WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives approved S.2200, the National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018 by a vote of 379-9. The bill is sponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.).
S. 2200 will reauthorize and improve several key programs including the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, which has only been law two years but has already made tremendous advances in the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasting. The legislation also reauthorizes the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
Chairman Smith:
“This bill will reauthorize and enhance priority NOAA programs, especially the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act. The Weather Act, signed into law by President Trump two years ago, has already made tremendous advances in the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasting and the rapid integration of the private sector in leading the American weather enterprise.
S. 2200 will accelerate advances in model development and data assimilation, increase the use of innovative computing technologies and leasing strategies, promote targeted research to plan the next generation of weather satellites, and further engage the growing commercial weather industry through reauthorization of the Commercial Weather Data Pilot program.
I want to thank Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune for his leadership on this bill which will further enable NOAA to protect lives and property and advance the economy of the United States.”
Text of the bill can be found here