SENATE · 119TH CONGRESS
Pending–NEVER CALLED UPREPLACES THE TEXT
Reauthorize federal weather research and forecasting
S.Amdt. 6838 to S. 3923, Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026. Offered by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).
—NO VOTE YETNot called upNOT OFFERED ON THE FLOOR
- FILEDSEP 28, 2026
- CALLED UPNOT YET
- DECIDEDNOT YET
YOUR TAKEShould it be adopted?
WHAT IT WOULD CHANGE
In plain English
WHAT IT DOES
Replaces the bill with a weather-program reauthorization, including updated NOAA tornado and hurricane forecasting requirements. It authorizes $166.736 million for weather research in 2027, rising to $173.506 million in 2031, plus $11 million yearly for tornado work.
IF ADOPTED
NOAA would have updated requirements for tornado and hurricane forecasts, and Congress would be authorized to provide specified weather-research funding through 2031.
WORTH KNOWING
- Effect depends on parent bill. Even if this amendment is adopted, it only takes real-world effect if the parent bill ultimately becomes law. Most bills don't.
- Substitute — replaces text. A substitute amendment replaces the parent bill's entire text (or a major section) with new language. If adopted, the bill becomes the substitute — original text is gone.
SUMMARY WRITTEN FROM THE AMENDMENT TEXT AND ITS STATED PURPOSE · REPORT AN ERROR
THE TEXT, AS A REDLINESTRUCKINSERTED
STRUCKINSERTEDFull text on Congress.gov ↗
Strikeall after the enacting clauseand insert the following:SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the “Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026”.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
Sec. 101. Public safety priority.
Sec. 102. United States weather research and forecasting.
Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment-United States of America (VORTEX-USA).
Sec. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program.
Sec. 105. Tsunami Warning and Education Act reauthorization.
Sec. 106. Observing system planning.
Sec. 107. Observing system simulation experiments.
Sec. 108. Computing resources prioritization.
Sec. 109. Earth Prediction Innovation Center.
Sec. 110. Satellite architecture planning.
Sec. 111. Improving uncrewed activities.
Sec. 112. Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services.
Sec. 113. Ocean observations.
Sec. 114. Consolidation of reports.
Sec. 115. Precipitation forecast improvement program.
TITLE II--ENHANCING FEDERAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND INNOVATION
Sec. 201. Next-generation numerical weather prediction initiative.
Sec. 202. Radar Next Program.
Sec. 203. Data voids in under-observed areas of the United States.
Sec. 204. Radar innovation for the next generation.
Sec. 205. Atmospheric rivers forecast improvement program.
Sec. 206. Coastal flooding and storm surge forecast improvement program.
Sec. 207. Improving prevention and responses to temperature related impacts.
Sec. 208. Aviation weather and data innovation.
Sec. 209. Aerial snow survey program.
Sec. 210. National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service partnership program, transition program, and operational planning.
Sec. 211. Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System.
Sec. 212. Reanalysis and reforecasting.
Sec. 213. National Weather Service workforce.
Sec. 214. Consultation relating to modernization and reorganization.
Sec. 215. Artificial intelligence for weather forecasting.
Sec. 216. Composition of the atmosphere and atmospheric observations.
Sec. 217. Project to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog.
Sec. 218. Modernization of NWS alerting systems.
TITLE III--COMMERCIAL WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS
Sec. 301. Commercial Data Program.
Sec. 302. Commercial Data Pilot Program.
Sec. 303. Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication.
Sec. 304. Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices.
Sec. 305. Clerical amendment.
TITLE IV--COMMUNICATING WEATHER TO THE PUBLIC
Sec. 401. Definitions.
Sec. 402. Hazardous weather or water event risk communication.
Sec. 403. Hazard communication research and engagement.
Sec. 404. NOAA Weather Radio.
Sec. 405. National standards for weather warning systems in flash flood zones.
Sec. 406. Post-storm surveys and assessments.
Sec. 407. Government Accountability Office report on alert dissemination for hazardous weather or water events.
Sec. 408. Data collection, management, and protection.
TITLE V--IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER MANAGEMENT
Sec. 501. Weather information for agriculture and water management.
Sec. 502. National Integrated Drought Information System.
Sec. 503. National Mesonet Program.
Sec. 504. National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network.
Sec. 505. National Water Center.
TITLE VI--HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AND CONTROL
Sec. 601. Amendments to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998.
Sec. 602. Other harmful algal bloom and hypoxia matters.
TITLE VII--FIRE READY NATION
Sec. 701. Definitions.
Sec. 702. Establishment of fire weather services program.
Sec. 703. Fire weather testbed.
Sec. 704. Data management and technology modernization.
Sec. 705. Surveys and assessments.
Sec. 706. Incident Meteorologist Service.
Sec. 707. Emergency response activities.
Sec. 708. Submissions to Congress regarding the Fire Weather Services Program, incident meteorologist workforce needs, and National Weather Service workforce support.
Sec. 709. Fire Weather Science and Technology Working Group; strategic plan.
Sec. 710. Fire weather rating system.
Sec. 711. Government Accountability Office reports.
Sec. 712. Cooperation and coordination.
Sec. 713. General provisions.
Sec. 714. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE VIII--PRECIPITATION ESTIMATES AND LANDSLIDE PREPAREDNESS
Sec. 801. Inclusion of atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation events in estimates of precipitation frequency.
Sec. 802. Reauthorization of National Landslide Preparedness Act.
Sec. 803. Next Generation Water Observing System.
Sec. 804. Water data enhancement and national groundwater resources monitoring by United States Geological Survey.
TITLE IX--IMPROVING CYBERSECURITY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS FOR OCEANIC RESEARCH
Sec. 901. Definitions.
Sec. 902. Plan to improve cybersecurity and telecommunications of U.S. Academic Research Fleet.
TITLE X--INTEGRATED OCEAN OBSERVATION SYSTEM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2026
Sec. 1001. Short title.
Sec. 1002. Purposes.
Sec. 1003. Definitions.
Sec. 1004. Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing System.
Sec. 1005. Report to Congress.
Sec. 1006. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1007. Conforming amendments.
TITLE XI--OTHER AUTHORITIES
Sec. 1101. Relocation allowances.
Sec. 1102. Unfunded priorities list, reports, and plans.
Sec. 1103. Meteorological observations in the Arctic region.
Sec. 1104. Transfer of excess property of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Sec. 1105. Miscellaneous authorities.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General.--In this Act, the terms “seasonal”, “State”, “subseasonal”, “Under Secretary”, “weather enterprise”, “weather data”, and “weather industry” have the meanings given such terms in section 2 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501).
(b) Weather Data Defined.--Section 2 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
“(5) Weather data.--The term ‘weather data’ means information used to track and predict weather conditions and patterns, including forecasts, observations, and derivative products from such information.”.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
SEC. 101. PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.
Section 101 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8511) is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 101. PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.
“(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration remains focused on providing accurate and timely weather forecasts that protect lives and property and enhance the national economy, including by--
“(1) coordinating and modernizing observational infrastructure, weather forecasting systems, communications, and impact-based decision support services; and
“(2) improving operational weather forecasts, products, and services.
“(b) Research.--In conducting research, the Under Secretary shall prioritize improving weather data, modeling, computing, forecasting, and warnings and support transition of advancements into operational forecasting and services, for the protection of life and property and for the enhancement of the national economy.”.
SEC. 102. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING.
Section 110 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8519) is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
“(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to carry out this title the following:
“(1) $166,736,000 for fiscal year 2027, of which--
“(A) $94,000,000 is authorized for weather laboratories and cooperative institutes;
“(B) $39,491,000 is authorized for the United States Weather Research Program;
“(C) $21,125,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, and next generation radar research; and
“(D) $12,120,000 is authorized for the joint technology transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this title.
“(2) $168,403,000 for fiscal year 2028, of which--
“(A) $94,940,000 is authorized for weather laboratories and cooperative institutes;
“(B) $39,886,000 is authorized for the United States Weather Research Program;
“(C) $21,336,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, and next generation radar research; and
“(D) $12,241,000 is authorized for the joint technology transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this title.
“(3) $170,089,000 for fiscal year 2029, of which--
“(A) $95,890,000 is authorized for weather laboratories and cooperative institutes;
“(B) $40,285,000 is authorized for the United States Weather Research Program;
“(C) $21,550,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, and next generation radar research; and
“(D) $12,364,000 is authorized for the joint technology transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this title.
“(4) $171,789,000 for fiscal year 2030, of which--
“(A) $96,849,000 is authorized for weather laboratories and cooperative institutes;
“(B) $40,688,000 is authorized for the United States Weather Research Program;
“(C) $21,765,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, and next generation radar research; and
“(D) $12,487,000 is authorized for the joint technology transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this title.
“(5) $173,506,000 for fiscal year 2031, of which--
“(A) $97,817,000 is authorized for weather laboratories and cooperative institutes;
“(B) $41,094,000 is authorized for the United States Weather Research Program;
“(C) $21,983,000 is authorized for tornado, severe storm, and next generation radar research; and
“(D) $12,612,000 is authorized for the joint technology transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4) of this title.
“(b) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to carry out this title or the amendments made by this title.”.
SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN TORNADOES EXPERIMENT-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (VORTEX-USA).
(a) In General.--Section 103 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8513) is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN TORNADOES EXPERIMENT-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (VORTEX-USA).
“(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the United States weather industry and academic partners, shall maintain a program for rapidly improving tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
“(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall be to develop and extend accurate tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings in order to reduce the loss of life or property related to tornadoes, with a focus on the following:
“(1) Forecaster training in radar interpretation and information integration from new sources.
“(2) Improving the effectiveness and timeliness of tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings, including with respect to--
“(A) tornado formation from fast-developing storm systems, such as derechos;
“(B) areas that have historically experienced lower tornado frequency; and
“(C) tornado formation at night.
“(3) Optimizing lead time and providing actionable information beyond one hour in advance.
“(4) Transitioning from warn-on-detection to warn-on-forecast.… (text continues; see the full text)
WHERE IT SITS IN THE BILL
The only Senate amendment filed to S. 3923
- S. 3923 · BILLWeather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026
- S.Amdt. 6838 · SUBSTITUTEReauthorize federal weather research and forecasting
An amendment can amend the bill or another amendment. A substitute replaces the whole bill text; amendments to it are “first degree”, and amendments to those are “second degree”.
THE BILL · S. 3923
IntroducedPassed SenatePassed HouseBoth agreedSigned
Not yet passed by either chamber. Latest action Sep 28, 2026.
THE VOTE
Why there’s no roll call
Not called up yet
Senators can file amendments at the desk at any time, but one is debated and voted on only if it is formally called up on the floor, which usually takes an agreement with the leaders. Most filed amendments end this way.
YOUR TAKEShould it be adopted?
WHO’S BEHIND IT
Sponsor and cosponsors
SPONSORSen. Ted CruzREPUBLICAN · TX- 94
- FILED THIS CONGRESSFILED
- 1
- GOT A ROLL CALLGOT A VOTE
- 7
- ADOPTEDADOPTED
Senate median this Congress: 39 filed, 1 adopted.
COSPONSORS1All Democrats
WHERE IT SITS IN THE BILL
The only Senate amendment filed to S. 3923
- S. 3923 · BILLWeather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026
- S.Amdt. 6838 · SUBSTITUTEReauthorize federal weather research and forecasting
How to read the tree
An amendment can amend the bill or another amendment. A substitute replaces the whole bill text; amendments to it are “first degree”, and amendments to those are “second degree”.
AMENDMENTS TO S. 3923100
THE BILL · S. 3923
STAGE 1 OF 5 · INTRODUCED
Not yet passed by either chamber. Latest action Sep 28, 2026.
OTHER AMENDMENTS TO S. 3923
SOURCE: CONGRESS.GOV AMENDMENT ACTIONS AND TEXT; SENATE.GOV ROLL CALLS · S.Amdt. 6838 on Congress.gov ↗
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