Committee reports Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, adds amendments on snow survey

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee ordered the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 to be reported favorably after brief remarks and a voice vote.

The chair introduced the measure (referring to it as the "weather act") and said it updates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s research and forecasting programs to improve forecast accuracy and warning actionability. The committee said the bill addresses hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, landslides, drought and atmospheric rivers, and would modernize radars and satellites, leverage commercial data and integrate artificial intelligence capabilities into NOAA programs. The chair also said the bill includes reforms to the NOAA Weather Radio program.

Ranking Member Cantwell and other senators noted multiple bipartisan provisions folded into the package and identified sponsors of related components of the bill. One committee member thanked Cantwell and collaborators for including an amendment to codify the aerial snow survey program, describing its importance to flood and water-supply forecasting for states that rely on snowpack measurements. The chair then put Cantwell’s motion to a voice vote; the motion was agreed to and the bill was ordered to be reported favorably.

The committee authorized staff to make technical and conforming changes before the reported measure is transmitted. The committee adjourned at the conclusion of the executive session.

What happens next: the reported bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further floor consideration and potential amendments.