equivalent employees of the National Weather 
     Service or otherwise result in the employment of any 
     additional employees.
       (3) Performance by other employees.--Notwithstanding 
     paragraphs (4) and (5), the Director of the National Weather 
     Service may assign the performance of the responsibilities 
     described in this subsection to such other staff of the 
     National Weather Service as the Director considers 
     appropriate
       (4) Responsibilities.--In order to increase impact-based 
     decision support services, each service coordination 
     hydrologist designated under paragraph (1) shall, with 
     respect to hydrology, carry out the following:
       (A) Be responsible for providing service to the geographic 
     area of responsibility covered by the Weather Forecast Office 
     at which the service coordination hydrologist is employed to 
     help ensure that users of products and services of the 
     National Weather Service can respond effectively to improve 
     outcomes from flood events.
       (B) Liaise with users of products and services of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, such as 
     emergency managers, the public, academia, media outlets, 
     users in the hydropower, transportation, recreation, and 
     agricultural communities, and forestry, land, fisheries, and 
     water management interests, to evaluate the adequacy and 
     usefulness of the products and services referred to in 
     subparagraph (A), including extended range streamflow 
     forecasts, water supply forecasts, drought outlooks, flood 
     inundation mapping, coastal inundation, and flood warnings.
       (C) Collaborate with the National Water Center, River 
     Forecast Centers, other Weather Forecast Offices, the 
     National Integrate Drought Information System, Administration 
     offices, and Federal, State, local, and Tribal government 
     agencies, as the Director considers appropriate, in 
     developing, proposing, and implementing plans to develop, 
     modify, or tailor such products and services to improve the 
     usefulness of such products and services.
       (D) Engage in interagency partnerships with Federal, State, 
     local, and Tribal government agencies to explore the use of 
     forecast-informed reservoir operations to reduce flood risk 
     and inform decisions related to water resources management.
       (E) Ensure the maintenance and accuracy of flooding and 
     water resource management partner call lists, appropriate 
     office hydrologic service policy or procedures, and other 
     hydrologic information or dissemination methodologies or 
     strategies.
       (F) Work closely with Federal, State, local, and Tribal 
     emergency and floodplain management agencies, and other 
     agencies relating to disaster management, to ensure a 
     planned, coordinated, and effective preparedness and response 
     effort.
       (5) Additional responsibilities.--A service coordination 
     hydrologist designated under this subsection may, with 
     respect to hydrology--
       (A) work with a State agency to develop plans for promoting 
     more effective use of products and services of the National 
     Weather Service throughout the State concerned;
       (B) identify priority community preparedness objectives;
       (C) develop plans to carry out the responsibilities 
     described in paragraph (4); and
       (D) conduct flooding event preparedness planning and 
     citizen education efforts with and through various State, 
     local, and Tribal government agencies and other disaster 
     management-related organizations.

      TITLE III--COMMERCIAL WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS

     SEC. 301. COMMERCIAL DATA PROGRAM.

       The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 
     is amended by striking section 302 (15 U.S.C. 8532) and 
     inserting the following new section:

     ``SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL DATA PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Program Establishment.--The Under Secretary, in 
     coordination with the heads of appropriate offices of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall 
     maintain a Commercial Data Program to coordinate and execute 
     acquisition of weather and environmental data and services 
     from private sector entities for operational use.
       ``(b) Program Elements.--The Under Secretary shall acquire 
     satellite, ground-based, airborne, or marine-based in situ, 
     remote sensing, or crowd-sourced data and services for 
     operational use relating to weather and environmental 
     forecasting and modeling. The Under Secretary shall ensure 
     the Commercial Data Program coordinates, collaborates, and 
     ensures access to data across the Administration, including 
     among the following:
       ``(1) The National Mesonet Program.
       ``(2) The Aircraft Based Observation Program.
       ``(3) The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observation Program, 
     including existing regional associations.
       ``(4) The National Integrated Drought Information System, 
     including the National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring 
     Network.
       ``(5) The Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program.
       ``(6) The National Data Buoy Center.
       ``(7) The Uncrewed Systems Operation Center.
       ``(8) The Ocean Exploration Program.
       ``(9) Any other program or office the Under Secretary 
     determines appropriate.
       ``(c) Standards and Specifications.--Not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this section and on a 
     continuous basis thereafter, the Under Secretary shall 
     publish data, metadata, and service standards and 
     specifications required for acquired observation services and 
     data for use, licensing, and attribution to ensure quality, 
     impact, and compatibility of such services and data with 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration modeling 
     capabilities, meteorological situational awareness, and 
     forecasting.
       ``(d) Prioritization.--In acquiring commercial data and 
     services, the Under Secretary shall prioritize obtaining 
     surface-based, airborne-based, space-based, and coastal- and 
     ocean-based data, metadata, and services for operational use 
     that participate in the Commercial Data Pilot Program or 
     other programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration that acquire commercial data or observations.
       ``(e) NOAA Observing Systems and Fleet Councils.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Observing 
     Systems Council and the NOAA Fleet Council (in this 
     subsection referred to as the `Councils') to provide 
     strategic recommendations and guidance regarding the 
     prioritization, design, development, acquisition, upgrading, 
     lifecycle, performance monitoring, and retiring of major 
     observing systems portfolio components, including related to 
     the acquisition of commercial weather and environmental data 
     and services.
       ``(2) Line office coordination.--The Councils shall ensure 
     coordination and adherence to uniform policies by providing 
     guidance to all line offices of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration engaged in observing systems 
     portfolio design, technology, development, execution, and 
     operation.
       ``(3) Committee.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a 
     Committee within the Councils to develop and approve 
     procedural directives, guides, or handbooks relevant to 
     management of data and information, including commercial 
     data, and coordinate data governance and management practices 
     across the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to 
     promote consistent processes.
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to 
     carry out this section.
       ``(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Under Secretary should seek to enter into contracts or 
     other appropriate agreements that enable the expenditure, to 
     the maximum extent practicable, of amounts authorized to be 
     appropriated or otherwise made available in a fiscal year to 
     carry out this section.
       ``(g) Data and Hosted Payloads.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, the Secretary of Commerce may enter into 
     agreements relating to the following:
       ``(1) The purchase of weather and environmental data and 
     services through contracts with commercial data and service 
     providers.
       ``(2) The placement of weather instruments on co-hosted 
     Federal, international, or private space, airborne, maritime, 
     or ground platforms.
       ``(h) Ombudsman.--The Under Secretary shall establish or 
     designate at least one Ombudsman position within the 
     Commercial Data Program to implement the recommendations of 
     the Observing System Council under subsection (e) related to 
     commercial weather and environmental data and services 
     acquisitions. Such an Ombudsman shall act as the liaison 
     between commercial data and service providers and the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with respect 
     to receiving recommendations and resolving issues related to 
     engagement, testing, contracting, or other areas related to 
     the Administration's efforts to acquire commercial weather 
     and environmental data and services.
       ``(i) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report evaluating 
     the activities and needed authorities related to data 
     governance and management practices, including acquisition, 
     collection, documentation, quality control, validation, 
     reprocessing, storage, retrieval, dissemination, and long-
     term preservation activities across all National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration line, staff, and corporate 
     offices.''.

     SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL DATA PILOT PROGRAM.

       The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 
     is amended by striking section 303 (15 U.S.C. 8533) and 
     inserting the following new section:

     ``SEC. 303. COMMERCIAL DATA PILOT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Program Establishment.--Within the Commercial Data 
     Program under section 302,

[[Page H2670]]

     there shall be a Commercial Data Pilot Program to engage with 
     external partners and providers to test and develop shared 
     standards and methodologies for quality, use, licensing, and 
     attribution of observation services and data, and to ensure 
     quality, impact, and compatibility of such services and data 
     with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration modeling 
     capabilities, meteorological situational awareness, and 
     forecasting. The Program is authorized to test and evaluate 
     all sources and types of observation services, imagery, 
     products, and data from private sector entities, including 
     new and innovative surface-based, airborne-based, space-
     based, and coastal- and ocean-based data, metadata, and model 
     components.
       ``(b) Criteria.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that data 
     acquired through the Commercial Data Pilot Program described 
     in subsection (a) meets the most recent standards and 
     specifications required for observation services and data as 
     published pursuant to section 302(c).
       ``(c) Pilot Contracts.--The Under Secretary shall, through 
     an open competition, regularly enter into pilot contracts 
     with private sector entities capable of providing observation 
     services and data referred to in subsection (a) that meet the 
     standards and specifications published pursuant to section 
     302(c) for so providing such services and data in a manner 
     that allows the Under Secretary to calibrate and evaluate 
     such services and data for use in National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration activities.
       ``(d) Assessment of Viability.--The Under Secretary shall 
     annually assess and submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives a summary of the pilot contracts entered into 
     pursuant to subsection (c), the extent to which such 
     contracts meet the standards and specifications published 
     pursuant to section 302(c), and any additional information 
     determined necessary related to the following:
       ``(1) The viability of assimilating observation services 
     and data from private sector entities into National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration forecasts and models.
       ``(2) The expected value added or improvements from such 
     services and data so assimilated into National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration forecasts and models.
       ``(3) The accuracy, quality, timeliness, validity, 
     reliability, usability, information technology security, and 
     cost-effectiveness of obtaining observation services and data 
     from private sector entities.
       ``(4) Steps to integrate within one year such services and 
     data into operational use by the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration or any associated challenges in 
     doing so.
       ``(e) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under 
     subsection (d) demonstrates the ability of commercial 
     services and data to meet the standards and specifications 
     published pursuant to section 302(c), the Under Secretary 
     shall--
       ``(1) when cost-effective and feasible, obtain observation 
     services and data from private sector entities through the 
     Commercial Data Program under section 302;
       ``(2) as early as possible in the acquisition process for 
     any future National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     satellite system, determine whether there is a suitable, 
     cost-effective, commercial capability available or that will 
     be available to meet applicable instrument, spacecraft, or 
     system requirements before completion of the critical design 
     phase of such planned satellite system;
       ``(3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial capability 
     is or will be available as described in paragraph (2), 
     determine whether and how such capability is in the national 
     interest if developed as a solely governmental system; and
       ``(4) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a 
     report detailing any determinations made under paragraphs (2) 
     and (3).
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated pursuant to section 302 to 
     carry out such section, not less than 15 percent of such 
     amounts each fiscal year are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this section.''.

     SEC. 303. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND AVOIDANCE OF DUPLICATION.

       Title III of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``SEC. 304. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND AVOIDANCE OF 
                   DUPLICATION.

       ``(a) In General.--Consistent with other Federal agencies 
     that contract and partner with private sector entities, the 
     Under Secretary is authorized to use contracting mechanisms 
     and enter into agreements that utilize multiyear contract 
     options. In carrying out sections 302 and 303, the Under 
     Secretary shall, to the greatest extent possible--
       ``(1) enter into year-long or multiyear contract options 
     using contracting mechanisms that foster resiliency of 
     datatypes purchased;
       ``(2) partner and contract with multiple observation 
     service and data providers simultaneously to reduce risks of 
     data gaps and improve mission robustness; and
       ``(3) utilize authorities, such as additional forms of 
     transaction agreements under section 301, that allow for 
     innovative partnerships with private sector entities.
       ``(b) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this title may be 
     construed as infringing on the acquisition authority or 
     strategy of Federal entities authorized under title 10, 
     United States Code.
       ``(c) Unnecessary Duplication.--In meeting the requirements 
     under this title, the Under Secretary shall avoid unnecessary 
     duplication between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, other Federal departments and agencies, and 
     private sector entities, including relating to corresponding 
     expenditures of funds and employment of personnel by--
       ``(1) coordinating existing activities with other civilian 
     Federal departments and agencies which provide, contract, or 
     partner with private sector entities to acquire, weather and 
     environmental observations and data; and
       ``(2) coordinating and soliciting weather and environmental 
     observations and data requirements and needs from other 
     civilian Federal departments and agencies to be acquired by 
     the Commercial Data Program under section 302.
       ``(d) Fair Compensation for Interagency Needs.--The Under 
     Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure 
     that Federal departments and agencies utilizing services and 
     data under sections 302 and 303 fairly compensate the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the non-
     Federal entities providing such services or data, as 
     appropriate, for use.''.

     SEC. 304. DATA ASSIMILATION, MANAGEMENT, AND SHARING 
                   PRACTICES.

       Title III of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017, as amended by section 303 of this 
     Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following 
     new section:

     ``SEC. 305. DATA ASSIMILATION, MANAGEMENT, AND SHARING 
                   PRACTICES.

       ``(a) Data Standards.--The Under Secretary, in 
     collaboration with the weather enterprise, shall seek to 
     establish consistent and open data and metadata standards to 
     support open science, including simple cloud-optimized data 
     formats and application programming interfaces that support 
     findability, accessibility, usability, and preservability.
       ``(b) Data Infrastructure.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in consultation 
     with the Chief Information Officer and appropriate program 
     heads, shall consolidate and arrange data infrastructure 
     needs to ensure efficient and effective data transfer between 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offices by 
     considering the use of commercial cloud technologies, or 
     similar hybrid structures, to host and transmit data and 
     metadata.
       ``(2) Federal partnerships.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
     the Under Secretary may partner with the heads of other 
     Federal departments and agencies, including the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of 
     Energy, the United States Space Force, the United States 
     Coast Guard, the United States Navy, the Federal Aviation 
     Administration, the United States Forest Service, the 
     Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science 
     Foundation, and the United States Geological Survey, to 
     collocate data with joint utility and support a transition to 
     cloud architectures, including commercial cloud networks.
       ``(3) Long term data archive.--The Under Secretary shall 
     ensure the long-term management, maintenance, and stewardship 
     of archival data and metadata acquired through the Commercial 
     Data Program under section 302 is conducted within the 
     National Centers for Environmental Information.
       ``(c) Data Sharing With the Weather Enterprise.--To the 
     greatest extent practicable, the Under Secretary shall make 
     accessible to members of the weather enterprise that are 
     United States persons data not subject to redistribution 
     contract permissions and purchased through the Commercial 
     Data Program under section 302 or shared through 
     international government partners. If purchased data must be 
     assimilated into numerical weather prediction models or 
     automated forecast guidance to satisfy redistribution 
     contract permissions, the Under Secretary shall make 
     accessible without delay to members of the weather enterprise 
     that are United States persons the numerical weather 
     prediction model or automated forecast guidance output, as 
     the case may be.
       ``(d) Data Assimilation.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in coordination 
     with the Commercial Data Program under section 302, the 
     National Centers for Environmental Information, and any other 
     offices within the Administration, shall establish a program 
     to test, advance, and implement data assimilation methods, 
     which may include artificial intelligence, machine learning, 
     data pre- and post-processing, efficient input and output, 
     and next-generation algorithms.
       ``(2) Data assimilation university consortium.--Through the 
     program established pursuant to paragraph (1), the Under 
     Secretary shall establish a consortium consisting of 
     institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001)) to address critical research challenges for data 
     assimilation and foster a growing data assimilation 
     workforce. The consortium shall seek to--
       ``(A) solve critical research issues for data assimilation 
     through innovative research;

[[Page H2671]]

       ``(B) increase significantly the number of students, 
     including graduate level and Ph.D. candidates, in data 
     assimilation;
       ``(C) utilize modern software and frameworks, such as the 
     Joint Effort for Data Assimilation Integration, to conduct 
     data assimilation research and development and facilitate 
     research to operations efforts;
       ``(D) identify and prioritize critical research areas in 
     data assimilation and facilitate operations to research 
     efforts;
       ``(E) establish and enable an effective collaboration 
     infrastructure between National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration facilities, such as labs, centers, or joint 
     agency institutes, and the research community, including a 
     mechanism for external partners to host Administration 
     employees; and
       ``(F) establish mechanisms to enable all members of the 
     consortium to archive and access data required to support the 
     work under this subsection.
       ``(3) Coordination.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Under Secretary shall ensure the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration and its associated activities 
     focus on research to operations and operations to research, 
     including by coordinating and collaborating with the Joint 
     Center for Satellite Data Assimilation.
       ``(4) Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices 
     security.--The activities authorized under this subsection 
     shall be applied in a manner consistent with subtitle D of 
     title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and 
     Innovation Act (enacted as division B of Public Law 117-167; 
     42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq.).
       ``(e) Study on Data Management.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the data of 
     the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall seek 
     to enter into an agreement with a non-Federal entity to 
     conduct a study on matters concerning data practices and 
     management needs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration. In conducting the study, the outside entity 
     shall--
       ``(A) assess the costs and benefits of current data 
     management needs for observational and operational mission 
     requirements;
       ``(B) develop recommendations regarding how to make more 
     robust and cost-effective the data portfolio of the 
     Administration;
       ``(C) identify data infrastructure technologies and needs 
     that are essential to the performance of modeling systems of 
     the Administration;
       ``(D) assess the sharing needs and practices of the 
     Administration for both internal and external sharing 
     dissemination; and
       ``(E) develop recommendations for methods of data 
     infrastructure sharing, including data purchased from the 
     commercial sector.
       ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--From amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Commercial Data Program 
     under section 302, there are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out the study under paragraph (1) $1,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended.''.

     SEC. 305. CLERICAL AMENDMENT.

       The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Weather 
     Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by 
     striking the items relating to sections 302 and 303 and 
     inserting the following new items:

``Sec. 302. Commercial Data Program.
``Sec. 303. Commercial Data Pilot Program.
``Sec. 304. Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication.
``Sec. 305. Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices.''.

             TITLE IV--COMMUNICATING WEATHER TO THE PUBLIC

     SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Hazardous weather or water events.--The term 
     ``hazardous weather or water events'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 406 of the Weather Research and 
     Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-25; 131 
     Stat. 109), as amended by section 402 of this Act.
       (2) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001).
       (3) NOAA weather radio.--The term ``NOAA Weather Radio'' 
     means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     Weather Radio All Hazards network.
       (4) Public cloud.--The term ``public cloud'' means an 
     information technology model in which service providers make 
     computing services, including compute and storage and 
     develop-and-deploy environments and applications, available 
     on-demand to organizations and individuals over the public 
     internet or other means that allows for the widest 
     dissemination of information.
       (5) Watch; warning.--The terms ``watch'' and ``warning'' 
     have the meanings given such terms in section 406 of the 
     Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 
     (Public Law 115-25; 131 Stat. 109), as amended by section 402 
     of this Act.

     SEC. 402. HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER EVENT RISK 
                   COMMUNICATION.

       (a) In General.--Section 406 of the Weather Research and 
     Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-25; 131 
     Stat. 109) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 406. HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER EVENT RISK 
                   COMMUNICATION.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Hazardous weather or water events.--The term 
     `hazardous weather or water events' means weather or water 
     events that have a high risk of loss of life or property, 
     including the following:
       ``(A) Severe storms, such as hurricanes and short-fused, 
     small-scale hazardous weather or hydrologic events produced 
     by thunderstorms, including large hail, damaging winds, 
     tornadoes, and flash floods.
       ``(B) Winter storms, such as freezing or frozen 
     precipitation (including freezing rain, sleet, and snow), or 
     combined effects of freezing or frozen precipitation and 
     strong winds.
       ``(C) Other weather hazards, such as extreme heat or cold, 
     wildfire, drought, dense fog, high winds, and river, coastal, 
     or lakeshore flooding.
       ``(2) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     `institution of higher education' has the meaning given such 
     term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1001).
       ``(3) Watch; warning.--
       ``(A) In general.--The terms `watch' and `warning', with 
     respect to a hazardous weather or water event, mean products 
     issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, intended for consumption by the general 
     public, to alert the general public to the potential for or 
     presence of such event and to inform action to prevent loss 
     of life or property.
       ``(B) Exception.--The terms `watch' and `warning' do not 
     include technical or specialized meteorological or 
     hydrological forecasts, outlooks, or model guidance products.
       ``(b) System Communications.--The Under Secretary shall 
     maintain and improve the system of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration by which the risks of hazardous 
     weather or water events are communicated to the general 
     public, with the goal of informing response to prevent loss 
     of life or property.
       ``(c) Hazard Risk Communication Improvement and 
     Simplification.--
       ``(1) In general.--To carry out subsection (b), the Under 
     Secretary shall maintain a social, behavioral, risk, 
     communication, and economic sciences program (in this section 
     referred to as the `Program'), for the purpose of simplifying 
     and improving the communication of hazardous weather or water 
     events.
       ``(2) Terminology.--The Program, in coordination with 
     social, behavioral, risk, communication, and economic science 
     community and user feedback, shall identify, eliminate, or 
     modify unnecessary, redundant, or confusing terms for 
     communications regarding hazardous weather or water events 
     and add new terminology, as appropriate.
       ``(3) Communications improvement.--The Program shall 
     improve the form, content, and methods of communications 
     regarding hazardous weather or water events and associated 
     risks to more clearly inform response to prevent the loss of 
     life or property.
       ``(4) Evaluations.--The Program, in coordination with the 
     performance and evaluation branches of the National Weather 
     Service and Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, shall develop 
     metrics for such branches to track and evaluate the degree to 
     which communications regarding hazardous weather or water 
     events inform response.
       ``(5) Support plan.--The Program shall develop a plan for 
     the purpose of carrying out paragraph (3). Such plan shall be 
     periodically updated and informed by internal and extramural 
     research and the results of the evaluation of communications 
     regarding hazardous weather or water events and associated 
     risks under paragraph (4).
       ``(6) Methods.--In carrying out this section, the Program 
     shall develop and implement recommendations that--
       ``(A) are based on the best and most recent understanding 
     from social, behavioral, economic, risk, and communications 
     science research;
       ``(B) are validated by social, behavioral, risk, and 
     communications science, taking into account the importance of 
     methods that support reproduction and replication of 
     scientific studies, use of rigorous statistical analyses, 
     and, as applicable, data analysis supported by artificial 
     intelligence and machine learning technologies;
       ``(C) account for the needs of various demographics, 
     vulnerable populations, and geographic regions;
       ``(D) account for the differences between various types of 
     hazardous weather or water events;
       ``(E) respond to the needs of Federal, State, and local 
     government partners and media partners; and
       ``(F) account for necessary changes in the infrastructure, 
     technology, and protocols for developing and disseminating 
     watches and warnings.
       ``(7) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Program shall coordinate with the following:
       ``(A) Federal partners, including National Laboratories, 
     cooperative institutes, and regional integrated sciences and 
     assessments programs.
       ``(B) State and local government partners.
       ``(C) Tribal governments.
       ``(D) Institutions of higher education or a consortia 
     thereof.
       ``(E) Media partners.
       ``(8) Timeliness and consistency.--The Program shall 
     develop best practices and guidance for ensuring timely and 
     consistent communications across public facing platforms that 
     disseminate information related to hazardous weather or water 
     events.''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--Section 1(b) of the Weather 
     Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by 
     amending

[[Page H2672]]

     the item relating to section 406 to read as follows:

``Sec. 406. Hazardous Weather or Water Event Risk Communication.''.

     SEC. 403. HAZARD COMMUNICATION RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT.

       Section 406 of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
     Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-25; 131 Stat. 109), as 
     amended by section 402 of this Act, is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(d) Hazard Communication Research and Engagement.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain, as 
     appropriate, a program to--
       ``(A) modernize the development and communication of risk-
     based, statistically reliable, probabilistic hazard 
     information, with the goal of informing appropriate responses 
     to hazardous weather or water events; and
       ``(B) improve the fundamental social, behavioral, economic, 
     risk, and communication science relating to communications, 
     including by means of collecting voluntary data, regarding 
     hazardous weather or water events.
       ``(2) Coordination.--In carrying out the program under 
     paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall coordinate and 
     communicate with States, Tribal governments, localities, and 
     emergency managers regarding research priorities and results.
       ``(3) Pilot program for tornado hazard communication 
     required.--To further research into communications regarding 
     hazardous weather or water events, the Under Secretary, in 
     coordination with the VORTEX program under section 103 and in 
     collaboration with one or more eligible institutions (or a 
     consortia thereof), shall establish a pilot program for 
     tornado hazard communication to test the effectiveness of 
     implementing research into operations with respect to 
     tornadoes.
       ``(4) Pilot study for hurricane hazard communication.--
       ``(A) In general.--To further research into communications 
     regarding hazardous weather or water events, the Under 
     Secretary, in coordination with the hurricane forecast 
     improvement program under section 104, shall seek to enter 
     into an agreement with an appropriate entity, as determined 
     by the Under Secretary, to conduct a pilot study using a 
     mixed methods approach, such as surveys, focus groups, and 
     interviews, to gather information from hurricane prone 
     population areas regarding the levels of preparedness of such 
     areas for hurricanes or in response to the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration's early forecasts and 
     warnings. Such study shall evaluate the following:
       ``(i) Possession of disaster supplies.
       ``(ii) Evacuation decisions.
       ``(iii) Levels of trust of tropical cyclone information and 
     hurricane path prediction from various sources.
       ``(iv) Access to tropical cyclone and hurricane warnings in 
     such study participant's first language.
       ``(v) Determination regarding such study participant's 
     reasoning that may hinder the ability of such a participant 
     to evacuate or willingness to evacuate.
       ``(B) Additional criteria.--The pilot study described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall define its methodology and be made 
     publicly available on a website of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration.
       ``(5) Eligible institution defined.--In this subsection, 
     the term `eligible institution' means any of the following:
       ``(A) An institution of higher education, nonprofit 
     organization, or other institution located in a jurisdiction 
     eligible to participate in the program under section 113 of 
     the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42 
     U.S.C. 1862g).
       ``(B) An institution of higher education, nonprofit 
     organization, or other institution located in proximity to a 
     Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service.
       ``(e) Hurricane Social, Behavioral, and Economic 
     Sciences.--As part of the program carried out under 
     subsection (d), the Under Secretary shall carry out research 
     and development activities to improve how the public 
     receives, interprets, responds to, and values hurricane 
     forecasts and warnings. In conducting such activities, the 
     Under Secretary shall--
       ``(1) conduct a comprehensive review of what is known about 
     how the public receives, interprets, responds to, and makes 
     decisions regarding hurricane forecasts and warnings, 
     including--
       ``(A) how the connections between weather observations, 
     downstream models, and processes affect the decision tools or 
     products derived from such hurricane forecasts and warnings;
       ``(B) how such hurricane forecasts and warnings generated 
     by decision tools and products are used by emergency 
     managers, governments, and other users to benefit the public 
     and stakeholder groups;
       ``(C) how past experiences with hurricanes impacts decision 
     making;
       ``(D) how the source of such hurricane forecasts and 
     warnings affects interpretation;
       ``(E) how tropical cyclone warnings and watches are 
     received and interpreted;
       ``(F) how understanding of and response to such hurricane 
     forecasts and warnings vary across demographic groups, 
     including the elderly, people with disabilities, and other 
     vulnerable populations;
       ``(G) language barriers; and
       ``(H) how understanding and response to such hurricane 
     forecasts and warnings varies across geographic areas, 
     including rural, urban, and suburban areas;
       ``(2) identify communication data gaps based on the review 
     conducted pursuant to paragraph (1);
       ``(3) carry out research, including data collection and 
     baseline assessments, in coordination with the hurricane 
     forecast improvement program under section 104 to evaluate 
     and quantify the economic value of extending lead times of 
     tropical cyclone and hurricane warnings and watches, 
     including identifying the most effected or vulnerable 
     populations and potential impacts to those populations;
       ``(4) as part of post-storm surveys and assessments 
     conducted under section 406 of the Weather Act 
     Reauthorization Act of 2023, conduct retrospective or ex ante 
     assessments of previous hurricane forecasts and warnings with 
     improvements to better understand the key components, 
     including expected actions or behavior changes, of the value 
     of the forecasts and warnings provided;
       ``(5) conduct cost benefit analysis of forecasts and 
     warnings improvement alternatives developed through the 
     hurricane forecast improvement program under section 104; and
       ``(6) conduct risk assessments for pre-, during, and post-
     storm periods in regions and communities with significant 
     elderly populations, including retirement communities.''.

     SEC. 404. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS 
                   IMPROVEMENT.

       (a) Improvement of NWS Instant Messaging Service.--The 
     Director of the National Weather Service shall improve the 
     instant messaging service used by personnel of the National 
     Weather Service by implementing, not later than October 1, 
     2027, a commercial off-the-shelf communications solution that 
     replaces the instant messaging service commonly referred to 
     as ``NWSChat''.
       (b) Requirements.--The communications solution implemented 
     under this section shall--
       (1) be hosted on the public cloud; and
       (2) satisfy requirements set forth by the Director to 
     ensure such solution--
       (A) best accommodates future growth;
       (B) performs successfully with increased numbers of users;
       (C) is easy to use for the majority of users; and
       (D) is similar to systems already in commercial use.
       (c) Funding.--From amounts made available for Operations, 
     Research, and Facilities, the Director of the National 
     Weather Service shall allocate up to $3,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2024 through 2027 to carry out this section.

     SEC. 405. NOAA WEATHER RADIO MODERNIZATION.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, expand coverage of the NOAA Weather Radio 
     and ensure its reliability. In carrying out this subsection, 
     the Under Secretary shall--
       (1) maintain support for existing systems serving areas not 
     covered by or having poor quality cellular service;
       (2) ensure consistent maintenance and operations 
     monitoring, with timely repairs to broadcast transmitter site 
     equipment and antennas;
       (3) enhance the ability to amplify Non-Weather Emergency 
     Messages via NOAA Weather Radio as necessary; and
       (4) acquire additional transmitters as required to expand 
     coverage to rural and underserved communities, units of the 
     National Park System, and National Recreation Areas.
       (b) Modernization Initiative.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable, the Under Secretary shall enhance NOAA Weather 
     Radio to ensure its capabilities and coverage remain valuable 
     to the public. In carrying out this section, the Under 
     Secretary shall--
       (1) upgrade telecommunications infrastructure of NOAA 
     Weather Radio to accelerate the transition of broadcasts to 
     internet protocol-based communications over non-copper media;
       (2) accelerate software upgrades to the Advanced Weather 
     Interactive Processing System, or the relevant system 
     successors, to implement partial county notifications and 
     alerts;
       (3) consult with relevant stakeholders, including the 
     private sector, to enhance accessibility and usability of 
     NOAA Weather Radio data and feeds;
       (4) develop options, including satellite backup capability 
     and commercial provider partnerships, for NOAA Weather Radio 
     continuity in the event of Weather Forecast Office outages;
       (5) research and develop alternative options, including 
     microwave capabilities, to transmit NOAA Weather Radio 
     signals to transmitters that are remote or do not have 
     internet protocol capability; and
       (6) transition critical applications to the Integrated 
     Dissemination Program, or the relevant program successors.
       (c) Priority.--In carrying out subsection (b), the Under 
     Secretary shall prioritize practices, capabilities, and 
     technologies recommended in accordance with the assessment 
     under subsection (d) to maximize accessibility, particularly 
     in remote and underserved areas of the United States.
       (d) Assessment for Management and Distribution.--Not later 
     than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     the Under Secretary shall complete an assessment of

[[Page H2673]]

     access to NOAA Weather Radio. In conducting such assessment, 
     the Under Secretary shall take into consideration and provide 
     recommendations regarding the following:
       (1) The need for continuous, adequate, and operational 
     real-time broadcasts of the NOAA Weather Radio in both urban 
     and rural areas.
       (2) Solicited inputs from relevant stakeholders on the 
     compatibility of NOAA Weather Radio data for third party 
     platforms that provide online services, such as websites and 
     mobile device applications, or deliver NOAA Weather Radio 
     access.
       (3) Existing or new management systems that promote 
     consistent, efficient, and compatible access to NOAA Weather 
     Radio.
       (4) The ability of NOAA to aggregate real time broadcast 
     feeds at one or more central locations.
       (5) Effective interagency coordination.
       (6) The potential effects of an electromagnetic pulse or 
     geomagnetic disturbance on NOAA Weather Radio.
       (7) Any other function the Under Secretary determines 
     necessary.

     SEC. 406. POST-STORM SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENTS.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall continue to 
     perform one or more post-storm surveys and assessments 
     following every hazardous weather or water event determined 
     by the Under Secretary to be of sufficient societal 
     importance to warrant a post-event survey and assessment.
       (b) Coordination.--The Under Secretary shall coordinate 
     with Federal, State, local and Tribal governments, private 
     entities, and relevant institutions of higher education (or a 
     consortia thereof) when conducting post-storm surveys and 
     assessments under this section to optimize data collection, 
     sharing, integration, archiving, and access, as appropriate 
     for research needs.
       (c) Data Availability.--The Under Secretary shall make the 
     appropriate data obtained from each post-storm survey and 
     assessment conducted under this section available to the 
     public as soon as practicable after conducting each such 
     survey and assessment.
       (d) Improvement.--In carrying out this section, the Under 
     Secretary shall--
       (1) examine the role of uncrewed aerial and marine systems 
     in data collection during post-storm surveys and assessments 
     conducted under this section;
       (2) identify gaps in and update tactics and procedures to 
     enhance the efficiency and reliability of data obtained from 
     post-storm surveys and assessments;
       (3) to the maximum extent practicable, increase the number 
     of post-storm community impact studies, particularly among 
     under-observed, underserved, or highly vulnerable 
     populations, including--
       (A) surveying-individual responses;
       (B) conducting review of the accuracy of prior risk 
     evaluations;
       (C) evaluating the efficacy of prior mitigation activity; 
     and
       (D) gathering survivability statistics; and
       (4) as appropriate, integrate community-based, social, 
     behavioral, risk, communication, and economic sciences 
     elements into existing post-storm surveys and assessments, 
     including relating to efficacy of forecast and warning 
     information, barriers to action, and messaging challenges.
       (e) Support for Employees.--The Under Secretary shall 
     provide training, resources, and access to professional 
     counseling to support the emotional and mental health and 
     well-being of employees conducting post-storm surveys and 
     assessments under this section.
       (f) Exemption.--Subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, 
     United States Code, shall not apply to the collection of 
     information during the conduct of a survey or assessment 
     authorized under subsection (a).

     SEC. 407. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORT ON ALERT 
                   DISSEMINATION FOR HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER 
                   EVENTS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 540 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives a report that examines the information 
     technology infrastructure of the National Weather Service of 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
     specifically regarding the system for timely public 
     notification via alerts and updates regarding hazardous 
     weather or water events.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An analysis of the information technology 
     infrastructure of the National Weather Service, including 
     software and hardware capabilities and limitations, including 
     an examination of server and data storage methods, broadband, 
     data management, and data sharing.
       (2) An identification of secondary and tertiary fail-safes 
     for the timely distribution to the public of notifications 
     via alerts and updates regarding hazardous weather or water 
     events.
       (3) A process analysis to determine the source and extent 
     to which public notifications via alerts and updates 
     regarding hazardous weather or water events have been delayed 
     and an identification of possible improvements or corrective 
     measures to address latency in the notification process.
       (4) An assessment of whether collaboration with other 
     Federal offices, States, or private entities could reduce 
     delays in notifications to the public.
       (5) A description of actions being undertaken to better 
     identify critical steps in public notification via alerts and 
     updates for hazardous weather or water events that may be 
     vulnerable to disruption or failure in the event of 
     communication, technologic, or computational failure.
       (6) The geographical differences in availability and 
     effectiveness of rural systems, including an estimated number 
     of rural areas affected by unreliable or unavailable accurate 
     systems and barriers to obtain or upgrade such systems.

     SEC. 408. DATA COLLECTION MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION.

       (a) Data Collection.--The Under Secretary may collect 
     social, behavioral, and economic data, including Federal 
     communication and related public response to hazardous 
     weather or water events. Where appropriate, the Under 
     Secretary shall encourage use of secondary data, purchase 
     data, or partner with the private sector.
       (b) Data Management.--The Under Secretary shall establish a 
     central repository system for the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration for social, behavioral, and 
     economic data related to the communication of and related 
     public response to hazardous weather or water events, 
     including data developed or received pursuant to this title.
       (c) Protection of Data.--The Under Secretary shall ensure 
     that all data collected and managed by the Administration is 
     done within with all legal, regulatory, and contractual 
     obligations and in accordance with chapter 31 of title 44, 
     United States Code, and the Federal Evidence-Based 
     Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-435).
       (d) Digital Watermarking.--The Under Secretary shall 
     develop methods to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized 
     tampering with online public notifications of hazardous 
     weather or water events, such as developing digital 
     watermarks.
       (e) Policies and Procedures.--The Under Secretary shall 
     establish policies and procedures for the collection, 
     archiving, and stewardship of data on community response, 
     including the response of effected or vulnerable populations, 
     to hazardous weather or water events.

   TITLE V--IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER 
                               MANAGEMENT

     SEC. 501. WEATHER AND CLIMATE INFORMATION IN AGRICULTURE AND 
                   WATER MANAGEMENT.

       Section 1762 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (15 U.S.C. 
     8521) is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:
       ``(h) Subseasonal to Seasonal Forecasting Pilot Projects.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Under Secretary shall establish 
     not fewer than two pilot projects, in accordance with 
     paragraph (2), within the U.S. Weather Research Program of 
     the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research office of the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support improved 
     subseasonal to seasonal precipitation forecasts for the 
     following:
       ``(A) Water management in the western United States.
       ``(B) Agriculture in the central United States.
       ``(2) Objectives.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Under Secretary shall ensure the following:
       ``(A) A pilot project under subparagraph (A) of paragraph 
     (1) addresses key science challenges to improving forecasts 
     and developing related products for water management in the 
     western United States, including the following:
       ``(i) Improving operational model resolution, both 
     horizontal and vertical, to resolve issues associated with 
     mountainous terrain, such as intensity of precipitation and 
     relative fraction of rain versus snow precipitation.
       ``(ii) Improving fidelity in the operational modeling of 
     the atmospheric boundary layer in mountainous regions.
       ``(iii) Resolving challenges in predicting winter 
     atmospheric circulation and storm tracks, including periods 
     of blocked versus unblocked flow over the eastern North 
     Pacific Ocean and western United States.
       ``(iv) Utilizing outcomes from the Atmospheric Rivers 
     Forecast Improvement Program as authorized in section 204 of 
     the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 to produce 
     operational tools and services.
       ``(v) Improving the quality and temporal and spatial 
     resolution of observations and accurate operational modeling 
     of air-sea interactions, and the influence of oceans on 
     subseasonal and seasonal forecasting.
       ``(B) A pilot project under subparagraph (B) of paragraph 
     (1) addresses key science challenges to improving forecasts 
     and developing related products for agriculture in the 
     central United States, including the following:
       ``(i) Improving the quality and temporal and spatial 
     resolution of observations and accurate operational modeling 
     of the land surface and hydrologic cycle, including soil 
     moisture and flash drought processes.
       ``(ii) Improving fidelity in the operational modeling of 
     warm season precipitation processes.
       ``(iii) Understanding and predicting large-scale upper-
     level dynamical flow anomalies that occur in spring and 
     summer.

[[Page H2674]]

       ``(3) Activities.--A pilot project under this subsection 
     shall include activities that carry out the following:
       ``(A) Best implement recommendations of the National 
     Weather Service's 2020 Report, entitled `Subseasonal and 
     Seasonal Forecasting Innovation: Plans for the Twenty-First 
     Century'.
       ``(B) Achieve measurable objectives for operational 
     forecast improvement.
       ``(C) Engage with, and leverage the resources of, 
     institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001)), or a consortia thereof, and entities within the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in existence 
     as of the date of the enactment of this subsection, including 
     Regional Climate Centers and the National Centers for 
     Environmental Information.
       ``(D) Are carried out in coordination with the Assistant 
     Administrator for the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Research and the Director of the National Weather Service.
       ``(4) Sunset.--The authority under this subsection shall 
     terminate on the date that is five years after the date of 
     the enactment of this subsection.''; and
       (2) by amending subsection (j) to read as follows:
       ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated $45,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2024 through 2028 to carry out the activities under 
     this section.''.

     SEC. 502. NATIONAL INTEGRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION SYSTEM.

       (a) In General.--Section 3 of the National Integrated 
     Drought Information System Act of 2006 (15 U.S.C. 313d) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and'' after the 
     semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) incorporates flash drought research and tools to 
     enhance timely response;'';
       (B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (C) in paragraph (6)--
       (i) by inserting ``(including ecological drought)'' after 
     ``drought'' each place it appears; and
       (ii) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(7) advance and deploy next generation technologies 
     related to drought and related publicly available data, such 
     as monitoring, preparedness, and forecasting capabilities 
     utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and 
     cloud technologies; and
       ``(8) utilize observational networks, including the 
     National Weather Service cooperative observer program and 
     State or regional hydrological monitoring projects, and 
     refine drought indicators across a variety of spatial and 
     temporal scales for decision-support products by optimizing 
     data and resources from across the Federal Government, 
     including snowpack, soil moisture, groundwater, and rapid 
     intensification data.'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) in partnership with the National Mesonet Program, 
     establish memoranda of understanding to provide coordinated, 
     high-quality, nationwide drought information for the public 
     good, including integrated soil moisture information in 
     accordance with the 2021 report, `A Strategy for the National 
     Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network'.''; and
       (3) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
       ``(f) Modeling Update.--The Under Secretary, in partnership 
     with National Integrated Drought Information System and the 
     Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service, 
     shall undertake an effort to transition existing drought 
     products to probabilistic forecasts and incorporate new and 
     improved dynamical and statistical forecast modeling 
     tools.''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 4 of the 
     National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006 
     (15 U.S.C. 313d note) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``From amounts made available to Operations, Research, and 
     Facilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, there are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this section the following:
       ``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
       ``(2) $15,500,000 for fiscal year 2025.
       ``(3) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
       ``(4) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2027.
       ``(5) $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.

     SEC. 503. NATIONAL MESONET PROGRAM.

       (a) Program.--The Under Secretary shall maintain the 
     National Mesonet Program (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Program''). The Program shall--
       (1) obtain observations in all geographic environments to 
     improve understanding of and forecast capabilities for 
     atmospheric and water events, with a prioritization on 
     leveraging available commercial, academic, and other non-
     Federal environmental data to enhance coordination across the 
     private, public, and academic sectors of the United States 
     weather enterprise; and
       (2) establish memoranda of understanding with networks 
     outside of the scope of the Program.
       (b) Program Elements.--The Program shall carry out the 
     following activities:
       (1) Improve environmental observations used by the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National 
     Weather Service to support baseline forecasts, including 
     nowcasts, and warnings that protect the Nation's citizens, 
     businesses, military, and government agencies, and enable 
     such individuals and entities to operate in safe, efficient, 
     and orderly manners.
       (2) When demonstrably cost effective and meeting or 
     exceeding agency data quality standards, leverage existing 
     networks of environmental monitoring stations, including 
     supplemental radar systems, to increase the quantity and 
     density of environmental observations and data available to 
     the Administration.
       (3) Establish means to integrate greater density and type 
     of environmental observations into the Program on an annual 
     basis, including by encouraging local and regional networks 
     of environmental monitoring stations, in situ sensor networks 
     and satellite constellations to participate in the Program.
       (4) Yield increased quantities of boundary-layer data to 
     improve numerical weather prediction performance, including 
     regarding subseasonal to seasonal timescales.
       (5) Provide the critical technical and administrative 
     infrastructure needed to facilitate rapid integration and 
     sustained use of new and emerging networks of environmental 
     monitoring stations anticipated in coming years from non-
     Federal sources.
       (6) Expand and enhance environmental observational networks 
     in the roadway environment to provide real-time road weather 
     and surface conditions for surface transportation and related 
     economic sectors.
       (7) Identify available terrestrial or marine environmental 
     data, or quantifiable gaps in such data, to improve the 
     understanding of air-sea interactions.
       (8) Support the National Weather Service in reaching its 
     target of a 30-minute warning time for severe weather through 
     better predictive model algorithms driven by increasingly 
     effective observations.
       (9) Coordinate with existing Administration data used for 
     forecasts, including data from the National Environmental 
     Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the Integrated 
     Ocean Observing System, the Global Ocean Monitoring and 
     Observing Program, the National Data Buoy Center, and the 
     National Ocean Service.
       (10) Identify and communicate to the Office of Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Research and other partners priorities of 
     research and development needed to advance observations in 
     the Program.
       (11) Support the National Coordinated Soil Moisture 
     Monitoring Network in acquiring soil moisture and related 
     data to support the development of decision-support products 
     and other information services.
       (c) Financial and Technical Assistance.--
       (1) In general.--In furtherance of the Program, the Under 
     Secretary may, to the extent amounts are made available, 
     award up to 15 percent of the Program's annual appropriations 
     for financial assistance to State, Tribal, private, and 
     academic entities seeking to build, expand, or upgrade 
     equipment and capacity of mesonet systems. Financial 
     assistance under this subsection may be made in coordination 
     with and in addition to awards from other Federal agencies.
       (2) Agreements.--Before receiving financial assistance 
     under paragraph (1), the State, Tribal, private, or academic 
     entity seeking financial assistance under this subsection 
     shall enter into an agreement with the Under Secretary to 
     provide data to the Program, subject to verification by the 
     Program of the relative operational value and evaluation of 
     the cost of such data, for use in weather prediction, severe 
     weather warnings, and emergency response.
       (3) Assistance and other support.--The Under Secretary may 
     provide technical assistance, project implementation support, 
     and guidance to State, Tribal, private, and academic entities 
     seeking financial assistance under this subsection. The Under 
     Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance for 
     maintenance of monitoring stations in underrepresented or 
     remote areas of the country where it is financially 
     unfeasible for one entity to operate such stations without 
     such assistance.
       (4) Terms.--In providing financial assistance under this 
     subsection, the Under Secretary shall establish terms to 
     ensure that each State, Tribal, private, or academic entity 
     that receives financial assistance under this subsection 
     receives a level of Federal support commensurate with the 
     quality and other characteristics of the data to be provided.
       (5) Determination.--A State, Tribal, private, or academic 
     entity may receive financial assistance under this subsection 
     only if the Under Secretary determines such entity shall 
     provide sufficient non-Federal financial support and full 
     maintenance to maintain the quality of the mesonet system and 
     associated data standards required by the Program for a 
     period of not less than five years.
       (6) Priority.--The Under Secretary shall prioritize 
     providing assistance under paragraph (1) to at least one 
     entity in an underrepresented or remote area.
       (d) Advisory Committee.--
       (1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the 
     Program has an active advisory

[[Page H2675]]

     committee of subject matter experts to make recommendations 
     to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on the 
     identification, implementation, procurement, and tracking of 
     data needed to supplement the Program, and recommend 
     improvements, expansions, and acquisitions of available data. 
     The Under Secretary may designate an existing Federal 
     advisory committee, subcommittee, or working group, 
     including, if appropriate, the Science Advisory Board of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to carry out 
     this subsection.
       (2) Academic expertise.--The advisory committee under 
     paragraph (1), in consultation with the Program, shall 
     include expertise from one or more institutions of higher 
     education (as such term is defined in section 101 of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) to assist the 
     advisory committee to identify, evaluate, and recommend 
     potential partnerships, regional or subregional consortia, 
     and collaborative methods that would expand the number of 
     participants and volume of data in the Program.
       (e) Regular Reporting.--The Under Secretary shall provide 
     regular briefings, not less than twice annually, to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate on all Program activities. Such 
     briefings shall include information relating to the 
     following:
       (1) Efforts to implement the activities described in 
     subsection (b).
       (2) Any financial or technical assistance provided pursuant 
     to subsection (c).
       (3) Efforts to address recommendations received from the 
     advisory committee under subsection (d).
       (4) The potential need and associated benefits of a coastal 
     and ocean mesonet, or other emerging areas of weather data 
     needs.
       (5) Progress toward eliminating gaps in weather observation 
     data by States and regions of the United States.
       (6) Any other topic the Under Secretary determines 
     relevant.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts made 
     available to the National Weather Service, the Under 
     Secretary, to carry out this section, shall allocate up to 
     the following amounts for each specified fiscal year:
       (1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
       (2) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
       (3) $61,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
       (4) $68,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
       (5) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.

     SEC. 504. NATIONAL COORDINATED SOIL MOISTURE MONITORING 
                   NETWORK.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with 
     the Secretary of Agriculture, the Director of the United 
     States Geological Survey, the Administrator of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the heads of other 
     relevant Federal agencies and departments, shall support the 
     development, deployment, and maintenance of soil moisture 
     monitoring networks by managing the National Coordinated Soil 
     Moisture Monitoring Network (in this section referred to as 
     the ``Network'') within the National Integrated Drought 
     Information System.
       (b) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the 
     Network includes activities that carry out the following:
       (1) Establishing a visible, user-friendly website.
       (2) Developing a set of criteria for high-quality data 
     sources.
       (3) Supporting research necessary to develop or improve 
     soil moisture monitoring products at a national scale.
       (4) Increasing the number of long-term, high-quality, in 
     situ and remote sensing soil moisture monitoring stations 
     across the United States.
       (5) Sharing methodologies and validation protocols with the 
     private sector.
       (6) Engaging with the citizen science community.
       (7) Developing, releasing, and promoting new, nationwide 
     point-based and gridded soil moisture data products that meet 
     the needs of diverse end-user groups.
       (8) Supporting community building and outreach to the 
     network of individuals engaged with soil moisture information 
     delivery, from data provision to end-user decision making.

     SEC. 505. NATIONAL WATER CENTER.

       Section 301 of the Coordinated Ocean Observations and 
     Research Act of 2020 (42 U.S.C. 10371) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``as a 
     component of the National Centers for Environmental 
     Prediction'' after ``center'';
       (ii) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iii) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following new clause:
       ``(iii) to provide service backup capabilities and 
     additional mission support services for River Forecast 
     Centers.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following 
     new subparagraph:
       ``(F) Serving as the primary Center for collaboration and 
     coordination of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration's water research and operational activities 
     with existing Federal centers and networks, including the 
     Department of Agriculture, the Army Corps of Engineers, the 
     Bureau of Reclamation, the United States Geological Survey, 
     and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and redesignating 
     subsections (c) through (e) as subsections (b) through (d) 
     respectively; and
       (3) by amending subsection (c), as so redesignated, to read 
     as follows:
       ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated $46,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 
     through 2028 to carry out this section.''.

     SEC. 506. SATELLITE TRANSFERS REPORT.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Commerce 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 describing the 
     Department of Commerce's authorities, policies, and Federal 
     Government-wide policies related to transferring any portion 
     of the weather satellite systems operated by the Department 
     of Commerce to any other Federal department or agency. The 
     report shall also include the following:
       (1) A description of the process for decommissioning a 
     Department of Commerce operational weather satellite, any 
     existing agreements related to transfers of weather 
     satellites, whether decommissioned or not, and any 
     reimbursable agreements related to the transfer of physical 
     property or the operation of Department of Commerce weather 
     satellites on behalf of any other Federal department or 
     agency.
       (2) A summary of any Department of Commerce plans for 
     potential transfer of existing or future weather satellite 
     systems to any other Federal department or agency.

     SEC. 507. PRECIPITATION FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Title VI of the Weather Research and 
     Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501 et seq.) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 603 as section 604; and
       (2) by inserting after section 602 the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC. 603. PRECIPITATION FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration 
     with the United States weather industry, other Federal 
     agencies, and academic partners, shall maintain a program to 
     improve precipitation forecasting across timescales.
       ``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) 
     shall be to provide more accurate, reliable, and timely 
     precipitation forecasts across timescales through the 
     development and application of a fully coupled Earth system 
     prediction model in order to reduce the loss of life or 
     property related to precipitation extremes, with a focus on 
     the following:
       ``(1) Improving the understanding and prediction of 
     precipitation extremes from a variety of weather systems, 
     including atmospheric rivers.
       ``(2) Evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate, 
     innovative observations into operational monitoring and 
     forecast systems to improve precipitation forecasts.
       ``(3) Improving earth system model predictions of 
     precipitation extremes from atmospheric rivers, tropical 
     cyclones, summer-time thunderstorms, winter storms, and other 
     phenomena, in coordination with relevant programs.
       ``(4) Enhancing research transition to operations through 
     testbeds, including the evaluation of physical and social 
     science, technology, and other research to develop products 
     and services for implementation and use by relevant 
     stakeholders.
       ``(5) Incorporating social, behavioral, and economic 
     sciences best practices into operations for more effective 
     and actionable watch and warning products that help drive 
     public safety and damage mitigation decisions in coordination 
     with the programs established in accordance with this Act.
       ``(6) Ensuring data and metadata management processes are 
     in place to support data access and archive for long term 
     research and operations among multiple partners.
       ``(c) Activities.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall support research-
     to-operations work, including relating to the following:
       ``(1) Implementing key strategies and following priorities 
     and objectives outlined by the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration's `Precipitation Prediction Grand 
     Challenge Strategy'.
       ``(2) Improving the physical science, operational modeling 
     and tools, and technology related to better forecasting 
     precipitation extremes across timescales.
       ``(3) Improving the social, behavioral, risk, 
     communications, and economic sciences related to 
     vulnerabilities, risk communication, and delivery of 
     information critical for reducing the loss of life or 
     property related to extreme precipitation.
       ``(4) Conducting the research necessary to develop and 
     deploy probabilistic weather forecast guidance technology 
     relating to precipitation extremes in operational practice.
       ``(5) Enhancing the operational capacity of the National 
     Weather Service to deliver decision support for increasing 
     precipitation extremes.
       ``(6) Expanding computational resources to improve 
     precipitation modeling.
       ``(d) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less 
     frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed 
     budget

[[Page H2676]]

     corresponding with carrying out this section.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act 
     of 2017 is amended by striking the item relating to section 
     603 and inserting the following new items:

``Sec. 603. Precipitation forecast improvement program.
``Sec. 604. Definitions.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) and the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Lee) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H.R. 6093, the bill now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Oklahoma?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6093, the Weather Research and 
Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2023, simply known as the 
Weather Act Reauthorization Act.
  In 2017, I was proud to lead the first comprehensive weather 
authorization in 25 years that resulted in the original Weather Act 
being signed into law. The bill we are considering today, the Weather 
Act Reauthorization Act, builds on previous accomplishments and makes 
further advancements in weather forecasting and prediction of high-
impact weather events. It will undoubtedly save the lives of citizens 
across our country.
  In the simplest of terms: the Weather Act Reauthorization Act gives 
Americans better forecasts.
  What that means and how it is accomplished through this bill is so 
much more than what meets the eye.
  This bill improves the hurricane forecast accuracy and the tornado 
warning lead time that started under the Weather Act through the 
continuation of successful research programs. It also supports cutting-
edge forecasting by establishing new research and development programs 
related to the next generation of radar, atmospheric rivers, coastal 
flooding, storm surges, aviation weather, and more.
  The Weather Act Reauthorization Act increases NOAA's access to 
critical forecasting data by expanding its authority to contract with 
the private sector to acquire commercial weather data and codifying the 
Commercial Data Program to lead this work. Again, building on what we 
started in 2017, NOAA will have more flexibility to purchase high-
quality data from trusted and verified industry partners instead of 
building out expensive observation systems and satellite networks.
  The Weather Act Reauthorization Act also ensures all this research 
and progress doesn't result in overly complex products the public can't 
understand. This bill strengthens the emergency preparedness of every 
community by improving the communication of weather and water events to 
the public. This ensures all Americans understand watches, warnings, 
emergency information, and exactly how to respond.
  This bill also provides farmers and ranchers with better tools and 
services for agriculture and water management, including improvements 
in subseasonal and seasonal research and forecasting. As perhaps the 
most weather-dependent sector in our country, the agriculture industry 
needs accurate forecasts for efficient crop planting and timely harvest 
cycles because at the end of the day, this is what feeds and clothes 
our country.
  Finally, the Weather Act Reauthorization Act authorizes the 
continuation of key public tools, including the National Integrated 
Drought Information System, the National Mesonet Program, and the 
National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network. NOAA is, after 
all, a taxpayer-funded agency; therefore, it should continue to invest 
in tools that benefit the taxpayers.
  It is clear this bill is not a one-trick pony and will accomplish 
many things, so it should come as no surprise to hear the widespread 
support we have received. Mr. Speaker, 63 Republican and Democrat 
Members have cosponsored bills that appear in this package. It has 
letters of support from 50 stakeholders, representing groups as diverse 
as recreational fishers to two-way radio suppliers. It is a bipartisan 
bill with 29 cosponsors on both sides of the aisle.
  The Weather Act Reauthorization Act ensures NOAA is modern and 
reliable, which will secure the United States' global leadership in 
weather forecasting, modeling, and prediction.
  More importantly, the Weather Act Reauthorization Act ensures NOAA's 
services equip Americans with timely warnings and support, providing 
additional lifesaving resources to communities across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my partner in this effort, Ranking Member Zoe 
Lofgren, who has been essential in continuing the bipartisan successes 
of the Science Committee in this Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. LEE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6093.
  Sadly, this year is expected to set yet another record for global 
temperatures according to the World Meteorological Organization.
  Last year, the U.S. experienced 28 separate extreme weather and 
climate disasters costing more than $1 billion each, surpassing the 
previous record set in 2020.
  Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity 
of severe storms. Just 2 weeks ago, Pittsburgh was inundated by a 
severe storm that flooded many parts of the area. Daily rainfall 
records for the Pittsburgh area were shattered, and there were numerous 
road closures and water rescues across Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 
which I represent.
  The science is clear. The need to act cannot be ignored. As we adapt 
to this unfortunate new norm of severe weather events, our forecasting 
capabilities and preparedness must substantially improve.

                              {time}  1730

  H.R. 6093 will build upon the bipartisan 2017 Weather Research and 
Forecasting Innovation Act that led to critical research and 
advancements in weather and climate forecasting. This bill before us 
today will support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
in continuing to improve research, development, dissemination, and 
communication of environmental forecasts, warnings, and information. We 
must ensure that NOAA has access to every tool to improve the accuracy 
and timeliness of weather and climate information to effectively meet 
its mission in protecting people, property, and the economy.
  Specifically, this bill modifies and extends key weather and climate 
research programs for hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, drought, and 
harmful algal blooms. It also establishes and codifies new forecasting 
improvement programs for precipitation, atmospheric rivers, and coastal 
flooding, including storm surges. Additionally, the bill authorizes 
NOAA to expand its partnership with private industry in gathering more 
data while solidifying its own role as the driver of the enterprise and 
leverages the use of artificial intelligence to meet its mission.
  Necessary improvements in data assimilation will be made so that our 
weather models continue to be the gold standard. While the improvement 
of all severe weather-related research programs is necessary, the 
communication of the information is also a key element to an effective 
forecast.
  Under-observed, underserved, and highly vulnerable communities are 
disproportionately affected by severe weather and climate events. To 
better serve these communities, we must determine how to best 
communicate important weather and climate information. Understanding 
how the public receives, interprets, responds to, and values severe 
weather information is necessary to produce better forecasts and 
warnings. This bill aims to accomplish this by expanding NOAA's social, 
behavioral, and economic science research program to simplify and 
improve the communication of hazardous weather.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Lofgren for 
their diligent work and cooperation

[[Page H2677]]

on this important legislation, and also many of my colleagues who made 
significant contributions to this excellent piece of legislation. I 
strongly support this sensible, bipartisan bill, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice) to speak on the bill.
  Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Weather Act 
Reauthorization Act.
  Over the weekend, we saw the terrible effects that weather can have 
on our communities and States. Throughout the heartland, there were 
more than 50 confirmed tornadoes, which left many injured and, sadly, 
took the lives of four Oklahomans. This is why the Weather Act 
Reauthorization Act is so important.
  We must ensure that Americans have the resources they need when 
critical weather events strike. This includes having access to accurate 
weather forecasting and other necessary resources to protect life and 
property.
  I was pleased to see that my legislation, the NOAA Weather Radio 
Modernization Act, the National Mesonet Authorization Act, and the WING 
Act were included in this package.
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio 
Modernization Act will help save lives by updating our emergency alert 
system. Specifically, it paves the way for future development and 
provides fail-safe options so that the national weather radio is never 
down for an extended period and that outages will be less frequent. 
Over the weekend, there were issues with receiving and transmitting 
alerts from the national weather radio. My bill will help address the 
aging infrastructure in these systems and prevent outages like these 
from occurring in the future.
  The National Mesonet Authorization Act will work to increase the 
overall coverage and accuracy of the National Mesonet Program, which 
provides reliable, real-time data and observations for weather 
prediction, severe weather warnings, and emergency response.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lucas for his leadership on this 
legislation and for his focus on protecting Oklahomans. I urge my 
colleagues to support the legislation.
  Ms. LEE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Frost).
  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the reauthorization 
of the Weather Act. Since its passage in 2017, the Weather Act has been 
the driving force behind faster and more precise hurricane and tornado 
forecasting.
  This reauthorization will build upon that research by updating 
existing projects and adding new project programs focused on coastal 
flooding, storm surge, and improving weather radar. I am also proud 
that included in this package is my bipartisan bill, the Fixing Gaps in 
Hurricane Preparedness Act, co-led by my colleague from Florida, 
Congressman   Daniel Webster.
  Congressman Webster and I know that we need to do more to keep our 
people and most at-risk communities safe during extreme weather events 
that due to the climate crisis are continuing and happening more often 
in Florida and across the entire country.
  Our bill works to better protect the lives of seniors, folks with 
disabilities, and non-English speakers during hurricanes. Our bill 
instructs NOAA to evaluate the level of people's preparedness for 
hurricane-prone areas; better understand how at-risk populations 
receive, interpret, and react to emergency notifications, including 
seniors, people with disabilities, communities with language barriers, 
and rural, suburban, and urban populations; and, finally, examine the 
unique risks for areas with large senior populations, like retirement 
communities, before, during, and after a hurricane.
  This bill was inspired by devastating national data and conversations 
with my own constituents in central Florida who have experienced some 
of the worst storms that our State has ever seen. Floridians speak to 
me about living in neighborhoods that quickly flood, confusing 
messaging from the media on whether they should evacuate or not, and 
alerts that are usually just in English or Spanish.

  While inspired by the needs of our constituents, this bill will help 
folks far beyond just the State of Florida. When these storms come, 
people with disabilities must undergo evacuations at far greater rates 
than others, yet folks have told me that they feel like an afterthought 
when it comes down to the accommodations.
  Folks with disabilities and seniors oftentimes get stuck without 
electricity. As a result, seniors are most likely to die during a 
hurricane, making up two-thirds of the deaths from Hurricane Katrina, 
Florence, and Ian.
  As part of the Weather Act, the Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness 
Act will save lives, reduce fear, and help Floridians and Americans. I 
urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this critical legislative 
package.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr.  Mike Garcia) to speak on the bill.
  Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lucas 
for introducing the reauthorization of the Weather Act, which includes 
my bill, the Improving Atmospheric River Forecasting Act.
  In my home State of California, we can experience devastating 
flooding, wildfires, and droughts all in the same year, if not in the 
same season. Needless to say, we have learned the value of being well 
prepared. These past two winters, we have experienced a new threat 
called atmospheric rivers. This past winter, 51 atmospheric rivers hit 
California, dumping trillions of gallons of water on us, causing 
flooding and damage to homes and businesses.
  It is clear that we need to do more to improve our predictive 
capabilities to give emergency coordinators as much of a heads-up as 
possible. We also need to make sure that we are taking advantage of 
this free water as much as possible. The problem in California isn't 
that we don't have enough water, it is that we don't retain enough of 
it. We don't have enough storage, we don't have enough capacity, and we 
don't plan appropriately based on the predictions.
  The L.A. Times recently reported that nearly 95 percent of the water 
from the atmospheric rivers this last year flowed back into the ocean. 
That is trillions of gallons of free water that could have been stored 
for dry seasons. It is clear that Sacramento isn't going to build more 
storage any time soon, so we need to be investing in infrastructure we 
already have and improve the efficiency of our reservoirs.
  That is why my bill increases research into what is called Forecast 
Informed Reservoir Operations. If we can give water managers a heads-up 
that these storms are coming, they can prepare reservoirs to capture 
the water, helping us fight off droughts when the dry seasons come.
  We got lucky this last time; we got so much water that even 
California's terrible water policies weren't enough to keep us in a 
prolonged drought. We can't keep relying on luck, and we can't wait 
around for Sacramento to get its act together. If there was a zombie 
apocalypse in Sacramento, Mr. Speaker, even the zombies would die 
because there are not enough brains in our State's capital right now 
when it comes to water policies, and this goes a long way in helping 
them. We need improved prediction of atmospheric rivers moving forward, 
and that is what this bill does.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.
  Ms. LEE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. DelBene).
  Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Weather Act 
Reauthorization Act.
  For the past 3 years, the National Landslide Preparedness Act has 
been providing communities with the tools and resources that they need 
to reduce the potential devastation of landslides.
  Washington State knows this pain too well. A decade ago, the single 
deadliest landslide in U.S. history destroyed a community between Oso 
and Darrington and took 43 lives in mere minutes. I knew in the 
aftermath of that that we have to do more to prevent future natural 
disasters from becoming national tragedies.
  The landslide law I championed is doing exactly that. The programs 
established by the law are increasing preparedness and improving 
mapping data so communities understand where vulnerabilities exist. We 
cannot let these programs expire when they are just getting up and 
running.

[[Page H2678]]

  The landslide law passed this Chamber without opposition in 2020 
because every State in this country has some form of landslide risk. 
Each year, landslides kill between 20 and 50 people and cause over $3 
billion in damage.
  With a changing climate and more unpredictable weather, landslide 
risks are only going to grow more frequent, more dangerous, and more 
costly. I urge my colleagues to support the Weather Act Reauthorization 
Act, which includes my legislation that extends these programs.
  I also thank Congresswomen Schrier and Gluesenkamp Perez along with 
Senators Cantwell and Murkowski for their support in reauthorizing the 
landslide law.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Baird) to speak on the bill.
  Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and for all 
the work that we did in the committee to include my bill, the 
Precipitation Forecasting for Agriculture Act in the Weather Act's 
reauthorization.
  The Precipitation Forecasting for Agriculture Act is a simple piece 
of legislation. This bill simply directs the United States Weather 
Research Program to study seasonal precipitation forecasts for 
agriculture.
  Hoosier farmers rely on accurate forecasts to determine whether or 
not their farms will have rain needed for their crops. This bill 
supports that basic need through a collaboration between the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and our universities to create 
measurable objectives in forecasting improvement.

  This study will address the scientific challenges to improving 
precipitation forecasting by enacting the National Weather Service's 
recommendations for subseasonal and seasonal forecasting innovation in 
the 21st century.
  These recommendations will enable the Indiana State Climate Office at 
Purdue University to produce operational models for land surfaces, soil 
moisture, and flash drought processes. Our farmers need the most 
accurate data available to guarantee a successful harvest. That is why 
I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Ms. LEE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jackson).
  Mr. JACKSON of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the week after I was 
elected to Congress, a group of meteorologists from my district got in 
touch with me, and they taught me something I didn't know, which is 
that my district, which is the Charlotte area, is in the largest 
weather radar gap in the country.
  Our nearest NEXRAD radar is roughly 100 miles away, which makes it 
very difficult to have accurate forecasts for especially low-altitude 
storms and fast-moving tornadoes, so at the request of these 
meteorologists, our office got to work on a piece of legislation to 
address this. I am very grateful that it has been included in this 
bill. It would address this by asking NOAA to have a plan to implement 
the next generation of weather radar and specifically to prioritize 
districts, like mine, that currently exist in these blind spots, in 
these weather radar gaps.
  This legislation isn't going to just help solve this problem, but it 
is going to identify a number of these spots across the country and 
prioritize those to make sure that we have accurate forecasts across 
the country.
  I am very grateful for its inclusion, and I ask all of my colleagues 
to join me in supporting it.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. McCormick) to speak on the bill.
  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6093, the 
Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023. The Weather Act 
Reauthorization Act is sensible legislation that will strengthen the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasting 
capabilities and elevate the U.S. Weather Enterprise, greatly 
benefiting communities across the country.

                              {time}  1745

  As a former helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps, I know firsthand 
the consideration you must give to the weather before taking to the 
skies. Fog, high winds, turbulence, thunderstorms, ice, and snow are 
all routine weather occurrences that can impact commercial and 
recreational flights, as well as ground crew operations and maintenance 
tasks.
  Additionally, I think every Member of Congress here and many of our 
constituents have experienced some type of flight delay or turbulence 
in the last 6 months, as weather volatility is a consistent threat to 
travel plans.
  That is why I introduced H.R. 3915, the Aviation Weather Improvement 
Act, which has been included in this larger legislative package.
  This bill will improve all aspects of aviation weather forecasting 
and prediction by authorizing the National Weather Service to acquire 
readily available commercial data and partner with the U.S. weather 
enterprise to deploy critical atmospheric sensors.
  In addition to authorizing this public-private partnership on weather 
data, H.R. 3915 also has an explicit focus on improving turbulence 
forecasting and modeling.
  The Aviation Weather Improvement Act codifies the inclusion of 
turbulence events or phenomena in the operation forecasting 
capabilities of the Aviation Weather Center. This will ensure that 
recreational and commercial pilots have a definitive and accurate 
source for turbulence information that can inform route-specific flight 
planning.
  Put simply, my bill will lower the over 5,000 flights per year that 
encounter severe turbulence, as well as make a dent in the 30 percent 
of annual delays caused by weather.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Lofgren, and my 
colleagues on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee for 
supporting the efforts of all the Members who contributed to this 
important Weather Act Reauthorization Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Kean) to speak on the bill.
  Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
6093, the Weather Act Reauthorization Act, introduced by Chairman Lucas 
and Ranking Member Lofgren. I thank the chairman and ranking member for 
including my bill, H.R. 4069, the Protecting Coasts and Cities from 
Severe Weather Act, in the overall package.
  With the Weather Act Reauthorization Act and my legislation, we are 
modernizing critical research programs to address weather observation 
gaps in highly vulnerable areas, which will improve our ability to 
protect lives and property from disasters and allow NOAA to continue 
developing cutting-edge research and development.
  As we have seen from the first comprehensive Weather Act, investing 
in advanced weather research and forecasting technologies is crucial 
for mitigating the risks posed by extreme weather events.
  By expanding NOAA's authority to acquire commercial weather data, we 
are not only improving the efficiency of weather data acquisition but 
also fostering innovation in the private sector.
  These measures underscore our commitment to protecting the safety and 
well-being of the people of New Jersey, ensuring that they have the 
information and resources needed to withstand and recover from weather-
related disasters.
  This bill establishes new programs to improve forecasting models for 
weather phenomena like atmospheric rivers and coastal flooding, 
directly benefiting the residents of New Jersey's coastal areas. This 
will lead to more reliable forecasts and better emergency preparedness 
measures for the people back home in New Jersey.
  Mr. Speaker, the Weather Act Reauthorization Act is about empowering 
individuals and communities with the tools they need to mitigate the 
risks of severe weather events. I encourage my colleagues to support 
this impactful legislation.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa 
(Mr. Feenstra) to speak on the bill.
  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lucas for yielding.
  This past Friday, horrible tornadoes struck parts of my district in 
southwest Iowa. Minden, Iowa, a community of approximately 600, felt 
the worst of these storms. Roughly 180 homes and businesses were either 
devastated or destroyed, and a community member, sadly, passed away.

[[Page H2679]]

  Even in our grief, Iowans are resilient. These tornadoes are a tragic 
reminder that we need to use every tool available to keep our 
communities safe.
  I am glad that two of my bills are part of this package. My bills 
help ensure that our weather radar can better detect serious storms, 
especially low-hanging tornadoes, and the National Weather Service can 
disseminate information more quickly.
  These reforms will save lives, keep Iowans informed, and deliver 
accurate and timely updates during storms.
  When it comes to severe weather, seconds can make the difference 
between life and death. That is why I urge my colleagues to support 
this legislation so that we can protect our families and our 
communities.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Oklahoma has 5\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Obernolte) to speak on the bill.
  Mr. OBERNOLTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 
reauthorization of the Weather Act.
  This bill includes, in section 115, my legislation to also 
reauthorize the National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program. This is a 
critically important program for reducing landslide hazards in the 
United States that will, absent reauthorization, expire at the end of 
this year.

  It is a little-known fact that landslides cause over a billion 
dollars in property damage every year in the United States, as well as 
costing countless lives. This is particularly true in my district in 
southern California.
  My district has experienced substantial wildfire damage in the last 
several years, and last August, we experienced the first tropical storm 
in 83 years in California. This resulted in the liquefaction of the 
soil beneath the burn scars in the San Bernardino Mountains. The 
resulting landslides erased an entire community. Houses were uprooted 
and displaced, and many residents were trapped and had to be lifted by 
helicopter to safety.
  Mr. Speaker, the National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program is a 
critical program for identifying hazards that exist with landslides and 
improving coordination with local emergency responders and agencies to 
make sure that those hazards are addressed.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lucas and my colleagues on the Science, 
Space, and Technology and the Natural Resources Committees for 
including my legislation in the Weather Act Reauthorization Act, and I 
urge its adoption.
  Ms. LEE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the Democratic staff who were the 
driving force behind this bill: Kristi Parrott, Noah Hunt, and Dahlia 
Sokolov. I thank them for their work on this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6093, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Again, I express my sincere thanks to Ranking Member Lofgren for her 
willingness to work together on this critical issue. I also thank the 
29 bipartisan cosponsors, along with the 63 Members who contributed 
language found in this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting the 
Weather Act Reauthorization Act, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 6093, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________