S. 3923

Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026

Sponsor: Ted Cruz

11 cosponsors
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I Reauthorization of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017

II Enhancing Federal weather forecasting and innovation

III Commercial weather and environmental observations

IV Communicating weather to the public

V Improving weather information for agriculture and water management

VI Harmful algal bloom and hypoxia research and control

VII Fire ready Nation

VIII Precipitation estimates and landslide preparedness

Sec. 801. Inclusion of atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation events in estimates of precipitation frequency Since introduced

(a) Definitions. Section 12(a) of the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(a)) is amended—

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and

(2) by inserting before paragraph (4) (as so redesignated) the following:

Text this section adds to the law

(1) Atmospheric river. The term atmospheric river means a transient corridor of strong water vapor in the atmosphere that—

(A) produces significant quantities of rain or snow; and

(B) may be primarily beneficial to the water supply or hazardous due to flooding.

(2) Atmospheric river flooding event. The term atmospheric river flooding event means an atmospheric river that—

(A) results in flooding of rivers and streams or other hazards to human life, property, or the economy; and

(B) is of particular concern to human health, property, and the economy, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce.

(3) Extreme precipitation event. The term extreme precipitation event means precipitation quantities exceeding the 5-year annual recurrence interval for a specific location.

(b) Requirements. Section 12(d)(1) of the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(d)(1)) is amended by inserting , such as precipitation resulting from hurricanes, atmospheric river flooding events, and extreme precipitation events before the period at the end.

IX Importation of red snapper

X Improving cybersecurity and telecommunications for oceanic research

XI Other authorities

XII Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2026