The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously passed the Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act on July 22. The legislation, led by Senators Maria Cantwell, Ted Cruz, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Roger Wicker, Alex Padilla, and Ted Budd, will codify the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hurricane Hunter mission in federal law for the first time and authorize $2.5 billion for up to nine new aircraft.
The bill aims to modernize NOAA’s aging fleet of Hurricane Hunter aircraft that collect critical weather data during severe storms. “As atmospheric rivers become more frequent and severe across the Pacific Northwest, our communities increasingly depend on accurate forecasts to prepare for flooding and other extreme weather,” said Senator Cantwell. “NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft collect critical data that improves those forecasts, but much of the fleet is more than 50 years old. This bipartisan legislation will modernize and expand the fleet, strengthening NOAA’s ability to provide the timely, accurate warnings that help keep families, businesses and communities safe.” Senator Cruz said, “Hurricane Hunter aircraft are one of NOAA’s most important tools for protecting Americans along the coast during hurricane season… The Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization bill will ensure NOAA has the modern fleet and capabilities needed to continue delivering the reliable, accurate forecasts Americans depend on.”
Other senators echoed these sentiments about supporting communities facing increasing severe weather events. Senator Blunt Rochester said, “As extreme weather events increase in frequency, we must ensure we have the resources in place to protect our communities…to sustain the mission of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters.” Senator Wicker highlighted their importance along the Gulf Coast: “They provide the most up-to-date storm tracking information… The more Hurricane Hunters we have available, the safer our communities are.” Senators Padilla and Budd also underscored how updated forecasting helps save lives.
The act would authorize $2.5 billion in appropriations for new aircraft purchases as well as $45 million annually for operations and maintenance; codify airborne reconnaissance missions; increase authorized C-130J planes from six up to nine; require backup planes; modernize radar technology; allow multi-year contracts for efficiency; and maintain a sufficient number of qualified pilots. Without these investments—such as replacing two WP-3D aircraft set to retire by 2030—the continuity of lifesaving missions could be at risk.
Senator Cantwell has previously led efforts related to improving national weather readiness through initiatives such as her Weather Act—which also passed committee this year—and other legislative provisions directing investment into NOAA equipment upgrades. She helped secure $3.3 billion in NOAA investments through recent laws aimed at preparing communities for climate change impacts.
The Senate Commerce Committee is a standing committee focused on reviewing legislation involving commerce, science, transportation policy matters—including bills like this one—under leadership from both parties with offices located in Washington D.C., according to the official website.