S. 4802 · In committee · Public Lands and Natural Resources

Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act

What it does

Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce to acquire and maintain manned aircraft for air, atmosphere, and weather reconnaissance missions.
Requires NOAA to collect real-time meteorological, oceanographic, and atmospheric observations and make such data available in near real-time for forecasting, warning, and reconnaissance missions.
Mandates NOAA maintain capability to safely conduct direct airborne penetration of hurricanes and tropical cyclones and ensure continuity during aircraft recapitalization periods.
Authorizes $2,500,000,000 for aircraft acquisition for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and $45,000,000 per year for Office of Marine and Aviation Operations during the same period.
Permits the Under Secretary to enter into multiyear contracts for aircraft acquisition and maintenance with exceptions to standard contract duration limitations under federal law.

Jul 22, 2026: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation