H.R. 5089 · In committee · Science, Technology, Communications

Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

What it does

Reauthorize through FY2030 weather research and forecasting programs administered by NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, including the U.S. Weather Research Program.
Establish statutory authority for NOAA's Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX-USA).
Require NOAA to acquire weather-related data from the private sector and pilot test compatibility with NOAA's existing infrastructure.
Mandate NOAA to upgrade weather communication systems for hazardous weather events using modern technology and expanded rural coverage.

Official summary

Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2025 or the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes, revises, and establishes several programs related to weather forecasting, monitoring, and research. For example, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 programs that are administered by the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the U.S. Weather Research Program. It also provides statutory authority for NOAA's Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (known as VORTEX-USA). The bill also requires NOAA to establish programs that support weather forecasting technology, including improvements to radar accuracy, weather forecasting in underserved areas, and coastal flooding forecasting. NOAA must also acquire weather-related data from the private sector and establish a pilot program to test the compatibility of this data with NOAA infrastructure. In addition, NOAA must improve weather-related communication systems, including those related to hazardous weather events, through system upgrades that use more modern technology (e.g., cloud-based…

Latest action

Sep 10, 2025: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Committee: House Science, Space, and Technology