119th (2025–2027)
S. 4802
This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to acquire and maintain aircraft for hurricane reconnaissance and weather research missions. The legislation increases funding from $800 million to $2.5 billion over fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for aircraft acquisition, and adds $45 million annually during that same period for aviation operations and maintenance. The bill requires NOAA to maintain continuous hurricane hunting capability, including backup aircraft to prevent operational gaps, and to keep qualified pilots on staff to conduct these critical missions. It also allows NOAA to use multiyear contracts for aircraft purchases to reduce costs and improve planning efficiency. The bill affects NOAA, weather forecasting operations, and ultimately the public by ensuring the agency can continue monitoring and researching hurricanes and tropical cyclones to improve forecasting and warnings.