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[115th Congress Public Law 25]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

[[Page 131 STAT. 91]]

Public Law 115-25
115th Congress

                                 An Act

 
To improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather 
   research through a focused program of investment on affordable and 
     attainable advances in observational, computing, and modeling 
 capabilities to support substantial improvement in weather forecasting 
   and prediction of high impact weather events, to expand commercial 
     opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other 
            purposes. <<NOTE: Apr. 18, 2017 -  [H.R. 353]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Weather Research 
and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.>> 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) <<NOTE: 15 USC 8501 note.>>  Short Title.--This Act may be cited 
as the ``Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017''.

    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

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

   TITLE I--UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT

Sec. 101. Public safety priority.
Sec. 102. Weather research and forecasting innovation.
Sec. 103. Tornado warning improvement and extension program.
Sec. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program.
Sec. 105. Weather research and development planning.
Sec. 106. Observing system planning.
Sec. 107. Observing system simulation experiments.
Sec. 108. Annual report on computing resources prioritization.
Sec. 109. United States Weather Research program.
Sec. 110. Authorization of appropriations.

        TITLE II--SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTING INNOVATION

Sec. 201. Improving subseasonal and seasonal forecasts.

            TITLE III--WEATHER SATELLITE AND DATA INNOVATION

Sec. 301. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite and 
           data management.
Sec. 302. Commercial weather data.
Sec. 303. Unnecessary duplication.

                 TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION

Sec. 401. Environmental Information Services Working Group.
Sec. 402. Interagency weather research and forecast innovation 
           coordination.
Sec. 403. Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National 
           Weather Service exchange program.
Sec. 404. Visiting fellows at National Weather Service.
Sec. 405. Warning coordination meteorologists at weather forecast 
           offices of National Weather Service.
Sec. 406. Improving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
           communication of hazardous weather and water events.
Sec. 407. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready 
           All Hazards Award Program.

[[Page 131 STAT. 92]]

Sec. 408. Department of Defense weather forecasting activities.
Sec. 409. National Weather Service; operations and workforce analysis.
Sec. 410. Report on contract positions at National Weather Service.
Sec. 411. Weather impacts to communities and infrastructure.
Sec. 412. Weather enterprise outreach.
Sec. 413. Hurricane hunter aircraft.
Sec. 414. Study on gaps in NEXRAD coverage and recommendations to 
           address such gaps.

      TITLE V--TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2017

Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. References to the Tsunami Warning and Education Act.
Sec. 503. Expansion of purposes of Tsunami Warning and Education Act.
Sec. 504. Modification of tsunami forecasting and warning program.
Sec. 505. Modification of national tsunami hazard mitigation program.
Sec. 506. Modification of tsunami research program.
Sec. 507. Global tsunami warning and mitigation network.
Sec. 508. Tsunami science and technology advisory panel.
Sec. 509. Reports.
Sec. 510. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 511. Outreach responsibilities.
Sec. 512. Repeal of duplicate provisions of law.

SEC. 2. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8501.>>  DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Seasonal.--The term ``seasonal'' means the time range 
        between 3 months and 2 years.
            (2) State.--The term ``State'' means a State, a territory, 
        or possession of the United States, including a Commonwealth, or 
        the District of Columbia.
            (3) Subseasonal.--The term ``subseasonal'' means the time 
        range between 2 weeks and 3 months.
            (4) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means the 
        Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
            (5) Weather industry and weather enterprise.--The terms 
        ``weather industry'' and ``weather enterprise'' are 
        interchangeable in this Act, and include individuals and 
        organizations from public, private, and academic sectors that 
        contribute to the research, development, and production of 
        weather forecast products, and primary consumers of these 
        weather forecast products.

   TITLE I--UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT

SEC. 101. <<NOTE: 15 USC 85011.>>  PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.

    In conducting research, the Under Secretary shall prioritize 
improving weather data, modeling, computing, forecasting, and warnings 
for the protection of life and property and for the enhancement of the 
national economy.
SEC. 102. <<NOTE: 15 USC 85012.>>  WEATHER RESEARCH AND 
                        FORECASTING INNOVATION.

    (a) Program.--The Assistant Administrator for the Office of Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Research shall conduct a program to develop improved 
understanding of and forecast capabilities for atmospheric events and 
their impacts, placing priority on developing more accurate, timely, and 
effective warnings and forecasts of high impact weather events that 
endanger life and property.
    (b) Program Elements.--The program described in subsection (a) shall 
focus on the following activities:

[[Page 131 STAT. 93]]

            (1) Improving the fundamental understanding of weather 
        consistent with section 101, including the boundary layer and 
        other processes affecting high impact weather events.
            (2) Improving the understanding of how the public receives, 
        interprets, and responds to warnings and forecasts of high 
        impact weather events that endanger life and property.
            (3) Research and development, and transfer of knowledge, 
        technologies, and applications to the National Weather Service 
        and other appropriate agencies and entities, including the 
        United States weather industry and academic partners, related 
        to--
                    (A) advanced radar, radar networking technologies, 
                and other ground-based technologies, including those 
                emphasizing rapid, fine-scale sensing of the boundary 
                layer and lower troposphere, and the use of innovative, 
                dual-polarization, phased-array technologies;
                    (B) aerial weather observing systems;
                    (C) high performance computing and information 
                technology and wireless communication networks;
                    (D) advanced numerical weather prediction systems 
                and forecasting tools and techniques that improve the 
                forecasting of timing, track, intensity, and severity of 
                high impact weather, including through--
                          (i) the development of more effective 
                      mesoscale models;
                          (ii) more effective use of existing, and the 
                      development of new, regional and national cloud-
                      resolving models;
                          (iii) enhanced global weather models; and
                          (iv) integrated assessment models;
                    (E) quantitative assessment tools for measuring the 
                impact and value of data and observing systems, 
                including Observing System Simulation Experiments (as 
                described in section 107), Observing System Experiments, 
                and Analyses of Alternatives;
                    (F) atmospheric chemistry and interactions essential 
                to accurately characterizing atmospheric composition and 
                predicting meteorological processes, including cloud 
                microphysical, precipitation, and atmospheric 
                electrification processes, to more effectively 
                understand their role in severe weather; and
                    (G) additional sources of weather data and 
                information, including commercial observing systems.
            (4) A technology transfer initiative, carried out jointly 
        and in coordination with the Director of the National Weather 
        Service, and in cooperation with the United States weather 
        industry and academic partners, to ensure continuous development 
        and transition of the latest scientific and technological 
        advances into operations of the National Weather Service and to 
        establish a process to sunset outdated and expensive operational 
        methods and tools to enable cost-effective transfer of new 
        methods and tools into operations.

    (c) Extramural Research.--
            (1) <<NOTE: Collaboration.>>  In general.--In carrying out 
        the program under this section, the Assistant Administrator for 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall collaborate with and 
        support the non-Federal weather research community, which 
        includes

[[Page 131 STAT. 94]]

        institutions of higher education, private entities, and 
        nongovernmental organizations, by making funds available through 
        competitive grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
            (2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that not 
        less than 30 percent of the funds for weather research and 
        development at the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research 
        should be made available for the purpose described in paragraph 
        (1).

    (d) Annual Report.--Each year, concurrent with the annual budget 
request submitted by the President to Congress under section 1105 of 
title 31, United States Code, for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
description of current and planned activities under this section.
SEC. 103. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8513.>>  TORNADO WARNING IMPROVEMENT AND 
                        EXTENSION PROGRAM.

    (a) <<NOTE: Collaboration.>>  In General.--The Under Secretary, in 
collaboration with the United States weather industry and academic 
partners, shall establish a tornado warning improvement and extension 
program.

    (b) Goal.--The goal of such program shall be to reduce the loss of 
life and economic losses from tornadoes through the development and 
extension of accurate, effective, and timely tornado forecasts, 
predictions, and warnings, including the prediction of tornadoes beyond 
1 hour in advance.
    (c) <<NOTE: Deadline. Coordination.>>  Program Plan.--Not later than 
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant 
Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, in coordination with 
the Director of the National Weather Service, shall develop a program 
plan that details the specific research, development, and technology 
transfer activities, as well as corresponding resources and timelines, 
necessary to achieve the program goal.

    (d) <<NOTE: Coordination.>>  Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--
Following completion of the plan, the Under Secretary, acting through 
the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and in 
coordination with the Director of the National Weather Service, shall, 
not less frequently than once each year, submit to Congress a proposed 
budget corresponding with the activities identified in the plan.
SEC. 104. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8514.>>  HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT 
                        PROGRAM.

    (a) <<NOTE: Collaboration.>>  In General.--The Under Secretary, in 
collaboration with the United States weather industry and such academic 
entities as the Administrator considers appropriate, shall maintain a 
project to improve hurricane forecasting.

    (b) Goal.--The goal of the project maintained under subsection (a) 
shall be to develop and extend accurate hurricane forecasts and warnings 
in order to reduce loss of life, injury, and damage to the economy, with 
a focus on--
            (1) improving the prediction of rapid intensification and 
        track of hurricanes;
            (2) improving the forecast and communication of storm surges 
        from hurricanes; and
            (3) incorporating risk communication research to create more 
        effective watch and warning products.

    (c) <<NOTE: Deadline. Consultation.>>  Project Plan.--Not later than 
1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, 
acting through the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Research

[[Page 131 STAT. 95]]

and in consultation with the Director of the National Weather Service, 
shall develop a plan for the project maintained under subsection (a) 
that details the specific research, development, and technology transfer 
activities, as well as corresponding resources and timelines, necessary 
to achieve the goal set forth in subsection (b).
SEC. 105. <<NOTE: Deadlines. Coordination. 15 USC 8515.>>  WEATHER 
                        RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
and not less frequently than once each year thereafter, the Under 
Secretary, acting through the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research and in coordination with the Director of the 
National Weather Service and the Assistant Administrator for Satellite 
and Information Services, shall issue a research and development and 
research to operations plan to restore and maintain United States 
leadership in numerical weather prediction and forecasting that--
            (1) describes the forecasting skill and technology goals, 
        objectives, and progress of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration in carrying out the program conducted under 
        section 102;
            (2) identifies and prioritizes specific research and 
        development activities, and performance metrics, weighted to 
        meet the operational weather mission of the National Weather 
        Service to achieve a weather-ready Nation;
            (3) describes how the program will collaborate with 
        stakeholders, including the United States weather industry and 
        academic partners; and
            (4) <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  identifies, through 
        consultation with the National Science Foundation, the United 
        States weather industry, and academic partners, research 
        necessary to enhance the integration of social science knowledge 
        into weather forecast and warning processes, including to 
        improve the communication of threat information necessary to 
        enable improved severe weather planning and decisionmaking on 
        the part of individuals and communities.
SEC. 106. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8516.>>  OBSERVING SYSTEM PLANNING.

    The Under Secretary shall--
            (1) <<NOTE: Lists.>>  develop and maintain a prioritized 
        list of observation data requirements necessary to ensure 
        weather forecasting capabilities to protect life and property to 
        the maximum extent practicable;
            (2) consistent with section 107, utilize Observing System 
        Simulation Experiments, Observing System Experiments, Analyses 
        of Alternatives, and other appropriate assessment tools to 
        ensure continuous systemic evaluations of the observing systems, 
        data, and information needed to meet the requirements of 
        paragraph (1), including options to maximize observational 
        capabilities and their cost-effectiveness;
            (3) identify current and potential future data gaps in 
        observing capabilities related to the requirements listed under 
        paragraph (1); and
            (4) determine a range of options to address gaps identified 
        under paragraph (3).

[[Page 131 STAT. 96]]

SEC. 107. <<NOTE: Assessments. Evaluation. 15 USC 8517.>>  
                        OBSERVING SYSTEM SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS.

    (a) In General.--In support of the requirements of section 106, the 
Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall 
undertake Observing System Simulation Experiments, or such other 
quantitative assessments as the Assistant Administrator considers 
appropriate, to quantitatively assess the relative value and benefits of 
observing capabilities and systems. Technical and scientific Observing 
System Simulation Experiment evaluations--
            (1) may include assessments of the impact of observing 
        capabilities on--
                    (A) global weather prediction;
                    (B) hurricane track and intensity forecasting;
                    (C) tornado warning lead times and accuracy;
                    (D) prediction of mid-latitude severe local storm 
                outbreaks; and
                    (E) prediction of storms that have the potential to 
                cause extreme precipitation and flooding lasting from 6 
                hours to 1 week; and
            (2) shall be conducted in cooperation with other appropriate 
        entities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration, other Federal agencies, the United States 
        weather industry, and academic partners to ensure the technical 
        and scientific merit of results from Observing System Simulation 
        Experiments or other appropriate quantitative assessment 
        methodologies.

    (b) Requirements.--Observing System Simulation Experiments shall 
quantitatively--
            (1) determine the potential impact of proposed space-based, 
        suborbital, and in situ observing systems on analyses and 
        forecasts, including potential impacts on extreme weather events 
        across all parts of the Nation;
            (2) evaluate and compare observing system design options; 
        and
            (3) assess the relative capabilities and costs of various 
        observing systems and combinations of observing systems in 
        providing data necessary to protect life and property.

    (c) Implementation.--Observing System Simulation Experiments--
            (1) shall be conducted prior to the acquisition of major 
        Government-owned or Government-leased operational observing 
        systems, including polar-orbiting and geostationary satellite 
        systems, with a lifecycle cost of more than $500,000,000; and
            (2) shall be conducted prior to the purchase of any major 
        new commercially provided data with a lifecycle cost of more 
        than $500,000,000.

    (d) <<NOTE: Deadlines.>>  Priority Observing System Simulation 
Experiments.--
            (1) Global navigation satellite system radio occultation.--
        Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this 
        Act, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Research shall complete an Observing System Simulation 
        Experiment to assess the value of data from Global Navigation 
        Satellite System Radio Occultation.
            (2) Geostationary hyperspectral sounder global 
        constellation.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic

[[Page 131 STAT. 97]]

        and Atmospheric Research shall complete an Observing System 
        Simulation Experiment to assess the value of data from a 
        geostationary hyperspectral sounder global constellation.

    (e) <<NOTE: Public information.>>  Results.--Upon completion of all 
Observing System Simulation Experiments, the Assistant Administrator 
shall make available to the public the results an assessment of related 
private and public sector weather data sourcing options, including their 
availability, affordability, and cost-effectiveness. Such assessments 
shall be developed in accordance with section 50503 of title 51, United 
States Code.
SEC. 108. <<NOTE: Coordination. Public information. 15 USC 
                        8518.>>  ANNUAL REPORT ON COMPUTING 
                        RESOURCES PRIORITIZATION.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act 
and not less frequently than once each year thereafter, the Under 
Secretary, acting through the Chief Information Officer of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and in coordination with the 
Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the 
Director of the National Weather Service, shall produce and make 
publicly available a report that explains how the Under Secretary 
intends--
            (1) to continually support upgrades to pursue the fastest, 
        most powerful, and cost-effective high performance computing 
        technologies in support of its weather prediction mission;
            (2) to ensure a balance between the research to operations 
        requirements to develop the next generation of regional and 
        global models as well as highly reliable operational models;
            (3) to take advantage of advanced development concepts to, 
        as appropriate, make next generation weather prediction models 
        available in beta-test mode to operational forecasters, the 
        United States weather industry, and partners in academic and 
        Government research; and
            (4) to use existing computing resources to improve advanced 
        research and operational weather prediction.
SEC. 109. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH PROGRAM.

    Section 108 of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567; 15 U.S.C. 313 note) is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and 
                inserting a semicolon;
                    (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
            ``(5) <<NOTE: Reports.>>  submit to the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives, not less frequently than once each year, a 
        report, including--
                    ``(A) <<NOTE: Lists.>>  a list of ongoing research 
                projects;
                    ``(B) project goals and a point of contact for each 
                project;
                    ``(C) the five projects related to weather 
                observations, short-term weather, or subseasonal 
                forecasts within Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric 
                Research that are closest to operationalization;
                    ``(D) for each project referred to in subparagraph 
                (C)--
                          ``(i) the potential benefit;
                          ``(ii) any barrier to operationalization; and

[[Page 131 STAT. 98]]

                          ``(iii) the plan for operationalization, 
                      including which line office will financially 
                      support the project and how much the line office 
                      intends to spend;
            ``(6) establish teams with staff from the Office of Oceanic 
        and Atmospheric Research and the National Weather Service to 
        oversee the operationalization of research products developed by 
        the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research;
            ``(7) develop mechanisms for research priorities of the 
        Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to be informed by the 
        relevant line offices within the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration, the relevant user community, and the 
        weather enterprise;
            ``(8) develop an internal mechanism to track the progress of 
        each research project within the Office of Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Research and mechanisms to terminate a project that 
        is not adequately progressing;
            ``(9) develop and implement a system to track whether 
        extramural research grant goals were accomplished;
            ``(10) provide facilities for products developed by the 
        Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to be tested in 
        operational simulations, such as test beds; and
            ``(11) encourage academic collaboration with the Office of 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National Weather 
        Service by facilitating visiting scholars.'';
            (2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
        (1), by striking ``Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the'' and inserting ``The''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

    ``(c) Subseasonal Defined.--In this section, the term `subseasonal' 
means the time range between 2 weeks and 3 months.''.
SEC. 110. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8519.>>  AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018.--For each of fiscal years 2017 and 
2018, there are authorized to be appropriated to Office of Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research--
            (1) $111,516,000 to carry out this title, of which--
                    (A) $85,758,000 is authorized for weather 
                laboratories and cooperative institutes; and
                    (B) $25,758,000 is authorized for weather and air 
                chemistry research programs; and
            (2) an additional amount of $20,000,000 for the joint 
        technology transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4).

    (b) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to carry out 
this title and the amendments made by this title.

        TITLE II--SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTING INNOVATION

SEC. 201. IMPROVING SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTS.

    Section 1762 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-198; 15 
U.S.C. 313 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a)'' and inserting 
        ``(a) Findings.--'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``(b)'' and inserting 
        ``(b) Policy.--''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:

[[Page 131 STAT. 99]]

    ``(c) Functions.--The Under Secretary, acting through the Director 
of the National Weather Service and the heads of such other programs of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the Under 
Secretary considers appropriate, shall--
            ``(1) collect and utilize information in order to make 
        usable, reliable, and timely foundational forecasts of 
        subseasonal and seasonal temperature and precipitation;
            ``(2) leverage existing research and models from the weather 
        enterprise to improve the forecasts under paragraph (1);
            ``(3) determine and provide information on how the 
        forecasted conditions under paragraph (1) may impact--
                    ``(A) the number and severity of droughts, fires, 
                tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, heat waves, coastal 
                inundation, winter storms, high impact weather, or other 
                relevant natural disasters;
                    ``(B) snowpack; and
                    ``(C) sea ice conditions; and
            ``(4) develop an Internet clearinghouse to provide the 
        forecasts under paragraph (1) and the information under 
        paragraphs (1) and (3) on both national and regional levels.

    ``(d) <<NOTE: Public information.>>  Communication.--The Director of 
the National Weather Service shall provide the forecasts under paragraph 
(1) of subsection (c) and the information on their impacts under 
paragraph (3) of such subsection to the public, including public and 
private entities engaged in planning and preparedness, such as National 
Weather Service Core partners at the Federal, regional, State, tribal, 
and local levels of government.

    ``(e) Cooperation.--The Under Secretary shall build upon existing 
forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships, including--
            ``(1) by designating research and monitoring activities 
        related to subseasonal and seasonal forecasts as a priority in 
        one or more solicitations of the Cooperative Institutes of the 
        Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research;
            ``(2) by contributing to the interagency Earth System 
        Prediction Capability; and
            ``(3) <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  by consulting with the 
        Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
        determine the highest priority subseasonal and seasonal forecast 
        needs to enhance national security.

    ``(f) Forecast Communication Coordinators.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall foster 
        effective communication, understanding, and use of the forecasts 
        by the intended users of the information described in subsection 
        (d). This may include assistance to States for forecast 
        communication coordinators to enable local interpretation and 
        planning based on the information.
            ``(2) Requirements.--For each State that requests assistance 
        under this subsection, the Under Secretary may--
                    ``(A) provide funds to support an individual in that 
                State--
                          ``(i) to serve as a liaison among the National 
                      Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, other 
                      Federal departments and agencies, the weather 
                      enterprise, the State, and relevant interests 
                      within that State; and
                          ``(ii) to receive the forecasts and 
                      information under subsection (c) and disseminate 
                      the forecasts and

[[Page 131 STAT. 100]]

                      information throughout the State, including to 
                      county and tribal governments; and
                    ``(B) require matching funds of at least 50 percent, 
                from the State, a university, a nongovernmental 
                organization, a trade association, or the private 
                sector.
            ``(3) Limitation.--Assistance to an individual State under 
        this subsection shall not exceed $100,000 in a fiscal year.

    ``(g) Cooperation From Other Federal Agencies.--Each Federal 
department and agency shall cooperate as appropriate with the Under 
Secretary in carrying out this section.
    ``(h) Reports.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
        of the enactment of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
        Innovation Act of 2017, the Under Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
        and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
        of Representatives a report, including--
                    ``(A) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  an analysis of the how 
                information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
                Administration on subseasonal and seasonal forecasts, as 
                provided under subsection (c), is utilized in public 
                planning and preparedness;
                    ``(B) specific plans and goals for the continued 
                development of the subseasonal and seasonal forecasts 
                and related products described in subsection (c); and
                    ``(C) an identification of research, monitoring, 
                observing, and forecasting requirements to meet the 
                goals described in subparagraph (B).
            ``(2) Consultation.--In developing the report under 
        paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall consult with relevant 
        Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local government agencies, 
        research institutions, and the private sector.

    ``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Foundational forecast.--The term `foundational 
        forecast' means basic weather observation and forecast data, 
        largely in raw form, before further processing is applied.
            ``(2) National weather service core partners.--The term 
        `National Weather Service core partners' means government and 
        nongovernment entities which are directly involved in the 
        preparation or dissemination of, or discussions involving, 
        hazardous weather or other emergency information put out by the 
        National Weather Service.
            ``(3) Seasonal.--The term `seasonal' means the time range 
        between 3 months and 2 years.
            ``(4) State.--The term `State' means a State, a territory, 
        or possession of the United States, including a Commonwealth, or 
        the District of Columbia.
            ``(5) Subseasonal.--The term `subseasonal' means the time 
        range between 2 weeks and 3 months.
            ``(6) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means the 
        Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
            ``(7) Weather industry and weather enterprise.--The terms 
        `weather industry' and `weather enterprise' are interchangeable 
        in this section and include individuals and organizations from 
        public, private, and academic sectors that contribute to the 
        research, development, and production of weather forecast 
        products, and primary consumers of these weather forecast 
        products.

[[Page 131 STAT. 101]]

    ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each of fiscal years 
2017 and 2018, there are authorized out of funds appropriated to the 
National Weather Service, $26,500,000 to carry out the activities of 
this section.''.

            TITLE III--WEATHER SATELLITE AND DATA INNOVATION

SEC. 301. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8531 note.>>  NATIONAL OCEANIC AND 
                        ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION SATELLITE AND 
                        DATA MANAGEMENT.

    (a) Short-Term Management of Environmental Observations.--
            (1) Microsatellite constellations.--
                    (A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall complete 
                and operationalize the Constellation Observing System 
                for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate-1 and Climate-2 
                (COSMIC) in effect on the day before the date of the 
                enactment of this Act--
                          (i) by deploying constellations of 
                      microsatellites in both the equatorial and polar 
                      orbits;
                          (ii) by integrating the resulting data and 
                      research into all national operational and 
                      research weather forecast models; and
                          (iii) by ensuring that the resulting data of 
                      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 
                      COSMIC-1 and COSMIC-2 programs are free and open 
                      to all communities.
                    (B) Annual reports.--Not less frequently than once 
                each year until the Under Secretary has completed and 
                operationalized the program described in subparagraph 
                (A) pursuant to such subparagraph, the Under Secretary 
                shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the 
                efforts of the Under Secretary to carry out such 
                subparagraph.
            (2) Integration of ocean and coastal data from the 
        integrated ocean observing system.--In 
        National <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  Weather Service Regions where 
        the Director of the National Weather Service determines that 
        ocean and coastal data would improve forecasts, the Director, in 
        consultation with the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Research and the Assistant Administrator of the 
        National Ocean Service, shall--
                    (A) integrate additional coastal and ocean 
                observations, and other data and research, from the 
                Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) into regional 
                weather forecasts to improve weather forecasts and 
                forecasting decision support systems; and
                    (B) support the development of real-time data 
                sharing products and forecast products in collaboration 
                with the regional associations of such system, including 
                contributions from the private sector, academia, and 
                research institutions to ensure timely and accurate use 
                of ocean and coastal data in regional forecasts.
            (3) Existing monitoring and observation-capability.--The 
        Under Secretary shall identify degradation of existing 
        monitoring and observation capabilities that could lead to a 
        reduction in forecast quality.

[[Page 131 STAT. 102]]

            (4) Specifications for new satellite systems or data 
        determined by operational needs.--In developing specifications 
        for any satellite systems or data to follow the Joint Polar 
        Satellite System, Geostationary Operational Environmental 
        Satellites, and any other satellites, in effect on the day 
        before the date of enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary 
        shall ensure the specifications are determined to the extent 
        practicable by the recommendations of the reports under 
        subsection (b) of this section.

    (b) Independent Study on Future of National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration Satellite Systems and Data.--
            (1) Agreement.--
                    (A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall seek to 
                enter into an agreement with the National Academy of 
                Sciences to perform the services covered by this 
                subsection.
                    (B) Timing.--The Under Secretary shall seek to enter 
                into the agreement described in subparagraph (A) before 
                September 30, 2018.
            (2) Study.--
                    (A) In general.--Under an agreement between the 
                Under Secretary and the National Academy of Sciences 
                under this subsection, the National Academy of Sciences 
                shall conduct a study on matters concerning future 
                satellite data needs.
                    (B) Elements.--In conducting the study under 
                subparagraph (A), the National Academy of Sciences 
                shall--
                          (i) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tion.>>  develop 
                      recommendations on how to make the data portfolio 
                      of the Administration more robust and cost-
                      effective;
                          (ii) <<NOTE: Assessment.>>  assess the costs 
                      and benefits of moving toward a constellation of 
                      many small satellites, standardizing satellite bus 
                      design, relying more on the purchasing of data, or 
                      acquiring data from other sources or methods;
                          (iii) identify the environmental observations 
                      that are essential to the performance of weather 
                      models, based on an assessment of Federal, 
                      academic, and private sector weather research, and 
                      the cost of obtaining the environmental data;
                          (iv) identify environmental observations that 
                      improve the quality of operational and research 
                      weather models in effect on the day before the 
                      date of enactment of this Act;
                          (v) identify and prioritize new environmental 
                      observations that could contribute to existing and 
                      future weather models; and
                          (vi) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  develop 
                      recommendations on a portfolio of environmental 
                      observations that balances essential, quality-
                      improving, and new data, private and nonprivate 
                      sources, and space-based and Earth-based sources.
                    (C) Deadline and report.--In carrying out the study 
                under subparagraph (A), the National Academy of Sciences 
                shall complete and transmit to the Under Secretary a 
                report containing the findings of the National Academy 
                of Sciences with respect to the study not later than 2

[[Page 131 STAT. 103]]

                years after the date on which the Administrator enters 
                into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences 
                under paragraph (1)(A).
            (3) Alternate organization.--
                    (A) In general.--If the Under Secretary is unable 
                within the period prescribed in subparagraph (B) of 
                paragraph (1) to enter into an agreement described in 
                subparagraph (A) of such paragraph with the National 
                Academy of Sciences on terms acceptable to the Under 
                Secretary, the Under Secretary shall seek to enter into 
                such an agreement with another appropriate organization 
                that--
                          (i) is not part of the Federal Government;
                          (ii) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
                          (iii) has expertise and objectivity comparable 
                      to that of the National Academy of Sciences.
                    (B) Treatment.--If the Under Secretary enters into 
                an agreement with another organization as described in 
                subparagraph (A), any reference in this subsection to 
                the National Academy of Sciences shall be treated as a 
                reference to the other organization.
            (4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated, out of funds appropriated to National 
        Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, to carry 
        out this subsection $1,000,000 for the period encompassing 
        fiscal years 2018 through 2019.
SEC. 302. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8532.>>  COMMERCIAL WEATHER DATA.

    (a) Data and Hosted Satellite Payloads.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the Secretary of Commerce may enter into agreements 
for--
            (1) <<NOTE: Contracts.>>  the purchase of weather data 
        through contracts with commercial providers; and
            (2) the placement of weather satellite instruments on 
        cohosted government or private payloads.

    (b) Strategy.--
            (1) <<NOTE: Deadline. Consultation.>>  In general.--Not 
        later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
        the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Under 
        Secretary, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
        and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 
        Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a strategy 
        to enable the procurement of quality commercial weather data. 
        The strategy shall assess the range of commercial opportunities, 
        including public-private partnerships, for obtaining surface-
        based, aviation-based, and space-based weather 
        observations. <<NOTE: Plan.>>  The strategy shall include the 
        expected cost-effectiveness of these opportunities as well as 
        provide a plan for procuring data, including an expected 
        implementation timeline, from these nongovernmental sources, as 
        appropriate.
            (2) Requirements.--The strategy shall include--
                    (A) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  an analysis of financial or 
                other benefits to, and risks associated with, acquiring 
                commercial weather data or services, including through 
                multiyear acquisition approaches;
                    (B) an identification of methods to address 
                planning, programming, budgeting, and execution 
                challenges to such approaches, including--

[[Page 131 STAT. 104]]

                          (i) how standards will be set to ensure that 
                      data is reliable and effective;
                          (ii) how data may be acquired through 
                      commercial experimental or innovative techniques 
                      and then evaluated for integration into 
                      operational use;
                          (iii) how to guarantee public access to all 
                      forecast-critical data to ensure that the United 
                      States weather industry and the public continue to 
                      have access to information critical to their work; 
                      and
                          (iv) in accordance with section 50503 of title 
                      51, United States Code, methods to address 
                      potential termination liability or cancellation 
                      costs associated with weather data or service 
                      contracts; and
                    (C) an identification of any changes needed in the 
                requirements development and approval processes of the 
                Department of Commerce to facilitate effective and 
                efficient implementation of such strategy.
            (3) Authority for agreements.--The Assistant Administrator 
        for National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information 
        Service may enter into multiyear agreements necessary to carry 
        out the strategy developed under this subsection.

    (c) <<NOTE: Deadlines.>>  Pilot Program.--
            (1) <<NOTE: Publication.>>  Criteria.--Not later than 30 
        days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under 
        Secretary shall publish data and metadata standards and 
        specifications for space-based commercial weather data, 
        including radio occultation data, and, as soon as possible, 
        geostationary hyperspectral sounder data.
            (2) Pilot contracts.--
                    (A) Contracts.--Not later than 90 days after the 
                date of enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary 
                shall, through an open competition, enter into at least 
                one pilot contract with one or more private sector 
                entities capable of providing data that meet the 
                standards and specifications set by the Under Secretary 
                for providing commercial weather data in a manner that 
                allows the Under Secretary to calibrate and evaluate the 
                data for its use in National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
                Administration meteorological models.
                    (B) <<NOTE: Determination. Criteria.>>  Assessment 
                of data viability.--Not later than the date that is 3 
                years after the date on which the Under Secretary enters 
                into a contract under subparagraph (A), the Under 
                Secretary shall assess and submit to the Committee on 
                Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and 
                the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
                House of Representatives the results of a determination 
                of the extent to which data provided under the contract 
                entered into under subparagraph (A) meet the criteria 
                published under paragraph (1) and the extent to which 
                the pilot program has demonstrated--
                          (i) the viability of assimilating the 
                      commercially provided data into National Oceanic 
                      and Atmospheric Administration meteorological 
                      models;
                          (ii) whether, and by how much, the data add 
                      value to weather forecasts; and
                          (iii) the accuracy, quality, timeliness, 
                      validity, reliability, usability, information 
                      technology security, and cost-effectiveness of 
                      obtaining commercial weather data from private 
                      sector providers.

[[Page 131 STAT. 105]]

            (3) Authorization of appropriations.--For each of fiscal 
        years 2017 through 2020, there are authorized to be appropriated 
        for procurement, acquisition, and construction at National 
        Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, 
        $6,000,000 to carry out this subsection.

    (d) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under subsection 
(c)(2)(B) demonstrates the ability of commercial weather data to meet 
data and metadata standards and specifications published under 
subsection (c)(1), the Under Secretary shall--
            (1) where appropriate, cost-effective, and feasible, obtain 
        commercial weather data from private sector providers;
            (2) as early as possible in the acquisition process for any 
        future National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
        meteorological space system, consider whether there is a 
        suitable, cost-effective, commercial capability available or 
        that will be available to meet any or all of the observational 
        requirements by the planned operational date of the system;
            (3) <<NOTE: Determination.>>  if a suitable, cost-effective, 
        commercial capability is or will be available as described in 
        paragraph (2), determine whether it is in the national interest 
        to develop a governmental meteorological space system; and
            (4) <<NOTE: Reports.>>  submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
        Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
        Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a 
        report detailing any determination made under paragraphs (2) and 
        (3).

    (e) Data Sharing Practices.--The Under Secretary shall continue to 
meet the international meteorological agreements into which the Under 
Secretary has entered, including practices set forth through World 
Meteorological Organization Resolution 40.
SEC. 303. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8533.>>  UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION.

    In meeting the requirements under this title, the Under Secretary 
shall avoid unnecessary duplication between public and private sources 
of data and the corresponding expenditure of funds and employment of 
personnel.

                 TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION

SEC. 401. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8541.>>  ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION 
                        SERVICES WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Establishment.--The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration Science Advisory Board shall continue to maintain a 
standing working group named the Environmental Information Services 
Working Group (in this section referred to as the ``Working Group'')--
            (1) to provide advice for prioritizing weather research 
        initiatives at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration to produce real improvement in weather 
        forecasting;
            (2) to provide advice on existing or emerging technologies 
        or techniques that can be found in private industry or the 
        research community that could be incorporated into forecasting 
        at the National Weather Service to improve forecasting skill;
            (3) to identify opportunities to improve--

[[Page 131 STAT. 106]]

                    (A) communications between weather forecasters, 
                Federal, State, local, tribal, and other emergency 
                management personnel, and the public; and
                    (B) communications and partnerships among the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 
                private and academic sectors; and
            (4) to address such other matters as the Science Advisory 
        Board requests of the Working Group.

    (b) Composition.--
            (1) In general.--The Working Group shall be composed of 
        leading experts and innovators from all relevant fields of 
        science and engineering including atmospheric chemistry, 
        atmospheric physics, meteorology, hydrology, social science, 
        risk communications, electrical engineering, and computer 
        sciences. In carrying out this section, the Working Group may 
        organize into subpanels.
            (2) Number.--The Working Group shall be composed of no fewer 
        than 15 members. Nominees for the Working Group may be forwarded 
        by the Working Group for approval by the Science Advisory Board. 
        Members of the Working Group may choose a chair (or co-chairs) 
        from among their number with approval by the Science Advisory 
        Board.

    (c) Annual Report.--Not less frequently than once each year, the 
Working Group shall transmit to the Science Advisory Board for 
submission to the Under Secretary a report on progress made by National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in adopting the Working Group's 
recommendations. The Science Advisory Board shall transmit this report 
to the Under Secretary. Within 30 days of receipt of such report, the 
Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives a copy of such report.
SEC. 402. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8542.>>  INTERAGENCY WEATHER RESEARCH AND 
                        FORECAST INNOVATION COORDINATION.

    (a) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
Technology Policy shall establish an Interagency Committee for Advancing 
Weather Services to improve coordination of relevant weather research 
and forecast innovation activities across the Federal Government. The 
Interagency Committee shall--
            (1) <<NOTE: President. Determination.>>  include 
        participation by the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its constituent 
        elements, the National Science Foundation, and such other 
        agencies involved in weather forecasting research as the 
        President determines are appropriate;
            (2) identify and prioritize top forecast needs and 
        coordinate those needs against budget requests and program 
        initiatives across participating offices and agencies; and
            (3) share information regarding operational needs and 
        forecasting improvements across relevant agencies.

    (b) Co-Chair.--The Federal Coordinator for Meteorology shall serve 
as a co-chair of this panel.
    (c) Further Coordination.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
Technology Policy shall take such other steps as are necessary to 
coordinate the activities of the Federal Government

[[Page 131 STAT. 107]]

with those of the United States weather industry, State governments, 
emergency managers, and academic researchers.
SEC. 403. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8543.>>  OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND 
                        ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND NATIONAL WEATHER 
                        SERVICE EXCHANGE PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research and the Director of National Weather Service may 
establish a program to detail Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research 
personnel to the National Weather Service and National Weather Service 
personnel to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.
    (b) Goal.--The goal of this program is to enhance forecasting 
innovation through regular, direct interaction between the Office of 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's world-class scientists and the 
National Weather Service's operational staff.
    (c) Elements.--The program shall allow up to 10 Office of Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Research staff and National Weather Service staff to 
spend up to 1 year on detail. Candidates shall be jointly selected by 
the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the 
Director of the National Weather Service.
    (d) Annual Report.--Not less frequently than once each year, the 
Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives a report on participation in 
such program and shall highlight any innovations that come from this 
interaction.
SEC. 404. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8544.>>  VISITING FELLOWS AT NATIONAL 
                        WEATHER SERVICE.

    (a) In General.--The Director of the National Weather Service may 
establish a program to host postdoctoral fellows and academic 
researchers at any of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction.
    (b) Goal.--This program shall be designed to provide direct 
interaction between forecasters and talented academic and private sector 
researchers in an effort to bring innovation to forecasting tools and 
techniques to the National Weather Service.
    (c) Selection and Appointment.--Such fellows shall be competitively 
selected and appointed for a term not to exceed 1 year.
SEC. 405. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8545.>>  WARNING COORDINATION 
                        METEOROLOGISTS AT WEATHER FORECAST OFFICES 
                        OF NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

    (a) Designation of Warning Coordination Meteorologists.--
            (1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather 
        Service shall designate at least one warning coordination 
        meteorologist at each weather forecast office of the National 
        Weather Service.
            (2) No additional employees authorized.--Nothing in this 
        section shall be construed to authorize or require a change in 
        the authorized number of full time equivalent employees in the 
        National Weather Service or otherwise result in the employment 
        of any additional employees.
            (3) Performance by other employees.--Performance of the 
        responsibilities outlined in this section is not limited to the 
        warning coordination meteorologist position.

[[Page 131 STAT. 108]]

    (b) Primary Role of Warning Coordination Meteorologists.--The 
primary role of the warning coordination meteorologist shall be to carry 
out the responsibilities required by this section.
    (c) Responsibilities.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), consistent with 
        the analysis described in section 409, and in order to increase 
        impact-based decision support services, each warning 
        coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a) 
        shall--
                    (A) be responsible for providing service to the 
                geographic area of responsibility covered by the weather 
                forecast office at which the warning coordination 
                meteorologist is employed to help ensure that users of 
                products of the National Weather Service can respond 
                effectively to improve outcomes from weather events;
                    (B) liaise with users of products and services of 
                the National Weather Service, such as the public, media 
                outlets, users in the aviation, marine, and agricultural 
                communities, and forestry, land, and water management 
                interests, to evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of 
                the products and services of the National Weather 
                Service;
                    (C) <<NOTE: Collaboration.>>  collaborate with such 
                weather forecast offices and State, local, and tribal 
                government agencies as the Director considers 
                appropriate in developing, proposing, and implementing 
                plans to develop, modify, or tailor products and 
                services of the National Weather Service to improve the 
                usefulness of such products and services;
                    (D) ensure the maintenance and accuracy of severe 
                weather call lists, appropriate office severe weather 
                policy or procedures, and other severe weather or 
                dissemination methodologies or strategies; and
                    (E) work closely with State, local, and tribal 
                emergency management agencies, and other agencies 
                related to disaster management, to ensure a planned, 
                coordinated, and effective preparedness and response 
                effort.
            (2) Other staff.--The Director may assign a responsibility 
        set forth in paragraph (1) to such other staff as the Director 
        considers appropriate to carry out such responsibility.

    (d) Additional Responsibilities.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a warning 
        coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a) may--
                    (A) work with a State agency to develop plans for 
                promoting more effective use of products and services of 
                the National Weather Service throughout the State;
                    (B) identify priority community preparedness 
                objectives;
                    (C) develop plans to meet the objectives identified 
                under paragraph (2); and
                    (D) conduct severe weather event preparedness 
                planning and citizen education efforts with and through 
                various State, local, and tribal government agencies and 
                other disaster management-related organizations.
            (2) Other staff.--The Director may assign a responsibility 
        set forth in paragraph (1) to such other staff as the Director 
        considers appropriate to carry out such responsibility.

    (e) Placement With State and Local Emergency Managers.--

[[Page 131 STAT. 109]]

            (1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the Director 
        of the National Weather Service may place a warning coordination 
        meteorologist designated under subsection (a) with a State or 
        local emergency manager if the Director considers doing so is 
        necessary or convenient to carry out this section.
            (2) <<NOTE: Determination.>>  Treatment.--If the Director 
        determines that the placement of a warning coordination 
        meteorologist placed with a State or local emergency manager 
        under paragraph (1) is near a weather forecast office of the 
        National Weather Service, such placement shall be treated as 
        designation of the warning coordination meteorologist at such 
        weather forecast office for purposes of subsection (a).
SEC. 406. IMPROVING NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC 
                        ADMINISTRATION COMMUNICATION OF HAZARDOUS 
                        WEATHER AND WATER EVENTS.

    (a) Purpose of System.--For purposes of the assessment required by 
subsection (b)(1)(A), the purpose of National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration system for issuing watches and warnings regarding 
hazardous weather and water events shall be risk communication to the 
general public that informs action to prevent loss of life and property.
    (b) Assessment of System.--
            (1) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  In general.--Not later than 2 years 
        after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary 
        shall--
                    (A) assess the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
                Administration system for issuing watches and warnings 
                regarding hazardous weather and water events; and
                    (B) <<NOTE: Reports.>>  submit to Congress a report 
                on the findings of the Under Secretary with respect to 
                the assessment conducted under subparagraph (A).
            (2) Elements.--The assessment required by paragraph (1)(A) 
        shall include the following:
                    (A) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  An evaluation of whether 
                the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
                system for issuing watches and warnings regarding 
                hazardous weather and water events meets the purpose 
                described in subsection (a).
                    (B) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  Development of 
                recommendations for--
                          (i) legislative and administrative action to 
                      improve the system described in paragraph (1)(A); 
                      and
                          (ii) such research as the Under Secretary 
                      considers necessary to address the focus areas 
                      described in paragraph (3).
            (3) Focus areas.--The assessment required by paragraph 
        (1)(A) shall focus on the following:
                    (A) Ways to communicate the risks posed by hazardous 
                weather or water events to the public that are most 
                likely to result in action to mitigate the risk.
                    (B) Ways to communicate the risks posed by hazardous 
                weather or water events to the public as broadly and 
                rapidly as practicable.
                    (C) Ways to preserve the benefits of the existing 
                watches and warnings system.
                    (D) Ways to maintain the utility of the watches and 
                warnings system for Government and commercial users of 
                the system.

[[Page 131 STAT. 110]]

            (4) Consultation.--In conducting the assessment required by 
        paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall--
                    (A) consult with such line offices within the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the 
                Under Secretary considers relevant, including the 
                National Ocean Service, the National Weather Service, 
                and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research;
                    (B) consult with individuals in the academic sector, 
                including individuals in the field of social and 
                behavioral sciences, and other weather services;
                    (C) consult with media outlets that will be 
                distributing the watches and warnings;
                    (D) consult with non-Federal forecasters that 
                produce alternate severe weather risk communication 
                products;
                    (E) consult with emergency planners and responders, 
                including State and local emergency management agencies, 
                and other government users of the watches and warnings 
                system, including the Federal Emergency Management 
                Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Coast 
                Guard, and such other Federal agencies as the Under 
                Secretary determines rely on watches and warnings for 
                operational decisions; and
                    (F) make use of the services of the National Academy 
                of Sciences, as the Under Secretary considers necessary 
                and practicable, including contracting with the National 
                Research Council to review the scientific and technical 
                soundness of the assessment required by paragraph 
                (1)(A), including the recommendations developed under 
                paragraph (2)(B).
            (5) Methodologies.--In conducting the assessment required by 
        paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall use such 
        methodologies as the Under Secretary considers are generally 
        accepted by the weather enterprise, including social and 
        behavioral sciences.

    (c) Improvements to System.--
            (1) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  In general.--The Under 
        Secretary shall, based on the assessment required by subsection 
        (b)(1)(A), make such recommendations to Congress to improve the 
        system as the Under Secretary considers necessary--
                    (A) to improve the system for issuing watches and 
                warnings regarding hazardous weather and water events; 
                and
                    (B) to support efforts to satisfy research needs to 
                enable future improvements to such system.
            (2) Requirements regarding recommendations.--In carrying out 
        paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall ensure that any 
        recommendation that the Under Secretary considers a major 
        change--
                    (A) is validated by social and behavioral science 
                using a generalizable sample;
                    (B) accounts for the needs of various demographics, 
                vulnerable populations, and geographic regions;
                    (C) accounts for the differences between types of 
                weather and water hazards;
                    (D) responds to the needs of Federal, State, and 
                local government partners and media partners; and

[[Page 131 STAT. 111]]

                    (E) accounts for necessary changes to Federally 
                operated watch and warning propagation and dissemination 
                infrastructure and protocols.

    (d) Watches and Warnings Defined.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in 
        this section, the terms ``watch'' and ``warning'', with respect 
        to a hazardous weather and water event, mean products issued by 
        the Administration, intended for consumption by the general 
        public, to alert the general public to the potential for or 
        presence of the event and to inform action to prevent loss of 
        life and property.
            (2) Exception.--ln this section, the terms ``watch'' and 
        ``warning'' do not include technical or specialized 
        meteorological and hydrological forecasts, outlooks, or model 
        guidance products.
SEC. 407. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8546.>>  NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC 
                        ADMINISTRATION WEATHER READY ALL HAZARDS 
                        AWARD PROGRAM.

    (a) Program.--The Director of the National Weather Service is 
authorized to establish the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Award Program. This award 
program shall provide annual awards to honor individuals or 
organizations that use or provide National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration Weather Radio All Hazards receivers or transmitters to 
save lives and protect property. Individuals or organizations that 
utilize other early warning tools or applications also qualify for this 
award.
    (b) Goal.--This award program draws attention to the life-saving 
work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather 
Ready All Hazards Program, as well as emerging tools and applications, 
that provide real-time warning to individuals and communities of severe 
weather or other hazardous conditions.
    (c) Program Elements.--
            (1) Nominations.--Nominations for this award shall be made 
        annually by the Weather Field Offices to the Director of the 
        National Weather Service. Broadcast meteorologists, weather 
        radio manufacturers and weather warning tool and application 
        developers, emergency managers, and public safety officials may 
        nominate individuals or organizations to their local Weather 
        Field Offices, but the final list of award nominees must come 
        from the Weather Field Offices.
            (2) Selection of awardees.--Annually, the Director of the 
        National Weather Service shall choose winners of this award 
        whose timely actions, based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration Weather Radio All Hazards receivers or 
        transmitters or other early warning tools and applications, 
        saved lives or property, or demonstrated public service in 
        support of weather or all hazard warnings.
            (3) Award ceremony.--The Director of the National Weather 
        Service shall establish a means of making these awards to 
        provide maximum public awareness of the importance of National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, and such 
        other warning tools and applications as are represented in the 
        awards.

[[Page 131 STAT. 112]]

SEC. 408. <<NOTE: Deadline. Reports.>>  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
                        WEATHER FORECASTING ACTIVITIES.

    Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives a report analyzing the 
impacts of the proposed Air Force divestiture in the United States 
Weather Research and Forecasting Model, including--
            (1) the impact on--
                    (A) the United States weather forecasting 
                capabilities;
                    (B) the accuracy of civilian regional forecasts;
                    (C) the civilian readiness for traditional weather 
                and extreme weather events in the United States; and
                    (D) the research necessary to develop the United 
                States Weather Research and Forecasting Model; and
            (2) such other analysis relating to the divestiture as the 
        Under Secretary considers appropriate.
SEC. 409. <<NOTE: Contracts. Analysis.>>  NATIONAL WEATHER 
                        SERVICE; OPERATIONS AND WORKFORCE 
                        ANALYSIS.

    The Under Secretary shall contract or continue to partner with an 
external organization to conduct a baseline analysis of National Weather 
Service operations and workforce.
SEC. 410. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8547.>>  REPORT ON CONTRACT POSITIONS AT 
                        NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

    (a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
report on the use of contractors at the National Weather Service for the 
most recently completed fiscal year.
    (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include, 
with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year, the following:
            (1) The total number of full-time equivalent employees at 
        the National Weather Service, disaggregated by each equivalent 
        level of the General Schedule.
            (2) The total number of full-time equivalent contractors at 
        the National Weather Service, disaggregated by each equivalent 
        level of the General Schedule that most closely approximates 
        their duties.
            (3) The total number of vacant positions at the National 
        Weather Service on the day before the date of enactment of this 
        Act, disaggregated by each equivalent level of the General 
        Schedule.
            (4) The five most common positions filled by full-time 
        equivalent contractors at the National Weather Service and the 
        equivalent level of the General Schedule that most closely 
        approximates the duties of such positions.
            (5) Of the positions identified under paragraph (4), the 
        percentage of full-time equivalent contractors in those 
        positions that have held a prior position at the National 
        Weather Service or another entity in National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration.
            (6) The average full-time equivalent salary for Federal 
        employees at the National Weather Service for each equivalent 
        level of the General Schedule.

[[Page 131 STAT. 113]]

            (7) The average salary for full-time equivalent contractors 
        performing at each equivalent level of the General Schedule at 
        the National Weather Service.
            (8) A description of any actions taken by the Under 
        Secretary to respond to the issues raised by the Inspector 
        General of the Department of Commerce regarding the hiring of 
        former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees 
        as contractors at the National Weather Service such as the 
        issues raised in the Investigative Report dated June 2, 2015 
        (OIG-12-0447).

    (c) <<NOTE: Deadline. Web posting.>>  Annual Publication.--For each 
fiscal year after the fiscal year covered by the report required by 
subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after 
the completion of the fiscal year, publish on a publicly accessible 
Internet website the information described in paragraphs (1) through (8) 
of subsection (b) for such fiscal year.
SEC. 411. WEATHER IMPACTS TO COMMUNITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

    (a) Review.--
            (1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather 
        Service shall review existing research, products, and services 
        that meet the specific needs of the urban environment, given its 
        unique physical characteristics and forecasting challenges.
            (2) Elements.--The review required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include research, products, and services with the potential to 
        improve modeling and forecasting capabilities, taking into 
        account factors including varying building heights, impermeable 
        surfaces, lack of tree canopy, traffic, pollution, and inter-
        building wind effects.

    (b) Report and Assessment.--Upon completion of the review required 
by subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
on the research, products, and services of the National Weather Service, 
including an assessment of such research, products, and services that is 
based on the review, public comment, and recent publications by the 
National Academy of Sciences.
SEC. 412. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8548.>>  WEATHER ENTERPRISE OUTREACH.

    (a) In General.--The Under Secretary may establish mechanisms for 
outreach to the weather enterprise--
            (1) <<NOTE: Assessment.>>  to assess the weather forecasts 
        and forecast products provided by the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration; and
            (2) <<NOTE: Determination.>>  to determine the highest 
        priority weather forecast needs of the community described in 
        subsection (b).

    (b) <<NOTE: Contracts.>>  Outreach Community.--In conducting 
outreach under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall contact leading 
experts and innovators from relevant stakeholders, including the 
representatives from the following:
            (1) State or local emergency management agencies.
            (2) State agriculture agencies.
            (3) Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian 
        Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
        5304)) and Native Hawaiians (as defined in section 6207 of the 
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        7517)).
            (4) The private aerospace industry.

[[Page 131 STAT. 114]]

            (5) The private earth observing industry.
            (6) The operational forecasting community.
            (7) The academic community.
            (8) Professional societies that focus on meteorology.
            (9) Such other stakeholder groups as the Under Secretary 
        considers appropriate.
SEC. 413. <<NOTE: 15 USC 8549.>>  HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT.

    (a) Backup Capability.--The Under Secretary shall acquire backup for 
the capabilities of the WP-3D Orion and G-IV hurricane aircraft of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that is sufficient to 
prevent a single point of failure.
    (b) Authority to Enter Agreements.--In order to carry out subsection 
(a), the Under Secretary shall negotiate and enter into 1 or more 
agreements or contracts, to the extent practicable and necessary, with 
governmental and non-governmental entities.
    (c) Future Technology.--The Under Secretary shall continue the 
development of Airborne Phased Array Radar under the United States 
Weather Research Program.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each of fiscal years 2017 
through 2020, support for implementing subsections (a) and (b) is 
authorized out of funds appropriated to the Office of Marine and 
Aviation Operations.
SEC. 414. STUDY ON GAPS IN NEXRAD COVERAGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO 
                        ADDRESS SUCH GAPS.

    (a) Study on Gaps in NEXRAD Coverage.--
            (1) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  In general.--Not later than 180 
        days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
        of Commerce shall complete a study on gaps in the coverage of 
        the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather 
        Service (``NEXRAD'').
            (2) Elements.--In conducting the study required under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
                    (A) identify areas in the United States where 
                limited or no NEXRAD coverage has resulted in--
                          (i) instances in which no or insufficient 
                      warnings were given for hazardous weather events, 
                      including tornadoes; or
                          (ii) degraded forecasts for hazardous weather 
                      events that resulted in fatalities, significant 
                      injuries, or substantial property damage; and
                    (B) for the areas identified under subparagraph 
                (A)--
                          (i) identify the key weather effects for which 
                      prediction would improve with improved radar 
                      detection;
                          (ii) identify additional sources of 
                      observations for high impact weather that were 
                      available and operational for such areas on the 
                      day before the date of the enactment of this Act, 
                      including dense networks of x-band radars, 
                      Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (commonly known as 
                      ``TDWR''), air surveillance radars of the Federal 
                      Aviation Administration, and cooperative network 
                      observers;
                          (iii) <<NOTE: Assessment.>>  assess the 
                      feasibility and advisability of efforts to 
                      integrate and upgrade Federal radar capabilities 
                      that are not owned or controlled by the National 
                      Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including 
                      radar capabilities of the Federal Aviation 
                      Administration and the Department of Defense;

[[Page 131 STAT. 115]]

                          (iv) assess the feasibility and advisability 
                      of incorporating State-operated and other non-
                      Federal radars into the operations of the National 
                      Weather Service;
                          (v) identify options to improve hazardous 
                      weather detection and forecasting coverage; and
                          (vi) provide the estimated cost of, and 
                      timeline for, each of the options identified under 
                      clause (v).
            (3) Report.--Upon the completion of the study required under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives a report that includes the findings of the 
        Secretary with respect to the study.

    (b) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  Recommendations to Improve Radar 
Coverage.--Not later than 90 days after the completion of the study 
under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the 
congressional committees referred to in subsection (a)(3) 
recommendations for improving hazardous weather detection and 
forecasting coverage in the areas identified under subsection (a)(2)(A) 
by integrating additional observation solutions to the extent 
practicable and meteorologically justified and necessary to protect 
public safety.

    (c) Third-party Consultation Regarding Recommendations to Improve 
Radar Coverage.--The Secretary of Commerce may seek reviews by, or 
consult with, appropriate third parties regarding the scientific 
methodology relating to, and the feasibility and advisability of 
implementing, the recommendations submitted under subsection (b), 
including the extent to which warning and forecast services of the 
National Weather Service would be improved by additional observations.

 TITLE <<NOTE: Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2017.>>  
V--TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2017
SEC. 501. <<NOTE: 33 USC 3201 note.>>  SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Tsunami Warning, Education, and 
Research Act of 2017''.
SEC. 502. REFERENCES TO THE TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION ACT.

    Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an 
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal 
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of the Tsunami Warning and 
Education Act enacted as title VIII of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-
479; 33 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.).
SEC. 503. EXPANSION OF PURPOSES OF TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION 
                        ACT.

    Section 803 (33 U.S.C. 3202) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``research,'' after 
        ``warnings,'';
            (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:

[[Page 131 STAT. 116]]

            ``(2) to enhance and modernize the existing United States 
        Tsunami Warning System to increase the accuracy of forecasts and 
        warnings, to ensure full coverage of tsunami threats to the 
        United States with a network of detection assets, and to reduce 
        false alarms;'';
            (3) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
            ``(3) to improve and develop standards and guidelines for 
        mapping, modeling, and assessment efforts to improve tsunami 
        detection, forecasting, warnings, notification, mitigation, 
        resiliency, response, outreach, and recovery;'';
            (4) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as 
        paragraphs (5), (6), and (8), respectively;
            (5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
            ``(4) to improve research efforts related to improving 
        tsunami detection, forecasting, warnings, notification, 
        mitigation, resiliency, response, outreach, and recovery;'';
            (6) in paragraph (5), as redesignated--
                    (A) by striking ``and increase'' and inserting ``, 
                increase, and develop uniform standards and guidelines 
                for''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``, including the warning signs of 
                locally generated tsunami'' after ``approaching'';
            (7) in paragraph (6), as redesignated, by striking ``, 
        including the Indian Ocean; and'' and inserting a semicolon; and
            (8) by inserting after paragraph (6), as redesignated, the 
        following:
            ``(7) to foster resilient communities in the face of tsunami 
        and other similar coastal hazards; and''.
SEC. 504. MODIFICATION OF TSUNAMI FORECASTING AND WARNING PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 804 (33 U.S.C. 3203(a)) 
is amended by striking ``Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of 
Mexico region'' and inserting ``Atlantic Ocean region, including the 
Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico''.
    (b) Components.--Subsection (b) of section 804 (33 U.S.C. 3203(b)) 
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``established'' and 
        inserting ``supported or maintained'';
            (2) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (9) as 
        paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively;
            (3) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as 
        paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively;
            (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) to the degree practicable, maintain not less than 80 
        percent of the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis 
        buoy array at operational capacity to optimize data 
        reliability;''.
            (5) by amending paragraph (5), as redesignated by paragraph 
        (3), to read as follows:
            ``(5) provide tsunami forecasting capability based on models 
        and measurements, including tsunami inundation models and maps 
        for use in increasing the preparedness of communities and 
        safeguarding port and harbor operations, that incorporate 
        inputs, including--
                    ``(A) the United States and global ocean and coastal 
                observing system;

[[Page 131 STAT. 117]]

                    ``(B) the global Earth observing system;
                    ``(C) the global seismic network;
                    ``(D) the Advanced National Seismic system;
                    ``(E) tsunami model validation using historical and 
                paleotsunami data;
                    ``(F) digital elevation models and bathymetry; and
                    ``(G) newly developing tsunami detection 
                methodologies using satellites and airborne remote 
                sensing;'';
            (6) by amending paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph 
        (3), to read as follows:
            ``(7) include a cooperative effort among the Administration, 
        the United States Geological Survey, and the National Science 
        Foundation under which the Director of the United States 
        Geological Survey and the Director of the National Science 
        Foundation shall--
                    ``(A) provide rapid and reliable seismic information 
                to the Administrator from international and domestic 
                seismic networks; and
                    ``(B) support seismic stations installed before the 
                date of the enactment of the Tsunami Warning, Education, 
                and Research Act of 2017 to supplement coverage in areas 
                of sparse instrumentation;'';
            (7) in paragraph (8), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by inserting ``, including graphical warning 
                products,'' after ``warnings'';
                    (B) by inserting ``, territories,'' after 
                ``States''; and
                    (C) by inserting ``and Wireless Emergency Alerts'' 
                after ``Hazards Program''; and
            (8) in paragraph (9), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by inserting ``provide and'' before ``allow''; 
                and
                    (B) by inserting ``and commercial and Federal 
                undersea communications cables'' after ``observing 
                technologies''.

    (c) Tsunami Warning System.--Subsection (c) of section 804 (33 
U.S.C. 3203(c)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(c) Tsunami Warning System.--The program under this section shall 
operate a tsunami warning system that--
            ``(1) is capable of forecasting tsunami, including 
        forecasting tsunami arrival time and inundation estimates, 
        anywhere in the Pacific and Arctic Ocean regions and providing 
        adequate warnings;
            ``(2) is capable of forecasting and providing adequate 
        warnings, including tsunami arrival time and inundation models 
        where applicable, in areas of the Atlantic Ocean, including the 
        Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, that are determined--
                    ``(A) to be geologically active, or to have 
                significant potential for geological activity; and
                    ``(B) to pose significant risks of tsunami for 
                States along the coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean, 
                Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico; and
            ``(3) supports other international tsunami forecasting and 
        warning efforts.''.

    (d) Tsunami Warning Centers.--Subsection (d) of section 804 (33 
U.S.C. 3203(d)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(d) Tsunami Warning Centers.--

[[Page 131 STAT. 118]]

            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall support or 
        maintain centers to support the tsunami warning system required 
        by subsection (c). The Centers shall include--
                    ``(A) the National Tsunami Warning Center, located 
                in Alaska, which is primarily responsible for Alaska and 
                the continental United States;
                    ``(B) the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, located in 
                Hawaii, which is primarily responsible for Hawaii, the 
                Caribbean, and other areas of the Pacific not covered by 
                the National Center; and
                    ``(C) any additional forecast and warning centers 
                determined by the National Weather Service to be 
                necessary.
            ``(2) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities of the centers 
        supported or maintained under paragraph (1) shall include the 
        following:
                    ``(A) Continuously monitoring data from 
                seismological, deep ocean, coastal sea level, and tidal 
                monitoring stations and other data sources as may be 
                developed and deployed.
                    ``(B) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  Evaluating earthquakes, 
                landslides, and volcanic eruptions that have the 
                potential to generate tsunami.
                    ``(C) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  Evaluating deep ocean 
                buoy data and tidal monitoring stations for indications 
                of tsunami resulting from earthquakes and other sources.
                    ``(D) To the extent practicable, utilizing a range 
                of models, including ensemble models, to predict 
                tsunami, including arrival times, flooding estimates, 
                coastal and harbor currents, and duration.
                    ``(E) Using data from the Integrated Ocean Observing 
                System of the Administration in coordination with 
                regional associations to calculate new inundation 
                estimates and periodically update existing inundation 
                estimates.
                    ``(F) Disseminating forecasts and tsunami warning 
                bulletins to Federal, State, tribal, and local 
                government officials and the public.
                    ``(G) <<NOTE: Coordination.>>  Coordinating with the 
                tsunami hazard mitigation program conducted under 
                section 805 to ensure ongoing sharing of information 
                between forecasters and emergency management officials.
                    ``(H) <<NOTE: Coordination.>>  In coordination with 
                the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Administrator 
                of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, evaluating 
                and recommending procedures for ports and harbors at 
                risk of tsunami inundation, including review of 
                readiness, response, and communication strategies, and 
                data sharing policies, to the maximum extent 
                practicable.
                    ``(I) Making data gathered under this Act and post-
                warning analyses conducted by the National Weather 
                Service or other relevant Administration offices 
                available to the public.
                    ``(J) Integrating and modernizing the program 
                operated under this section with advances in tsunami 
                science to improve performance without compromising 
                service.
            ``(3) Fail-safe warning capability.--The tsunami warning 
        centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1) shall 
        maintain a fail-safe warning capability and perform back-up 
        duties for each other.

[[Page 131 STAT. 119]]

            ``(4) Coordination with national weather service.--The 
        Administrator shall coordinate with the forecast offices of the 
        National Weather Service, the centers supported or maintained 
        under paragraph (1), and such program offices of the 
        Administration as the Administrator or the coordinating 
        committee, as established in section 805(d), consider 
        appropriate to ensure that regional and local forecast offices--
                    ``(A) have the technical knowledge and capability to 
                disseminate tsunami warnings for the communities they 
                serve;
                    ``(B) leverage connections with local emergency 
                management officials for optimally disseminating tsunami 
                warnings and forecasts; and
                    ``(C) implement mass communication tools in effect 
                on the day before the date of the enactment of the 
                Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2017 
                used by the National Weather Service on such date and 
                newer mass communication technologies as they are 
                developed as a part of the Weather-Ready Nation program 
                of the Administration, or otherwise, for the purpose of 
                timely and effective delivery of tsunami warnings.
            ``(5) Uniform operating procedures.--The Administrator 
        shall--
                    ``(A) develop uniform operational procedures for the 
                centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1), 
                including the use of software applications, checklists, 
                decision support tools, and tsunami warning products 
                that have been standardized across the program supported 
                under this section;
                    ``(B) ensure that processes and products of the 
                warning system operated under subsection (c)--
                          ``(i) reflect industry best practices when 
                      practicable;
                          ``(ii) conform to the maximum extent 
                      practicable with internationally recognized 
                      standards for information technology; and
                          ``(iii) conform to the maximum extent 
                      practicable with other warning products and 
                      practices of the National Weather Service;
                    ``(C) ensure that future adjustments to operational 
                protocols, processes, and warning products--
                          ``(i) are made consistently across the warning 
                      system operated under subsection (c); and
                          ``(ii) are applied in a uniform manner across 
                      such warning system;
                    ``(D) establish a systematic method for information 
                technology product development to improve long-term 
                technology planning efforts; and
                    ``(E) disseminate guidelines and metrics for 
                evaluating and improving tsunami forecast models.
            ``(6) Available resources.--The Administrator, through the 
        National Weather Service, shall ensure that resources are 
        available to fulfill the obligations of this Act. This includes 
        ensuring supercomputing resources are available to run, as 
        rapidly as possible, such computer models as are needed for 
        purposes of the tsunami warning system operated under subsection 
        (c).''.

[[Page 131 STAT. 120]]

    (e) Transfer of Technology; Maintenance and Upgrades.--Subsection 
(e) of section 804 (33 U.S.C. 3203(e)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(e) Transfer of Technology; Maintenance and Upgrades.--In carrying 
out this section, the Administrator shall--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Requirements.>>  develop requirements for the 
        equipment used to forecast tsunami, including--
                    ``(A) provisions for multipurpose detection 
                platforms;
                    ``(B) reliability and performance metrics; and
                    ``(C) to the maximum extent practicable, 
                requirements for the integration of equipment with other 
                United States and global ocean and coastal observation 
                systems, the global Earth observing system of systems, 
                the global seismic networks, and the Advanced National 
                Seismic System;
            ``(2) <<NOTE: Plan.>>  develop and execute a plan for the 
        transfer of technology from ongoing research conducted as part 
        of the program supported or maintained under section 6 into the 
        program under this section; and
            ``(3) ensure that the Administration's operational tsunami 
        detection equipment is properly maintained.''.

    (f) Federal Cooperation.--Subsection (f) of section 804 (33 U.S.C. 
3203(f)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(f) Federal Cooperation.--When deploying and maintaining tsunami 
detection technologies under the program under this section, the 
Administrator shall--
            ``(1) identify which assets of other Federal agencies are 
        necessary to support such program; and
            ``(2) work with each agency identified under paragraph (1)--
                    ``(A) to acquire the agency's assistance; and
                    ``(B) to prioritize the necessary assets in support 
                of the tsunami forecast and warning program.''.

    (g) Unnecessary Provisions.--Section 804 (33 U.S.C. 3203) is further 
amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (g);
            (2) by striking subsections (i) through (k); and
            (3) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).

    (h) Congressional Notifications.--Subsection (g) of section 804 (33 
U.S.C. 3203(g)), as redesignated by subsection (g)(3), is amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs 
        (A) and (B), respectively, and moving such subparagraphs 2 ems 
        to the right;
            (2) in the matter before subparagraph (A), as redesignated 
        by paragraph (2), by striking ``The Administrator'' and 
        inserting the following:
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator'';
            (3) in paragraph (1), as redesignated by paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), as redesignated by 
                paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated by 
                paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) the occurrence of a significant tsunami 
                warning.''; and

[[Page 131 STAT. 121]]

            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  Contents.--In a case in which 
        notice is submitted under paragraph (1) within 30 days of a 
        significant tsunami warning described in subparagraph (C) of 
        such paragraph, such notice shall include, as appropriate, brief 
        information and analysis of--
                    ``(A) the accuracy of the tsunami model used;
                    ``(B) the specific deep ocean or other monitoring 
                equipment that detected the incident, as well as the 
                deep ocean or other monitoring equipment that did not 
                detect the incident due to malfunction or other reasons;
                    ``(C) the effectiveness of the warning 
                communication, including the dissemination of warnings 
                with State, territory, local, and tribal partners in the 
                affected area under the jurisdiction of the National 
                Weather Service; and
                    ``(D) such other findings as the Administrator 
                considers appropriate.''.
SEC. 505. MODIFICATION OF NATIONAL TSUNAMI HAZARD MITIGATION 
                        PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 805(a) (33 U.S.C. 3204(a)) is amended to 
read as follows:
    ``(a) <<NOTE: Coordination.>>  Program Required.--The Administrator, 
in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency and the heads of such other agencies as the 
Administrator considers relevant, shall conduct a community-based 
tsunami hazard mitigation program to improve tsunami preparedness and 
resiliency of at-risk areas in the United States and the territories of 
the United States.''.

    (b) National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.--Section 805 (33 
U.S.C. 3204) is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and 
inserting the following:
    ``(c) Program Components.--The Program conducted under subsection 
(a) shall include the following:
            ``(1) Technical and financial assistance to coastal States, 
        territories, tribes, and local governments to develop and 
        implement activities under this section.
            ``(2) Integration of tsunami preparedness and mitigation 
        programs into ongoing State-based hazard warning, resilience 
        planning, and risk management activities, including predisaster 
        planning, emergency response, evacuation planning, disaster 
        recovery, hazard mitigation, and community development and 
        redevelopment planning programs in affected areas.
            ``(3) <<NOTE: Coordination.>>  Coordination with other 
        Federal preparedness and mitigation programs to leverage Federal 
        investment, avoid duplication, and maximize effort.
            ``(4) Activities to promote the adoption of tsunami 
        resilience, preparedness, warning, and mitigation measures by 
        Federal, State, territorial, tribal, and local governments and 
        nongovernmental entities, including educational and risk 
        communication programs to discourage development in high-risk 
        areas.
            ``(5) Activities to support the development of regional 
        tsunami hazard and risk assessments. Such regional risk 
        assessments may include the following:
                    ``(A) The sources, sizes, and other relevant 
                historical data of tsunami in the region, including 
                paleotsunami data.

[[Page 131 STAT. 122]]

                    ``(B) Inundation models and maps of critical 
                infrastructure and socioeconomic vulnerability in areas 
                subject to tsunami inundation.
                    ``(C) Maps of evacuation areas and evacuation 
                routes, including, when appropriate, traffic studies 
                that evaluate the viability of evacuation routes.
                    ``(D) Evaluations of the size of populations that 
                will require evacuation, including populations with 
                special evacuation needs.
                    ``(E) Evaluations and technical assistance for 
                vertical evacuation structure planning for communities 
                where models indicate limited or no ability for timely 
                evacuation, especially in areas at risk of near shore 
                generated tsunami.
                    ``(F) Evaluation of at-risk ports and harbors.
                    ``(G) Evaluation of the effect of tsunami currents 
                on the foundations of closely-spaced, coastal high-rise 
                structures.
            ``(6) Activities to promote preparedness in at-risk ports 
        and harbors, including the following:
                    ``(A) <<NOTE: Evaluation. Recommenda- 
                tion. Procedures.>>  Evaluation and recommendation of 
                procedures for ports and harbors in the event of a 
                distant or near-field tsunami.
                    ``(B) <<NOTE: Review.>>  A review of readiness, 
                response, and communication strategies to ensure 
                coordination and data sharing with the Coast Guard.
            ``(7) Activities to support the development of community-
        based outreach and education programs to ensure community 
        readiness and resilience, including the following:
                    ``(A) The development, implementation, and 
                assessment of technical training and public education 
                programs, including education programs that address 
                unique characteristics of distant and near-field 
                tsunami.
                    ``(B) The development of decision support tools.
                    ``(C) The incorporation of social science research 
                into community readiness and resilience efforts.
                    ``(D) The development of evidence-based education 
                guidelines.
            ``(8) Dissemination of guidelines and standards for 
        community planning, education, and training products, programs, 
        and tools, including--
                    ``(A) standards for--
                          ``(i) mapping products;
                          ``(ii) inundation models; and
                          ``(iii) effective emergency exercises; and
                    ``(B) recommended guidance for at-risk port and 
                harbor tsunami warning, evacuation, and response 
                procedures in coordination with the Coast Guard and the 
                Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    ``(d) Authorized Activities.--In addition to activities conducted 
under subsection (c), the program conducted under subsection (a) may 
include the following:
            ``(1) Multidisciplinary vulnerability assessment research, 
        education, and training to help integrate risk management and 
        resilience objectives with community development planning and 
        policies.

[[Page 131 STAT. 123]]

            ``(2) Risk management training for local officials and 
        community organizations to enhance understanding and 
        preparedness.
            ``(3) <<NOTE: Coordination.>>  In coordination with the 
        Federal Emergency Management Agency, interagency, Federal, 
        State, tribal, and territorial intergovernmental tsunami 
        response exercise planning and implementation in high risk 
        areas.
            ``(4) Development of practical applications for existing or 
        emerging technologies, such as modeling, remote sensing, 
        geospatial technology, engineering, and observing systems, 
        including the integration of tsunami sensors into Federal and 
        commercial submarine telecommunication cables if practicable.
            ``(5) Risk management, risk assessment, and resilience data 
        and information services, including--
                    ``(A) access to data and products derived from 
                observing and detection systems; and
                    ``(B) development and maintenance of new integrated 
                data products to support risk management, risk 
                assessment, and resilience programs.
            ``(6) Risk notification systems that coordinate with and 
        build upon existing systems and actively engage decisionmakers, 
        State, local, tribal, and territorial governments and agencies, 
        business communities, nongovernmental organizations, and the 
        media.

    ``(e) No Preemption With Respect to Designation of At-risk Areas.--
The establishment of national standards for inundation models under this 
section shall not prevent States, territories, tribes, and local 
governments from designating additional areas as being at risk based on 
knowledge of local conditions.
    ``(f) No New Regulatory Authority.--Nothing in this Act may be 
construed as establishing new regulatory authority for any Federal 
agency.''.
    (c) Report on Accreditation of TsunamiReady Program.--Not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall submit to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report on which authorities and activities would be 
needed to have the TsunamiReady program of the National Weather Service 
accredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program.
SEC. 506. MODIFICATION OF TSUNAMI RESEARCH PROGRAM.

    Section 806 (33 U.S.C. 3205) is amended--
            (1) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking ``The 
        Administrator shall'' and all that follows through ``establish 
        or maintain'' and inserting the following:

    ``(a) <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  In General.--The Administrator shall, 
in consultation with such other Federal agencies, State, tribal, and 
territorial governments, and academic institutions as the Administrator 
considers appropriate, the coordinating committee under section 805(d), 
and the panel under section 808(a), support or maintain'';
            (2) in subsection (a), as designated by paragraph (1), by 
        striking ``and assessment for tsunami tracking and numerical 
        forecast modeling. Such research program shall--'' and inserting 
        the following: ``assessment for tsunami tracking and numerical 
        forecast modeling, and standards development.

[[Page 131 STAT. 124]]

    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The research program supported or 
maintained under subsection (a) shall--''; and
            (3) in subsection (b), as designated by paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
            ``(1) consider other appropriate and cost effective 
        solutions to mitigate the impact of tsunami, including the 
        improvement of near-field and distant tsunami detection and 
        forecasting capabilities, which may include use of a new 
        generation of the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of 
        Tsunamis array, integration of tsunami sensors into commercial 
        and Federal telecommunications cables, and other real-time 
        tsunami monitoring systems and supercomputer capacity of the 
        Administration to develop a rapid tsunami forecast for all 
        United States coastlines;'';
                    (B) in paragraph (3)--
                          (i) by striking ``include'' and inserting 
                      ``conduct''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
                    (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
                    (D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
            ``(4) develop the technical basis for validation of tsunami 
        maps, numerical tsunami models, digital elevation models, and 
        forecasts; and''; and
                    (E) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by 
                subparagraph (C), by striking ``to the scientific 
                community'' and inserting ``to the public and the 
                scientific community''.
SEC. 507. GLOBAL TSUNAMI WARNING AND MITIGATION NETWORK.

    Section 807 (33 U.S.C. 3206) is amended--
            (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

    ``(a) Support for Development of an International Tsunami Warning 
System.--The Administrator <<NOTE: Coordination.>>  shall, in 
coordination with the Secretary of State and in consultation with such 
other agencies as the Administrator considers relevant, provide 
technical assistance, operational support, and training to the 
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations 
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, the World 
Meteorological Organization of the United Nations, and such other 
international entities as the Administrator considers appropriate, as 
part of the international efforts to develop a fully functional global 
tsunami forecast and warning system comprised of regional tsunami 
warning networks.'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall'' each place it 
        appears and inserting ``may''; and
            (3) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``establishing'' 
                and inserting ``supporting''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) by striking ``establish'' and inserting 
                      ``support''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``establishing'' and 
                      inserting ``supporting''.
SEC. 508. TSUNAMI SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY PANEL.

    (a) In General.--The Act is further amended--
            (1) by redesignating section 808 (33 U.S.C. 3207) as section 
        809; and

[[Page 131 STAT. 125]]

            (2) by inserting after section 807 (33 U.S.C. 3206) the 
        following:
``SEC. 808. <<NOTE: 33 USC 3206a.>>  TSUNAMI SCIENCE AND 
                        TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY PANEL.

    ``(a) Designation.--The Administrator shall designate an existing 
working group within the Science Advisory Board of the Administration to 
serve as the Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel to provide 
advice to the Administrator on matters regarding tsunami science, 
technology, and regional preparedness.
    ``(b) Membership.--
            ``(1) Composition.--The Panel shall be composed of no fewer 
        than 7 members selected by the Administrator from among 
        individuals from academia or State agencies who have academic or 
        practical expertise in physical sciences, social sciences, 
        information technology, coastal resilience, emergency 
        management, or such other disciplines as the Administrator 
        considers appropriate.
            ``(2) Federal employment.--No member of the Panel may be a 
        Federal employee.

    ``(c) Responsibilities.--Not less frequently than once every 4 
years, the Panel shall--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Review.>>  review the activities of the 
        Administration, and other Federal activities as appropriate, 
        relating to tsunami research, detection, forecasting, warning, 
        mitigation, resiliency, and preparation; and
            ``(2) submit to the Administrator and such others as the 
        Administrator considers appropriate--
                    ``(A) the findings of the working group with respect 
                to the most recent review conducted under paragraph (1); 
                and
                    ``(B) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  such 
                recommendations for legislative or administrative action 
                as the working group considers appropriate to improve 
                Federal tsunami research, detection, forecasting, 
                warning, mitigation, resiliency, and preparation.

    ``(d) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  Reports to Congress.--Not less 
frequently than once every 4 years, the Administrator shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report on the findings and recommendations received by 
the Administrator under subsection (c)(2).''.

    (b) Table of Contents Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
1(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-479; 120 Stat. 3575) is 
amended by striking the item relating to section 808 and inserting the 
following:

``Sec. 808. Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel.
``Sec. 809. Authorization of appropriations.''.

SEC. 509. REPORTS.

    (a) Report on Implementation of Tsunami Warning and Education Act.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the National Oceanic 
        and Atmospheric Administration shall submit to Congress a report 
        on the implementation of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act 
        enacted as title VIII of the Magnuson-

[[Page 131 STAT. 126]]

        Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act 
        of 2006 (Public Law 109-479; 33 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.), as amended 
        by this Act.
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) A detailed description of the progress made in 
                implementing sections 804(d)(6), 805(b), and 806(b)(4) 
                of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act the Magnuson-
                Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
                Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-479; 33 
                U.S.C. 3201 et seq.).
                    (B) A description of the ways that tsunami warnings 
                and warning products issued by the Tsunami Forecasting 
                and Warning Program established under section 804 of the 
                Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3203), as 
                amended by this Act, may be standardized and streamlined 
                with warnings and warning products for hurricanes, 
                coastal storms, and other coastal flooding events.

    (b) Report on National Efforts That Support Rapid Response Following 
Near-shore Tsunami Events.--
            (1) <<NOTE: Coordination.>>  In general.--Not later than 1 
        year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
        Administrator and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall 
        jointly, in coordination with the Director of the United States 
        Geological Survey, Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
        Management Agency, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and 
        the heads of such other Federal agencies as the Administrator 
        considers appropriate, submit to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress a report on the national efforts in effect on the day 
        before the date of the enactment of this Act that support and 
        facilitate rapid emergency response following a domestic near-
        shore tsunami event to better understand domestic effects of 
        earthquake derived tsunami on people, infrastructure, and 
        communities in the United States.
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) A description of scientific or other 
                measurements collected on the day before the date of the 
                enactment of this Act to quickly identify and quantify 
                lost or degraded infrastructure or terrestrial 
                formations.
                    (B) A description of scientific or other 
                measurements that would be necessary to collect to 
                quickly identify and quantify lost or degraded 
                infrastructure or terrestrial formations.
                    (C) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  Identification and 
                evaluation of Federal, State, local, tribal, 
                territorial, and military first responder and search and 
                rescue operation centers, bases, and other facilities as 
                well as other critical response assets and 
                infrastructure, including search and rescue aircraft, 
                located within near-shore and distant tsunami inundation 
                areas on the day before the date of the enactment of 
                this Act.
                    (D) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  An evaluation of near-
                shore tsunami response plans in areas described in 
                subparagraph (C) in effect on the day before the date of 
                the enactment of this Act, and how those response plans 
                would be affected by the loss of search and rescue and 
                first responder infrastructure described in such 
                subparagraph.

[[Page 131 STAT. 127]]

                    (E) A description of redevelopment plans and reports 
                in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of 
                this Act for communities in areas that are at high-risk 
                for near-shore tsunami, as well identification of States 
                or communities that do not have redevelopment plans.
                    (F) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  Recommendations to 
                enhance near-shore tsunami preparedness and response 
                plans, including recommended responder exercises, 
                predisaster planning, and mitigation needs.
                    (G) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  Such other data and 
                analysis information as the Administrator and the 
                Secretary of Homeland Security consider appropriate.
            (3) <<NOTE: Definition.>>  Appropriate committees of 
        congress.--In this subsection, the term ``appropriate committees 
        of Congress'' means--
                    (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security 
                and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
                    (B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
                the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on 
                Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
                Representatives.
SEC. 510. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 809 of the Act, as redesignated by section _08(a)(1) of this 
Act, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) $25,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 
        2021, of which--
                    ``(A) not less than 27 percent of the amount 
                appropriated for each fiscal year shall be for 
                activities conducted at the State level under the 
                tsunami hazard mitigation program under section 805; and
                    ``(B) not less than 8 percent of the amount 
                appropriated shall be for the tsunami research program 
                under section 806.''.
SEC. 511. <<NOTE: Coordination. 33 USC 3208.>>  OUTREACH 
                        RESPONSIBILITIES.

    The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, in coordination with State and local emergency managers, 
shall develop and carry out formal outreach activities to improve 
tsunami education and awareness and foster the development of resilient 
communities. Outreach activities may include--
            (1) the development of outreach plans to ensure the close 
        integration of tsunami warning centers supported or maintained 
        under section 804(d) of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act 
        (33 U.S.C. 3203(d)), as amended by this Act, with local Weather 
        Forecast Offices of the National Weather Service and emergency 
        managers;
            (2) working with appropriate local Weather Forecast Offices 
        to ensure they have the technical knowledge and capability to 
        disseminate tsunami warnings to the communities they serve; and
            (3) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  evaluating the effectiveness of 
        warnings and of coordination with local Weather Forecast Offices 
        after significant tsunami events.

[[Page 131 STAT. 128]]

SEC. 512. REPEAL OF DUPLICATE PROVISIONS OF LAW.

    (a) Repeal.--The Tsunami Warning and Education Act enacted by Public 
Law 109-424 (120 Stat. 2902) <<NOTE: 33 USC 3201 and note, 3202-3207.>>  
is repealed.

    (b) <<NOTE: 33 USC 3201 note.>>  Construction.--Nothing in this 
section may be construed to repeal, or affect in any way, the Tsunami 
Warning and Education Act enacted as title VIII of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public 
Law 109-479; 33 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.).

    Approved April 18, 2017.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 353:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017):
            Jan. 9, considered and passed House.
            Mar. 29, considered and passed Senate, amended.
            Apr. 4, House concurred in Senate amendment.

                                  <all>
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