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S. 4802119th CongressIn markupLatest action Jul 22, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
Official title: Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govThe plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
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
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.
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.
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.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
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.