Cantwell, Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Weather Act Reauthorization to Modernize Weather Forecasting and Research

Act would establish an atmospheric river forecast improvement program, strengthen landslide preparedness, establish an official Fire Weather Services Program, and deploy new technology and tools to forecast droughts and heat waves that harm crops

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Chairman Ted Cruz, (R-Texas), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) today introduced the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation authorizing programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that would strengthen weather research and forecasting to save lives and better prepare our nation against dangerous weather disasters.

“After enduring floods, landslides, power outages, and road closures from December’s atmospheric rivers — and facing increasingly destructive wildfires and smoke impacts — Washingtonians know all too well that weather is getting more extreme,” said Sen. Cantwell. “NOAA must have the support and resources to protect our communities with cutting-edge weather research and forecasting. From improving our hazardous weather alerts to building out our next generation of radar, this legislation will ensure our country’s weather system is at the forefront of accurate and timely weather forecasting, modeling, and prediction.”

“Texas is the most exposed state to severe weather in the nation,” said Sen. Cruz. “We saw the consequences firsthand last year when catastrophic flooding claimed more than 135 lives, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. Giving Americans the most up-to-date radar information—and delivering it quickly, no matter where you are, no matter the time of day—is imperative. The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act is a critical step toward ensuring that Texas and the nation are better prepared for severe weather.”

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