‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—No additional funds are author-
ized to carry out this title or the amendments made by 
this title.’’. 
SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN 
TORNADOES 
EXPERIMENT–UNITED 
STATES 
OF AMERICA (VORTEX–USA). 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 103 of the Weather Re-
search and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 
8513) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN 
TORNADOES 
EXPERIMENT–UNITED 
STATES 
OF AMERICA (VORTEX–USA). 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary, in collabo-
ration with the United States weather industry and aca-
demic partners, shall maintain a program for rapidly im-
proving tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings, in-
cluding forecaster training in radar interpretation and in-
formation integration from new sources. 
‘‘(b) GOAL.—The goal of the program under sub-
section (a) shall be to develop and extend accurate tornado 
forecasts, predictions, and warnings in order to reduce the 
loss of life or property related to tornadoes, with a focus 
on the following: 
‘‘(1) Improving the effectiveness and timeliness 
of tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) Optimizing lead time and providing action-
able information beyond one hour in advance. 
‘‘(3) Transitioning from warn-on-detection to 
warn-on-forecast. 
‘‘(c) INNOVATIVE OBSERVATIONS.—The Under Sec-
retary shall ensure the program under subsection (a) peri-
odically examines, tests, and evaluates the value of incor-
porating innovative observations, such as novel sensor 
technologies, observation tools or networks, crewed or 
uncrewed systems, and hosted instruments on commercial 
aircrafts, vessels, and satellites, with respect to the im-
provement of tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings. 
‘‘(d) ACTIVITIES.—The Under Secretary shall award 
grants for research, including relating to the following: 
‘‘(1) Implementing key goals and achieving pro-
gram milestones to the maximum extent practicable 
as outlined by the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration’s 2019 report, ‘Tornado 
Warning Improvement and Extension Program 
Plan’. 
‘‘(2) In coordination with the National Science 
and Technology Council’s Social and Behavioral 
Sciences Subcommittee, improving the social, behav-
ioral, risk, communication, and economic sciences re-
garding vulnerabilities, risk communication, and de-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
livery of information critical for reducing the loss of 
life or property related to tornadoes. 
‘‘(3) Improving the physical sciences, computer 
modeling, and tools related to tornado formation, the 
impacts of tornadoes on the built and natural envi-
ronment, and the interaction of tornadoes and hurri-
canes. 
‘‘(e) PRIORITY INSTITUTIONS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In awarding grants under 
subsection (d), the Under Secretary may prioritize 
awarding grants to minority-serving institutions. 
‘‘(2) DEFINITION OF MINORITY-SERVING INSTI-
TUTION.—In this subsection, the term ‘minority- 
serving institution’ means— 
‘‘(A) a part B institution (as defined in 
section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061)); 
‘‘(B) a Hispanic-serving institution (as de-
fined in section 502(a) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 
1101a(a))); 
‘‘(C) a Tribal College or University (as de-
fined in section 316(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 
1059c(b))); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(D) an Alaska Native-serving institution 
(as defined in section 317(b) of such Act (20 
U.S.C. 1059d(b))); 
‘‘(E) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution 
(as defined in section 317(b) of such Act (20 
U.S.C. 1059d(b))); 
‘‘(F) a Predominantly Black Institution 
(as defined in section 318(b) of such Act (20 
U.S.C. 1059e(b))); 
‘‘(G) an Asian American and Native Amer-
ican Pacific Islander-serving institution (as de-
fined in section 320(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 
1059g(b))); or 
‘‘(H) a Native American-serving, nontribal 
institution (as defined in section 319(b) of such 
Act (20 U.S.C. 1059f(b))). 
‘‘(f) WARNINGS.—In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Under Secretary, in coordination with the program estab-
lished under section 403(a) of the Weather Act Reauthor-
ization Act of 2025, shall— 
‘‘(1) conduct and transition to operations the 
research necessary to develop and deploy prob-
abilistic weather forecast guidance technology for 
tornadoes and related weather phenomena; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) incorporate into tornado modeling and 
forecasting, as appropriate, social, behavioral, risk, 
communication, and economic sciences; 
‘‘(3) enhance workforce training on radar inter-
pretation and use of tornado warning systems; and 
‘‘(4) expand computational resources, including 
cloud computing, to support higher-resolution mod-
eling to advance the capability for warn-on-forecast. 
‘‘(g) TORNADO RATING SYSTEM.—The Under Sec-
retary, in collaboration with local communities and emer-
gency managers, shall— 
‘‘(1) evaluate the system used as of the date of 
the enactment of this section to rate the severity of 
tornadoes; 
‘‘(2) determine whether updates to such system 
are required to ensure such ratings accurately reflect 
the severity of tornados; and 
‘‘(3) if determined necessary, update such sys-
tem. 
‘‘(h) ANNUAL BUDGET.—The Under Secretary shall, 
not less frequently than annually, submit to Congress a 
proposed budget corresponding with carrying out this sec-
tion. 
‘‘(i) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Under Secretary to 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
carry out this section $11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2026 through 2030, of which not less than $2,000,000 
each fiscal year shall be used for prioritized grants award-
ed under subsection (e).’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of contents 
in section 1(b) of the Weather Research and Forecasting 
Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by amending the item 
relating to section 103 to read as follows: 
‘‘Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment– 
United States of America (VORTEX–USA).’’. 
SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PRO-
GRAM. 
Section 104 of the Weather Research and Fore-
casting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8514) is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PRO-
GRAM. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary, in collabo-
ration with the United States weather industry and aca-
demic partners, shall maintain a program to improve hur-
ricane forecasting, predictions, and warnings. 
‘‘(b) GOAL.—The goal of the program under sub-
section (a) shall be to develop and extend accurate hurri-
cane forecasts, predictions, and warnings in order to re-
duce the loss of life or property related to hurricanes, with 
a focus on the following: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(1) Improving the understanding, prediction, 
and communication of rapid intensity change and 
projected path of hurricanes, including probabilistic 
methods for hurricane hazard mapping. 
‘‘(2) Improving the forecast and impact-based 
communication of inland flooding, compound flood-
ing, and storm surges from hurricanes, in coordina-
tion with the program established under section 205 
of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025. 
‘‘(3) Incorporating social, behavioral, risk, com-
munication, and economic sciences to clearly inform 
response to prevent the loss of life or property. 
‘‘(4) Evaluating and incorporating, as appro-
priate, innovative observations, including acoustic or 
infrasonic measurements, novel sensor technologies, 
observation tools or networks, crewed or uncrewed 
systems, and hosted instruments on commercial air-
crafts, vessels, and satellites. 
‘‘(c) ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Under Secretary shall award grants for research, includ-
ing relating to the following: 
‘‘(1) Implementing key strategies and following 
priorities and objectives outlined by the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2019 re-
port ‘Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) In coordination with the National Science 
and Technology Council’s Social and Behavioral 
Sciences Subcommittee and other relevant inter-
agency committees, improving the social, behavioral, 
risk, communications, and economic sciences related 
to vulnerabilities, risk communication, and delivery 
of information critical for reducing the loss of life or 
property related to hurricanes. 
‘‘(3) Improving the physical sciences, oper-
ational modeling, and tools related to hurricane for-
mation, the impacts of wind and water-based hurri-
cane hazards on the built and natural environment, 
and the interaction of hurricanes and tornadoes. 
‘‘(d) WARNINGS.—In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Under Secretary, in coordination with the program estab-
lished under section 403(a) of the Weather Act Reauthor-
ization Act of 2025, shall— 
‘‘(1) conduct and transition to operations the 
research necessary to develop and deploy prob-
abilistic weather forecast guidance technology relat-
ing to hurricanes and related weather phenomena; 
‘‘(2) incorporate into hurricane modeling and 
forecasting, as appropriate, social, behavioral, risk, 
communication, and economic sciences research; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) expand computational resources, including 
cloud computing, to support and improve higher-res-
olution operational modeling of hurricanes and re-
lated weather phenomena. 
‘‘(e) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than June 1 of 
each year until 2030, the Under Secretary, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives a report that in-
cludes the following: 
‘‘(1) The number and causes of missed mission 
requirements for the National Hurricane Operations 
Plan and the National Winter Season Operations 
Plan, including those related to equipment malfunc-
tion, aircraft availability, aircraft maintenance, flight 
hour limits, and availability of pilots or other air and 
maintenance crew members. 
‘‘(2) Requirements related to the plans de-
scribed in paragraph (1) that were requested by 
forecasters but not tasked, and the reasons why 
those were not tasked. 
‘‘(3) A workforce management plan addressing 
any shortfalls in human capital resources that are 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
necessary for hurricane observational data collection 
aboard aircraft or uncrewed systems. 
‘‘(4) A summary of the following: 
‘‘(A) Hurricane technology that is under 
research and development to improve confidence 
in hurricane track and intensity predictions. 
‘‘(B) Hurricane technology that is at the 
prototype demonstration stage or beyond. 
‘‘(C) Plans for transitioning the hurricane 
technology described in subparagraph (B) into 
operations.’’. 
SEC. 105. TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION ACT REAU-
THORIZATION. 
(a) TITLE HEADING.—The Magnuson-Stevens Fish-
ery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 
2006 (Public Law 109–479) is amended— 
(1) in title VIII, in the title heading (relating 
to the Tsunami Warning and Education Act; 33 
U.S.C. 3201 et seq.), by inserting ‘‘, RESEARCH,’’ 
after ‘‘WARNING’’; and 
(2) in the table of contents in section 1(b), by 
amending the item relating to the title heading for 
title VIII to read as follows: 
‘‘TITLE VIII—TSUNAMI WARNING, RESEARCH, AND EDUCATION.’’. 
(b) SHORT TITLE.—Section 801 of the Tsunami 
Warning and Education Act (enacted as title VIII of the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘, using 
industry and scientific best practices,’’ after 
‘‘operational condition’’; 
(B) in paragraph (5)— 
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
‘‘global seismic network’’ and inserting 
‘‘Global Seismic Network’’; 
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs 
(D), (E), (F), and (G), as subparagraphs 
(E), (F), (G), and (H), respectively; and 
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph 
(C) the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(D) the global navigation satellite system 
(GNSS) network;’’; 
(C) by amending paragraph (6) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(6) ensure data quality and management sys-
tems, support data and metadata access and 
archiving, and support the requirements of the pro-
gram pursuant to the Foundations for Evidence- 
Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115– 
435) and chapter 31 of title 44, United States 
Code;’’; 
(D) in paragraph (7)— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(i) by amending the matter preceding 
subparagraph (A) to read as follows: ‘‘in-
clude a cooperative effort among the Ad-
ministration, the United States Geological 
Survey (USGS), the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration (NASA), and 
the National Science Foundation (NSF) 
under which the Director of USGS, the Di-
rector of the NSF, and the Administrator 
of NASA shall—’’; 
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
‘‘and’’ at the end; and 
(iii) by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(C) provide reliable and real-time support 
for the GNSS network data streams from NSF, 
NASA, and USGS maintained networks, and 
supplement instrumentation coverage for rapid 
earthquake assessment; 
‘‘(D) assess the data and information re-
lating to warning systems of collaborating agen-
cies for potential utilization in NOAA’s warning 
system, taking into consideration advancement 
in research and technology; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(E) incorporate, as practicable, tsunami 
notifications and warnings in the USGS Earth-
quake Early Warning System; and 
‘‘(F) incorporate, as practicable, prelimi-
nary analysis or data from the National Earth-
quake Information Center regarding the source 
and magnitude of an offshore earthquake with-
in five minutes of detection;’’; 
(E) in paragraph (8)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘and decision support 
aides’’ after ‘‘graphical warning prod-
ucts,’’; and 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘-prone’’ after ‘‘tsu-
nami’’; 
(F) in paragraph (9), by striking ‘‘and’’ 
after the semicolon; 
(G) in paragraph (10), by striking the pe-
riod and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(H) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(11) update tsunami inundation maps, models, 
or other geographic products, in order to best sup-
port, as appropriate, relevant agencies with tsunami 
mitigation and recovery activities.’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and redesig-
nating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
(1) and (2), respectively; and 
(B) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated— 
(i) by striking ‘‘the Atlantic Ocean, 
including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of 
Mexico, that are determined—’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic 
Oceans, including the Caribbean Sea and 
Gulf of Mexico, that are determined to 
pose significant risks of tsunami for States 
and United States territories along the 
coastal areas of such regions; and’’; and 
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and 
(B); 
(3) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), (f), 
and (g) as subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h), respec-
tively; 
(4) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol-
lowing new subsection: 
‘‘(d) TSUNAMI WARNING ALERT LEVEL EVALUA-
TION.—The Administrator, in collaboration with social sci-
entists, emergency personnel, and high-risk communities, 
shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(1) evaluate tsunami alert levels terminology, 
timing, and effectiveness; 
‘‘(2) determine if such alerts produce the de-
sired response and understanding from possible tsu-
nami-prone communities; and 
‘‘(3) if necessary, update the alert level system 
for increased effectiveness.’’; 
(5) in subsection (e), as so redesignated— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A), by inserting ‘‘responsible for 
Alaska, the continental United States, Ha-
waii, United States territories, and inter-
national entities the Administrator deter-
mines appropriate’’ before the period; 
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
‘‘which is primarily responsible for Alaska 
and the continental United States’’; and 
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
‘‘, which is primarily responsible for Ha-
waii, the Caribbean, and other areas of the 
Pacific not covered by the National Cen-
ter’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2)— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting 
‘‘current,’’ after ‘‘sea level,’’; 
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
‘‘and volcanic eruptions’’ and inserting 
‘‘volcanic eruptions, or other sources’’; 
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
‘‘buoy data and tidal’’ and inserting ‘‘and 
coastal’’; 
(iv) in subparagraph (E), by striking 
‘‘Integrated Ocean Observing System of 
the Administration’’ and inserting ‘‘United 
States and global ocean and coastal observ-
ing system’’; 
(v) in subparagraph (H), by inserting 
‘‘monitoring needs,’’ after ‘‘response,’’; and 
(vi) by amending subparagraph (I) to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(I) Providing a Tsunami Warn-
ing Coordinator to coordinate with 
partners and stakeholders products 
and services of the centers supported 
or maintained under paragraph (1).’’; 
(C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as 
follows: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(D) conduct education and outreach ef-
forts to help prepare coastal communities for 
tsunami hazards.’’; 
(E) in paragraph (5)— 
(i) in the heading, by striking ‘‘UNI-
FORM’’ and inserting ‘‘STANDARDIZED’’; 
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
‘‘uniform’’ and inserting ‘‘standardized’’; 
(iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by strik-
ing ‘‘uniform’’ and inserting ‘‘standard-
ized’’; 
(iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking 
‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 
(v) in subparagraph (E), by striking 
the period and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(vi) by adding at the end the following 
new subparagraph: 
‘‘(F) align the analytic techniques and 
methodologies of the existing tsunami warning 
centers supported or maintained under para-
graph (1) to ensure seamless continuity of oper-
ations and mitigate risk of operational failure 
by prioritizing investments that include— 
‘‘(i) replacing end of life equipment; 
‘‘(ii) ensuring product consistency; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(iii) enabling consistent operational 
process for backup capabilities; 
‘‘(iv) mitigating existing operational 
security risks; and 
‘‘(v) meeting information security re-
quirements specified in chapter 35 of title 
44, United States Code.’’; and 
(F) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(7) REPORTING.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this paragraph 
and annually thereafter until such time as all rel-
evant requirements have been satisfied, the Adminis-
trator shall provide to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate an update briefing on 
the progress of the following: 
‘‘(A) Standardizing products and proce-
dures under paragraph (5), including tsunami 
assessments, forecast guidance, and related 
products. 
‘‘(B) Migrating the message generation 
systems of the centers supported or maintained 
under paragraph (1) to the Advanced Weather 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
Information Processing Systems, or successor 
systems. 
‘‘(C) The structural reorganization effort, 
if necessary, to align such centers’ organiza-
tional charts. 
‘‘(D) The expected timeline for the full 
completion of standardizing such centers’ prod-
ucts and procedures.’’; 
(6) in subsection (f), as so redesignated— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A), by inserting ‘‘detect, measure, 
and’’ after ‘‘used to’’; 
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
‘‘and the Advanced National Seismic Sys-
tem;’’ and inserting ‘‘the Advanced Na-
tional Seismic System, and the global navi-
gation satellite system (GNSS); and’’; and 
(iv) by adding at the end the following 
new subparagraph: 
‘‘(D) ensure research is coordinated with 
tsunami warning operations;’’; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘accord-
ing to industry best practices’’ before the pe-
riod; and 
(7) in subsection (h)(2)(A), as so redesignated, 
by striking ‘‘accuracy of the tsunami model used’’ 
and inserting ‘‘timeliness and accuracy of the fore-
cast used to issue the warning’’. 
(e) NATIONAL TSUNAMI HAZARD MITIGATION PRO-
GRAM.—Section 805(c) of the Tsunami Warning, Re-
search, and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3204(c)) is amend-
ed— 
(1) in paragraph (5)— 
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), 
(C), (D), (E), (F), and (G) as subparagraphs 
(C), (D), (E), (F), (G), and (H), respectively; 
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) 
the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(B) Coastal digital elevation models 
(DEMs) to support the development of inunda-
tion maps.’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraphs: 
‘‘(I) Evaluation of the variation of inunda-
tion impact resulting from tsunami-driven sedi-
ment transport. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(J) Evaluation of tsunami debris impact 
on critical infrastructure (as such term is de-
fined in section 1016(e) of Public Law 107–56 
(42 U.S.C. 5195c(e))) and lifelines. 
‘‘(K) High-resolution and high-quality dig-
ital elevation models needed for at-risk coast-
lines, ports, and harbors, particularly for re-
gions not covered by existing inundation 
maps.’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (7)(C), by inserting ‘‘and be-
havioral’’ after ‘‘social’’. 
(f) TSUNAMI RESEARCH PROGRAM.—Section 806 of 
the Tsunami Warning, Research, and Education Act (33 
U.S.C. 3205) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘section 805(d)’’ and in-
serting ‘‘section 805(b)’’; and 
(B) by inserting ‘‘and management’’ after 
‘‘data collection’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘deploy-
ment and’’ after ‘‘may include’’; 
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘social 
science research’’ and inserting ‘‘social and be-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
havioral science research, including data collec-
tion,’’; 
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘and’’ 
after the semicolon; 
(D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as 
paragraph (7); and 
(E) by inserting after paragraph (4) the 
following new paragraphs: 
‘‘(5) develop decision support tools; 
‘‘(6) leverage and prioritize research opportuni-
ties; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(c) RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN.—Not 
later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of 
this subsection and not less frequently than every 36 
months thereafter, the Administrator, in consultation with 
the Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological 
Services, shall develop a research and development and re-
search to operations plan to improve tsunami detection 
and forecasting capabilities that— 
‘‘(1) identifies and prioritizes research and de-
velopment priorities to satisfy section 804; 
‘‘(2) identifies key research needs for better de-
tecting tsunamis that may occur in open ocean and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
along the coastlines of the United States and its ter-
ritories, improve forecasting of tsunamis that are 
not seismically driven, and other opportunities deter-
mined appropriate; 
‘‘(3) develops plans for transitioning research to 
operations; and 
‘‘(4) identifies collaboration opportunities that 
may further and align tsunami research, develop-
ment, warnings, and operations between the centers 
supported or maintained under section 804, the Na-
tional Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, the Na-
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Cen-
ter for Tsunami Research, the National Science 
Foundation, the United States Geological Survey, 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, insti-
tutions of higher education, private entities, stake-
holders, and others determined appropriate.’’. 
(g) ASSESSMENT OF TSUNAMI WATCHES AND WARN-
INGS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Tsunami Warning, Re-
search, and Education Act (enacted as title VIII of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public 
Law 109–479)) is amended by inserting after sec-
tion 804 (33 U.S.C. 3203) the following new section: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘SEC. 804A. ASSESSMENT OF TSUNAMI WATCHES AND 
WARNINGS. 
‘‘(a) ASSESSMENT
OF
TSUNAMI
WATCHES
AND 
WARNINGS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than two years 
after the date of the enactment of this section, the 
Under Secretary shall— 
‘‘(A) conduct an assessment of— 
‘‘(i) the tsunami watches and warn-
ings of the National Weather Service; and 
‘‘(ii) the information delivery to sup-
port 
preparation 
and 
responses 
to 
tsunamis; and 
‘‘(B) submit to Congress a report on the 
findings of the Under Secretary with respect to 
the assessment required by subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—The assessment required by 
paragraph (1)(A) shall include the following: 
‘‘(A) An evaluation of whether the watch-
es, warnings, and information described in 
paragraph (1)(A) effectively— 
‘‘(i) communicate risk to the general 
public; 
‘‘(ii) inform action to prevent loss of 
life and property; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(iii) inform action to support tsu-
nami preparation and response; and 
‘‘(iv) deliver information in a manner 
designed to lead to appropriate action. 
‘‘(B) Subject to subsection (b)(2), such 
recommendations as the Under Secretary may 
have for— 
‘‘(i) legislative and administrative ac-
tion to improve the watches and warnings 
described in paragraph (1)(A)(i); and 
‘‘(ii) such research as the Under Sec-
retary considers necessary to address the 
focus areas described in paragraph (3). 
‘‘(3) FOCUS AREAS.—The assessment required 
by paragraph (1)(A) shall focus on the following 
areas: 
‘‘(A) Ways to communicate the risks posed 
by hazardous tsunami events to the public that 
are most likely to result in informed decision-
making regarding the mitigation of such risks. 
‘‘(B) Ways to provide actionable geo-
graphic information to the recipient of a watch 
or warning for tsunami, including partnering 
with emergency response agencies, as appro-
priate. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(C) Evaluation of information delivery to 
support the preparation for and response to 
tsunamis. 
‘‘(4) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the as-
sessment required by paragraph (1)(A), the Under 
Secretary shall consult with the following: 
‘‘(A) Individuals in the academic sector, in-
cluding individuals in the field of social and be-
havioral sciences. 
‘‘(B) Other weather services. 
‘‘(C) Media outlets and other entities that 
distribute the watches and warnings described 
in paragraph (1)(A)(i). 
‘‘(D) Emergency planners and responders, 
including State, local, and Tribal emergency 
management agencies. 
‘‘(E) Other government users of the watch-
es and warnings described in paragraph 
(1)(A)(i), including the Federal Highway Ad-
ministration. 
‘‘(F) Such other Federal agencies as the 
Under Secretary determines rely on watches 
and warnings regarding tsunamis for oper-
ational decisions. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(5) METHODOLOGIES.—In conducting the as-
sessment required by paragraph (1)(A), the Under 
Secretary shall use such methodologies as the Under 
Secretary considers generally accepted by the weath-
er enterprise (as such term is defined in section 2 
of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation 
Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501)), including social and 
behavioral sciences. 
‘‘(b) IMPROVEMENTS TO TSUNAMI WATCHES AND 
WARNINGS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Based on the assessment 
required by subsection (a)(1)(A), the Under Sec-
retary shall make such improvements to the watches 
and warnings described in such subsection as the 
Under Secretary considers necessary to— 
‘‘(A) improve the communication of the 
risks posed by tsunami events; and 
‘‘(B) provide actionable geographic infor-
mation to the recipient of a watch or warning 
for a tsunami. 
‘‘(2) 
REQUIREMENTS
REGARDING
REC-
OMMENDATIONS.—In conducting the assessment re-
quired by subsection (a)(1)(A), the Under Secretary 
shall ensure that any recommendation under sub-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
section (a)(2)(B) that the Under Secretary considers 
a major change— 
‘‘(A) is validated by social and behavioral 
science using a generalizable sample; 
‘‘(B) accounts for the needs of various de-
mographics, vulnerable populations, and geo-
graphic regions; 
‘‘(C) responds to the needs of Federal, 
State, local, and Tribal government partners 
and media partners; and 
‘‘(D) accounts for necessary changes to 
Federally operated watch and warning propaga-
tion and dissemination infrastructure and pro-
tocols.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of con-
tents for the Tsunami Warning, Research, and Edu-
cation Act (enacted as title VIII of the Magnuson- 
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Re-
authorization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–479)) is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to sec-
tion 804 the following new item: 
‘‘Sec. 804A. Assessment of tsunami watches and warnings.’’. 
(h) GLOBAL TSUNAMI WARNING AND MITIGATION 
NETWORK.—Section 807(d) of the Tsunami Warning, Re-
search, and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3206(d)) is amend-
ed by inserting ‘‘and management’’ after ‘‘data sharing’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(i) TSUNAMI SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY 
PANEL.—Section 808 of the Tsunami Warning, Research, 
and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3206a) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ‘‘and be-
havioral’’ after ‘‘social’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(e) SUNSET.—The Panel shall terminate not later 
than six years after the date of the enactment of the 
Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025.’’. 
(j) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 
809 of the Tsunami Warning, Research, and Education 
Act (33 U.S.C. 3207) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 809. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
‘‘There are authorized to be appropriated to the Ad-
ministrator to carry out this title $30,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, of which— 
‘‘(1) not less than 27 percent of the amount ap-
propriated for each such fiscal year shall be for ac-
tivities conducted at the State level under the na-
tional tsunami hazard mitigation program under sec-
tion 805; and 
‘‘(2) not less than eight percent of the amount 
appropriated shall be for the tsunami research pro-
gram under section 806.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
SEC. 106. OBSERVING SYSTEM PLANNING. 
Section 106 of the Weather Research and Fore-
casting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8516) is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (3)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘Federal’’ before ‘‘observ-
ing capabilities’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 
(2) in paragraph (4)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘, including private sector 
partnerships or commercial acquisition,’’ after 
‘‘options’’; and 
(B) by striking the period and inserting a 
semicolon; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraphs: 
‘‘(5) compare costs and schedule, including 
cost-benefit analysis, of Federal and private sector 
supplemental options to fill the observation data re-
quirements under paragraph (1) and gaps identified 
pursuant to paragraph (3); and 
‘‘(6) not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of the Weather Act Reauthorization 
Act of 2025, submit to Congress a report that pro-
vides an analysis of the technical, schedule, cost, and 
cost benefit analyses to place an operational polar- 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
orbiting environmental satellite capability in the 
early morning orbit to support the weather enter-
prise and the Administration’s mission.’’. 
SEC. 107. OBSERVING SYSTEM SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS. 
Section 107 of the Weather Research and Fore-
casting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8517) is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ‘‘providing 
data’’ and inserting ‘‘comparison to current or ex-
perimental commercial system capabilities that pro-
vide data’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘, including 
polar-orbiting and geostationary satellite systems,’’; 
(3) by striking subsection (d); and 
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as sub-
section (d). 
SEC. 108. COMPUTING RESOURCES PRIORITIZATION. 
(a) COMPUTING
RESEARCH
INITIATIVE.—Section 
108 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation 
Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8518) is amended by striking sub-
section (a)(3)(C) and all that follows through subsection 
(b)(7) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(b) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INVESTMENTS.— 
The Under Secretary shall leverage artificial intelligence 
and machine learning technologies to facilitate, optimize, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
and further leverage advanced computing to accomplish 
critical missions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration. 
‘‘(c) CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.—The Under Sec-
retary may expand, and where applicable establish, centers 
of excellence to aid the adoption of next-generation artifi-
cial intelligence and machine learning enabled advanced 
computing capabilities. Each such center may carry out 
activities that include the following: 
‘‘(1) Leveraging robust public-private partner-
ship models to provide access to training, experience, 
and long-term development of workforce and infra-
structure. 
‘‘(2) Developing and optimizing tools, libraries, 
algorithms, data structures, and other supporting 
software necessary for specific applications on high- 
performance computing systems. 
‘‘(3) Applying modern artificial intelligence, 
deep machine-learning, and advanced data analysis 
technologies to address current and future mission 
challenges. 
‘‘(4) To the maximum extent practicable, ex-
ploring quantum computing and related application 
partnerships with public, private, and academic enti-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
ties to improve the accuracy and resolution of weath-
er predictions. 
‘‘(d) MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS.—The Under Sec-
retary may enter into multi-year contracts in accordance 
with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code, and 
shall ensure compliance with all contract clauses provided 
in such section to support operations, research, and devel-
opment related to high performance and cloud computing 
infrastructure or systems with an unfunded contingent li-
ability in the event of cancellation. 
‘‘(e) REPORT.—Not later than two years after the 
date of the enactment of the Weather Act Reauthorization 
Act of 2025, the Under Secretary, in collaboration with 
the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the Committee 
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation and the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources of the Senate a report evaluating the 
following: 
‘‘(1) A best estimate of the overall value of 
high-resolution probabilistic forecast guidance for 
hazardous weather or water events (as such term is 
defined in section 401 of the Weather Act Reauthor-
ization Act of 2025) using a next-generation weather 
forecast and warning framework. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) The needs for cloud computing, quantum 
computing, or high-performance computing, visual-
ization, and dissemination collaboration between the 
Department of Energy and the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration. 
‘‘(3) A timeline and guidance for implementa-
tion of the following: 
‘‘(A) High-resolution numerical weather 
prediction models. 
‘‘(B) Methods for meeting the cloud com-
puting, quantum computing, or high-perform-
ance computing, visualization, and dissemina-
tion needs identified under paragraph (2).’’. 
(b) STRATEGIC PLAN ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE COM-
PUTING AND DATA MANAGEMENT NEEDS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary shall 
make publicly available not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, and update 
every five years thereafter until 2035, a 10-year 
strategic plan that outlines the high-performance 
computing and data management requirements and 
needs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration and actions and strategies to address 
such requirements and needs. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(2) PLAN
ELEMENTS.—At a minimum, the 
strategic plan required by paragraph (1) shall in-
clude the following: 
(A) A 10-year prospective outlook of com-
puting resources and upgrades needed to meet 
the mission needs of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration for fisheries man-
agement, oceanographic forecasting, and eco-
logical forecasting missions. 
(B) A discussion of the following: 
(i) Computing and processing re-
sources of the Administration and a 10- 
year projected need for such resources, 
disaggregated by line office of the Admin-
istration. 
(ii) Facilities, commercial contracts, 
and partnerships (with other Federal agen-
cies or other institutions or entities) of the 
Administration that are providing com-
puting and data management support or 
capacity as of such date. 
(iii) The use by the Administration of 
cloud computing and other emerging tech-
nologies, such as artificial intelligence and 
machine learning. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(iv) Additional technologies that have 
the potential to increase effectiveness and 
efficiency for data storage and processing 
power, including challenges to access and 
use of such technologies. 
(v) The distribution of computing re-
sources among the operations and research 
functions of the Administration. 
(vi) Products and services of the Ad-
ministration that have not become avail-
able to the public because of a lack of com-
puting resources. 
(vii) Current and future workforce de-
velopment needs, such as information tech-
nology and software engineering, of the 
Administration. 
(viii) The high-performance computing 
requirements of the Administration, with a 
special focus on requirements that are 
common across line offices of the Adminis-
tration. 
(C) Timelines, and performance measures 
for assessing progress toward attaining goals 
for the following: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(i) Computing infrastructure and ar-
chitecture of the Administration (including 
facilities, hardware, and software). 
(ii) Use by the Administration of tech-
nologies that will increase effectiveness and 
efficiency for data storage and processing 
power, including challenges to access and 
use of such technologies. 
(D) A 10-year life cycle analysis of the 
management of facilities, hardware, and engi-
neering involved in the strategic plan that in-
cludes the following: 
(i) Program formulation for project 
conception, implementation, and closure. 
(ii) Technical infrastructure, products, 
processes, data, and personnel resources 
required to achieve defined cost, schedule, 
and performance objectives. 
(E) If appropriate, a description of actions 
taken to implement the previous plan. 
(3) PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT.—In developing the 
strategic plan required by paragraph (1), the Under 
Secretary shall invite comments and other feedback 
from the public to inform the strategic plan. 
(4) ANNUAL BRIEFINGS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act and 
annually thereafter until 2030, the Under Sec-
retary shall brief Congress on the progress 
made toward the objectives of the strategic plan 
required by paragraph (1). 
(B) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing required 
by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: 
(i) An evaluation of the progress 
made in implementing the strategic plan. 
(ii) Such updates to the strategic plan 
as the Under Secretary considers appro-
priate. 
SEC. 109. EARTH PREDICTION INNOVATION CENTER. 
Paragraph (5) of section 102(b) of the Weather Re-
search and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 
8512(b)) is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘and’’ 
after the semicolon; and 
(2) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting 
the following new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(E) developing community weather re-
search modeling systems that— 
‘‘(i) are accessible by the public in ac-
cordance with section 10601 of the James 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (15 U.S.C. 
8512a) and available for archive and long- 
term study; 
‘‘(ii) meet basic end-user requirements 
for running on public computers and net-
works located outside of secure National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
information and technology systems; 
‘‘(iii) use, whenever appropriate and 
cost-effective, innovative strategies and 
methods, including cloud-based computing 
capabilities, for hosting and management 
of part or all of the system described in 
this subparagraph; 
‘‘(iv) use modeling systems that allow 
for interoperability with new model compo-
nents, modules, and next-generation soft-
ware and coding languages; 
‘‘(v) allow for open testing and inte-
gration of promising operational model im-
provements from the broader community; 
‘‘(vi) access as close to a real-time 
basis as possible operational data and 
metadata, including commercially pur-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
chased data for use in the model testing 
conducted by the Earth Prediction Innova-
tion Center pursuant to redistribution re-
strictions, licensing agreements, and appli-
cable existing laws and regulations; and 
‘‘(vii) provide supported and portable 
versions of the unified forecast system, in-
cluding applications for fire weather, sub-
seasonal to seasonal forecasting, hurricane, 
space weather, ocean, cryosphere, air qual-
ity, and coastal models, that can reproduce 
current operational global and regional 
model prediction; and 
‘‘(F) establishing a National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration Data Lake, to be 
maintained by the Administration, a commercial 
partner, or non-profit entity, that consolidates 
and maintains a publicly available and continu-
ously updated collection of data and metadata 
used in numerical weather prediction for use in 
the Earth Prediction Innovation Center’s model 
testing, pursuant to redistribution restrictions, 
licensing agreements, and applicable existing 
laws and regulations.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
SEC. 110. SATELLITE ARCHITECTURE PLANNING. 
Section 301 of the Weather Research and Fore-
casting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8531) is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) 
and redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as 
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively; 
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(b) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMIN-
ISTRATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS AND DATA.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary shall 
maintain a fleet of National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration space-based observation plat-
forms that provide critical operations-focused data 
and information to support the mission of the Ad-
ministration to monitor the global environment in 
order to protect lives and property from extreme 
weather and other natural phenomena. 
‘‘(2) COLLABORATION.—The Under Secretary 
shall implement recommendations from the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Observing 
Systems Council to ensure an appropriate mix of 
government, academic, commercial sector, and inter-
national partnerships in the provision of data and 
information, including a broadened effort on data 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
acquisition through the Commercial Data Program 
under section 302 when cost-effective and beneficial 
to the Administration. 
‘‘(3) PRIORITY.—The Under Secretary shall en-
sure that platforms maintained under paragraph (1) 
prioritize the development of products and services 
that are tailored to meet the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration’s mission. 
‘‘(4) NATIONAL CENTERS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL 
INFORMATION.—The Under Secretary shall maintain 
the National Centers for Environmental Information 
to provide a long-term archive and access to the na-
tional and global data and metadata of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.’’; and 
(3) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2030’’. 
SEC. 111. IMPROVING UNCREWED ACTIVITIES. 
(a) 
RESEARCH
AND
DEVELOPMENT.—Section 
102(b)(3) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Inno-
vation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512(b)(3)) is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘aerial’’ 
and inserting ‘‘crewed and uncrewed aerial and sur-
face’’; and 
(2) in subparagraph (G), by striking ‘‘, includ-
ing commercial observing systems’’ and inserting ‘‘, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
including stationary and mobile commercial observ-
ing systems, such as uncrewed aircraft and marine 
systems, to provide observations of the atmosphere 
and ocean, and other observations, in cooperation 
with the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations’’. 
(b) USE OF UNCREWED AERIAL SYSTEMS.—Section 
102 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation 
Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512) is amended by— 
(1) redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as 
subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol-
lowing new subsection: 
‘‘(c) USE OF UNCREWED AERIAL SYSTEMS.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Assistant Adminis-
trator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and 
the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Marine 
and Aviation Operations, whenever practical, shall 
use uncrewed aerial systems to assess damage and 
assist recovery after an extreme weather or water 
event. 
‘‘(2) USE OF SYSTEMS.—The Assistant Admin-
istrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and 
the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Marine 
and Aviation Operations may acquire uncrewed aer-
ial systems and training resources for the regional 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
offices and partners of the National Oceanic and At-
mospheric Administration for the use and deploy-
ment of such systems in storm assessments and re-
sponse.’’. 
SEC. 112. INTERAGENCY COUNCIL FOR ADVANCING METE-
OROLOGICAL SERVICES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 402 of the Weather Re-
search and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 
8542) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding 
paragraph (1), by— 
(A) striking ‘‘Advancing Weather Services’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Advancing Meteorological Serv-
ices (in this section referred to as the ‘Inter-
agency Council’)’’; and 
(B) striking ‘‘Committee’’ each place it ap-
pears and inserting ‘‘Council’’; 
(2) by amending subsections (b) and (c) to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(b) CO-CHAIRS.—The Director of the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy and the Under Secretary 
shall serve as co-chairs of the Interagency Council. The 
Under Secretary shall serve as the Federal Coordinator 
for Meteorology. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
‘‘(c) FURTHER COORDINATION.—The Director of the 
Office of Science and Technology Policy shall take such 
steps as are necessary to coordinate the activities of the 
Federal Government with stakeholders in the United 
States weather industry, academic partners, State govern-
ments, and emergency managers, including by imple-
menting mechanisms to encourage and enable the partici-
pation of non-Federal employees in the functions of the 
Interagency Council.’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new sub-
sections: 
‘‘(d) FUNCTIONS.—The Interagency Council shall be 
the formal mechanism by which all relevant Federal de-
partments and agencies coordinate implementation of pol-
icy and practices to ensure United States global leadership 
in meteorological services. In doing so, the Interagency 
Council shall review programs and support relevant weath-
er research and forecast innovation activities, as well as 
other related implementation activities, related to Federal 
meteorological services, including by carrying out the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(1) Identifying and helping prioritize meteoro-
logical research and service delivery needs, including 
relating to observations, operational systems, com-
munications, and infrastructure. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:31 Jul 16, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00055
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3816.IH
H3816
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS