Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026

(a) Report to Congress. Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—

(1) the plan described in subsection (b);

(2) the assessment described in subsection (c); and

(3) the assessment described in subsection (d).

(b) Fire weather Services Program plan

(1) Elements. The plan submitted under subsection (a)(1) shall detail—

(A) the observational data, modeling requirements, ongoing computational needs, research, development, and technology transfer activities, data management, skilled-personnel requirements, engagement with relevant Federal emergency and land management agencies and partners, and corresponding research, development, and operational resources and timelines necessary to achieve the functions described in subsection (b) of section 702 and the priorities described in subsection (c) of such section; and

(B) plans and needs for all other activities and requirements under this title and the amendments made by this title.

(2) Submittal of annual budget for plan. Following completion of the plan submitted under subsection (a)(1), the Under Secretary shall, not less frequently than once each year concurrent with the submission of the budget by the President to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, submit to Congress a proposed budget corresponding with the elements detailed in the plan.

(c) Incident meteorologist workforce needs assessment

(1) In general. The Under Secretary shall conduct a workforce needs assessment on the current and future demand for additional incident meteorologists for wildfires and other high-impact fire weather events.

(2) Elements. The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) A description of staffing levels as of the date on which the assessment is submitted under subsection (a)(2) and projected future staffing levels.

(B) An assessment of the state of the research, development, and operational infrastructure of the National Weather Service as of the date on which the assessment is submitted and future needs of such infrastructure in order to meet current and future demands, including with respect to information technology support and logistical and administrative operations.

(3) Considerations. In conducting the assessment required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall consider user needs and feedback from relevant stakeholders.

(d) Support services assessment

(1) In general. The Under Secretary shall conduct a workforce support services assessment with respect to employees of the National Weather Service engaged in emergency response.

(2) Elements. The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) An assessment of need for further support of employees of the National Weather Service engaged in emergency response through services provided by the Public Health Service.

(B) A detailed assessment of appropriations required to secure the level of support services needed as identified in the assessment described in subparagraph (A).

(3) Additional support services. Following the completion of the assessment required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall seek to acquire additional support services to meet the needs identified in the assessment.