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S4802FEDERALSession 119Federal Billin committee

High Impact

Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act authorizes fleet modernization for NOAA weather reconnaissance

Original title: Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act

Last action · July 22, 2026: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Sponsors: Maria Cantwell and 5 others

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What This Bill Would Do

The Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Act authorizes the replacement and modernization of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) aircraft fleet. This measure aims to ensure the continuity of critical weather data collection used for hurricane forecasting and storm tracking.

Why it matters

This legislation directly impacts the accuracy of hurricane forecasting by replacing aging aircraft that provide essential atmospheric data during severe weather events, affecting the safety and emergency planning capabilities of coastal communities.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The agency is tasked with the procurement and operation of the modernized aircraft fleet.

Directly affected

Coastal residents

These populations rely on the data collected by these aircraft for accurate hurricane warnings and emergency preparedness.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 'Hurricane Hunter' aircraft?

These are specialized aircraft operated by NOAA that fly directly into tropical cyclones to collect atmospheric data, which is critical for improving hurricane track and intensity forecasts.

Why does the fleet need recapitalization?

The current fleet consists of aging aircraft that require modernization to ensure they remain reliable and capable of performing high-risk reconnaissance missions safely.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

3 actions

Jul 22, 2026Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Jun 17, 2026SenateCommittee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jun 17, 2026SenateIntroduced
Introduced in Senate

Version history

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Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

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