Bill would expand NOAA's hurricane hunter fleet to 6-9 aircraft
In markupS. 4802Latest action
Sponsor: Maria Cantwell · Senator · WA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 4802 expands NOAA's Hurricane Hunter fleet requirement and raises aircraft funding to $2.5 billion through 2031.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill expands NOAA's Hurricane Hunter aircraft fleet requirement from "up to 6" to "6 to 9" manned aircraft and requires backup aircraft so there's no single point of failure. It also mandates continued real-time weather data sharing, advanced radar systems, and qualified NOAA Corps pilots, while allowing more flexible multiyear purchasing contracts.
Who does it affect?
This mainly affects NOAA, its aircraft manufacturers and maintenance contractors, and NOAA Corps pilots. It indirectly affects people in hurricane-prone coastal areas who rely on storm forecasts and warnings.
Why does it matter?
The changes are meant to prevent gaps in hurricane data collection during aircraft replacement or upgrades, which affects the timeliness and accuracy of storm forecasts used for evacuation decisions.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- $2.5 billion for aircraft, 2027-2031
- up from $800 million before
- plus $45 million per year for operations
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 17, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jul 22, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.