HR 353 RDS
governmental 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 AGEN-
CIES.—Each Federal department and agency shall cooper-
ate 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 Re-
search and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, the 
Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives a report, in-
cluding— 
‘‘(A) an analysis of the how information 
from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration on subseasonal and seasonal 
forecasts, as provided under subsection (c), is 
utilized in public planning and preparedness; 
‘‘(B) specific plans and goals for the con-
tinued development of the subseasonal and sea-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
sonal forecasts and related products described 
in subsection (c); and 
‘‘(C) an identification of research, moni-
toring, 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 con-
sult 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 observa-
tion and forecast data, largely in raw form, before 
further processing is applied. 
‘‘(2) NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CORE PART-
NERS.—The term ‘National Weather Service core 
partners’ means government and nongovernment en-
tities which are directly involved in the preparation 
or dissemination of, or discussions involving, haz-
ardous 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. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
‘‘(4) STATE.—The term ‘State’ means a State, 
a territory, or possession of the United States, in-
cluding a Commonwealth, or the District of Colum-
bia. 
‘‘(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 EN-
TERPRISE.—The terms ‘weather industry’ and 
‘weather enterprise’ are interchangeable in this sec-
tion and include individuals and organizations from 
public, private, and academic sectors that contribute 
to the research, development, and production of 
weather forecast products, and primary consumers 
of these weather forecast products. 
‘‘(j) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—For 
each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, there are authorized 
out of funds appropriated to the National Weather Serv-
ice, $26,500,000 to carry out the activities of this sec-
tion.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
TITLE III—WEATHER SATELLITE 
AND DATA INNOVATION 
SEC. 301. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMIN-
ISTRATION SATELLITE AND DATA MANAGE-
MENT. 
(a) SHORT-TERM
MANAGEMENT
OF
ENVIRON-
MENTAL OBSERVATIONS.— 
(1) MICROSATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary 
shall complete and operationalize the Constella-
tion 
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 COS-
MIC–2 programs are free and open to all 
communities. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
(B) ANNUAL
REPORTS.—Not less fre-
quently than once each year until the Under 
Secretary has completed and operationalized the 
program described in subparagraph (A) pursu-
ant to such subparagraph, the Under Secretary 
shall submit to Congress a report on the status 
of the efforts of the Under Secretary to carry 
out such subparagraph. 
(2) INTEGRATION
OF
OCEAN
AND
COASTAL 
DATA FROM THE INTEGRATED OCEAN OBSERVING 
SYSTEM.—In National Weather Service Regions 
where the Director of the National Weather Service 
determines that ocean and coastal data would im-
prove forecasts, the Director, in consultation with 
the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric 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 sup-
port systems; and 
(B) support the development of real-time 
data sharing products and forecast products in 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
collaboration with the regional associations of 
such system, including contributions from the 
private sector, academia, and research institu-
tions to ensure timely and accurate use of ocean 
and coastal data in regional forecasts. 
(3) EXISTING MONITORING AND OBSERVATION- 
CAPABILITY.—The Under Secretary shall identify 
degradation of existing monitoring and observation 
capabilities that could lead to a reduction in forecast 
quality. 
(4) SPECIFICATIONS FOR NEW SATELLITE SYS-
TEMS
OR
DATA
DETERMINED
BY
OPERATIONAL 
NEEDS.—In developing specifications for any sat-
ellite systems or data to follow the Joint Polar Sat-
ellite System, Geostationary Operational Environ-
mental 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 rec-
ommendations of the reports under subsection (b) of 
this section. 
(b) INDEPENDENT STUDY ON FUTURE OF NATIONAL 
OCEANIC
AND
ATMOSPHERIC
ADMINISTRATION
SAT-
ELLITE SYSTEMS AND DATA.— 
(1) AGREEMENT.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary 
shall seek to enter into an agreement with the 
National Academy of Sciences to perform the 
services covered by this subsection. 
(B) TIMING.—The Under Secretary shall 
seek to enter into the agreement described in 
subparagraph (A) before September 30, 2018. 
(2) STUDY.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—Under an agreement 
between the Under Secretary and the National 
Academy of Sciences under this subsection, the 
National Academy of Sciences shall conduct a 
study on matters concerning future satellite 
data needs. 
(B) ELEMENTS.—In conducting the study 
under subparagraph (A), the National Academy 
of Sciences shall— 
(i) develop recommendations on how 
to make the data portfolio of the Adminis-
tration more robust and cost-effective; 
(ii) assess the costs and benefits of 
moving toward a constellation of many 
small satellites, standardizing satellite bus 
design, relying more on the purchasing of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
data, or acquiring data from other sources 
or methods; 
(iii) identify the environmental obser-
vations that are essential to the perform-
ance of weather models, based on an as-
sessment of Federal, academic, and private 
sector weather research, and the cost of 
obtaining the environmental data; 
(iv) identify environmental observa-
tions that improve the quality of oper-
ational and research weather models in ef-
fect on the day before the date of enact-
ment of this Act; 
(v) identify and prioritize new envi-
ronmental observations that could con-
tribute to existing and future weather 
models; and 
(vi) develop recommendations on a 
portfolio of environmental observations 
that balances essential, quality-improving, 
and new data, private and nonprivate 
sources, and space-based and Earth-based 
sources. 
(C) DEADLINE AND REPORT.—In carrying 
out the study under subparagraph (A), the Na-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
tional Academy of Sciences shall complete and 
transmit to the Under Secretary a report con-
taining the findings of the National Academy of 
Sciences with respect to the study not later 
than 2 years after the date on which the Ad-
ministrator 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 sub-
paragraph (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 Sec-
retary, the Under Secretary shall seek to enter 
into such an agreement with another appro-
priate organization that— 
(i) is not part of the Federal Govern-
ment; 
(ii) operates as a not-for-profit entity; 
and 
(iii) has expertise and objectivity com-
parable to that of the National Academy of 
Sciences. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
(B) TREATMENT.—If the Under Secretary 
enters into an agreement with another organi-
zation as described in subparagraph (A), any 
reference in this subsection to the National 
Academy of Sciences shall be treated as a ref-
erence to the other organization. 
(4) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There are authorized to be appropriated, out of 
funds appropriated to National Environmental Sat-
ellite, Data, and Information Service, to carry out 
this subsection $1,000,000 for the period encom-
passing fiscal years 2018 through 2019. 
SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL WEATHER DATA. 
(a) DATA AND HOSTED SATELLITE PAYLOADS.— 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary 
of Commerce may enter into agreements for— 
(1) the purchase of weather data through con-
tracts with commercial providers; and 
(2) the placement of weather satellite instru-
ments on cohosted government or private payloads. 
(b) STRATEGY.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Commerce, in consultation with the Under 
Secretary, shall submit to the Committee on Com-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives a strategy to 
enable the procurement of quality commercial weath-
er data. The strategy shall assess the range of com-
mercial opportunities, including public-private part-
nerships, for obtaining surface-based, aviation-based, 
and space-based weather observations. The strategy 
shall include the expected cost-effectiveness of these 
opportunities as well as provide a plan for procuring 
data, including an expected implementation timeline, 
from these nongovernmental sources, as appropriate. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The strategy shall in-
clude— 
(A) an analysis of financial or other bene-
fits 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 execu-
tion challenges to such approaches, including— 
(i) how standards will be set to ensure 
that data is reliable and effective; 
(ii) how data may be acquired through 
commercial experimental or innovative 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
techniques and then evaluated for integra-
tion 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 informa-
tion 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 As-
sistant Administrator for National Environmental 
Satellite, Data, and Information Service may enter 
into multiyear agreements necessary to carry out the 
strategy developed under this subsection. 
(c) PILOT PROGRAM.— 
(1) CRITERIA.—Not later than 30 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
Secretary shall publish data and metadata standards 
and specifications for space-based commercial weath-
er data, including radio occultation data, and, as 
soon as possible, geostationary hyperspectral sound-
er 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 com-
petition, 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 mete-
orological models. 
(B) ASSESSMENT
OF
DATA
VIABILITY.— 
Not later than the date that is 3 years after the 
date on which the Under Secretary enters into 
a contract under subparagraph (A), the Under 
Secretary shall assess and submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives the results of a determination 
of the extent to which data provided under the 
contract entered into under subparagraph (A) 
meet the criteria published under paragraph (1) 
and the extent to which the pilot program has 
demonstrated— 
(i) the viability of assimilating the 
commercially provided data into National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
meteorological models; 
(ii) whether, and by how much, the 
data add value to weather forecasts; and 
(iii) the accuracy, quality, timeliness, 
validity, reliability, usability, information 
technology security, and cost-effectiveness 
of obtaining commercial weather data from 
private sector providers. 
(3) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—For 
each of fiscal years 2017 through 2020, there are 
authorized to be appropriated for procurement, ac-
quisition, and construction at National Environ-
mental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, 
$6,000,000 to carry out this subsection. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
(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 fea-
sible, obtain commercial weather data from private 
sector providers; 
(2) as early as possible in the acquisition proc-
ess for any future National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration meteorological space system, 
consider whether there is a suitable, cost-effective, 
commercial capability available or that will be avail-
able to meet any or all of the observational require-
ments by the planned operational date of the system; 
(3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial ca-
pability is or will be available as described in para-
graph (2), determine whether it is in the national in-
terest to develop a governmental meteorological 
space system; and 
(4) submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives a report detailing any de-
termination made under paragraphs (2) and (3). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
(e) DATA SHARING PRACTICES.—The Under Sec-
retary shall continue to meet the international meteorolog-
ical agreements into which the Under Secretary has en-
tered, including practices set forth through World Mete-
orological Organization Resolution 40. 
SEC. 303. UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION. 
In meeting the requirements under this title, the 
Under Secretary shall avoid unnecessary duplication be-
tween public and private sources of data and the cor-
responding expenditure of funds and employment of per-
sonnel. 
TITLE IV—FEDERAL WEATHER 
COORDINATION 
SEC. 
401. 
ENVIRONMENTAL 
INFORMATION 
SERVICES 
WORKING GROUP. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration Science Advisory Board shall 
continue to maintain a standing working group named the 
Environmental Information Services Working Group (in 
this section referred to as the ‘‘Working Group’’)— 
(1) to provide advice for prioritizing weather re-
search initiatives at the National Oceanic and At-
mospheric Administration to produce real improve-
ment in weather forecasting; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
(2) to provide advice on existing or emerging 
technologies or techniques that can be found in pri-
vate industry or the research community that could 
be incorporated into forecasting at the National 
Weather Service to improve forecasting skill; 
(3) to identify opportunities to improve— 
(A) communications between weather fore-
casters, Federal, State, local, tribal, and other 
emergency management personnel, and the pub-
lic; 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, meteor-
ology, hydrology, social science, risk communica-
tions, electrical engineering, and computer sciences. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
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 Sec-
retary 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 Rep-
resentatives a copy of such report. 
SEC. 402. INTERAGENCY WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORE-
CAST INNOVATION COORDINATION. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Director of the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy shall establish an Inter-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
agency Committee for Advancing Weather Services to im-
prove coordination of relevant weather research and fore-
cast innovation activities across the Federal Government. 
The Interagency Committee shall— 
(1) include participation by the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration, the Federal Avia-
tion Administration, National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric 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 Meteor-
ology shall serve as a co-chair of this panel. 
(c) FURTHER COORDINATION.—The Director of the 
Office of Science and Technology Policy shall take such 
other steps as are necessary to coordinate the activities 
of the Federal Government with those of the United States 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
weather industry, State governments, emergency man-
agers, and academic researchers. 
SEC. 403. OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RE-
SEARCH 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 de-
tail Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research personnel 
to the National Weather Service and National Weather 
Service personnel to the Office of Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric 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 Na-
tional Weather Service staff to spend up to 1 year on de-
tail. 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 Com-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
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 on partici-
pation in such program and shall highlight any innova-
tions that come from this interaction. 
SEC. 404. VISITING FELLOWS AT NATIONAL WEATHER 
SERVICE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the National 
Weather Service may establish a program to host 
postdoctoral fellows and academic researchers at any of 
the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. 
(b) GOAL.—This program shall be designed to pro-
vide direct interaction between forecasters and talented 
academic and private sector researchers in an effort to 
bring innovation to forecasting tools and techniques to the 
National Weather Service. 
(c) SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT.—Such fellows 
shall be competitively selected and appointed for a term 
not to exceed 1 year. 
SEC. 405. WARNING COORDINATION METEOROLOGISTS AT 
WEATHER FORECAST OFFICES OF NATIONAL 
WEATHER SERVICE. 
(a) DESIGNATION OF WARNING COORDINATION ME-
TEOROLOGISTS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
(2) ELEMENTS.—The assessment required by 
paragraph (1)(A) shall include the following: 
(A) An evaluation of whether the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sys-
tem for issuing watches and warnings regarding 
hazardous weather and water events meets the 
purpose described in subsection (a). 
(B) 
Development 
of 
recommendations 
for— 
(i) legislative and administrative ac-
tion to improve the system described in 
paragraph (1)(A); 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: 
(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. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS
HR 353 RDS
(9) Such other stakeholder groups as the Under 
Secretary considers appropriate. 
Passed the House of Representatives January 9, 
2017. 
Attest: 
KAREN L. HAAS, 
Clerk. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:37 Jan 12, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00062
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H353.RDS
H353
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with BILLS