The insurance industry is backing a new bipartisan bill aimed at boosting federal weather research and improving forecasting tools. The move comes at a time when deep budget cuts have hit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), raising concerns among insurers who rely heavily on accurate weather data.
On March 4, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously approved the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (S. 3923). This bill bundles 17 measures designed to enhance NOAA’s ability to forecast and warn about weather hazards.
This legislation builds on a previous law from 2017 that already helped improve hurricane tracking by over 10% and extended tornado warning times by more than 10 minutes. The new bill aims to go further by modernizing radar and satellite technology, tapping into commercial data, and even using artificial intelligence to upgrade NOAA’s weather programs.
Important new features include creating a special program focused on fire weather, improving forecasts for atmospheric rivers, and updating how hazardous weather alerts are issued. It also aims to improve landslide readiness and assist farmers in rural areas to manage drought conditions.
The bill proposes funding $100 million each year through 2030 for NOAA’s commercial data efforts, alongside $160 million to $170 million annually for weather research.
These updates come against a backdrop of significant cuts at NOAA. Since early 2025, the agency has lost about 20% of its workforce, including over 550 staff at the National Weather Service alone. Back in May 2025, it was reported that 30 National Weather Service offices lacked lead meteorologists, and at least one stopped operating 24/7.
Funding was threatened during the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal, which aimed to eliminate all resources for NOAA’s climate, weather, and ocean labs. Though Congress pushed back on those cuts, some contracts for weather instruments were still canceled.
Sam Whitfield, senior vice president of federal government relations at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), called the bill a crucial step. He said it would help communities, businesses, and insurers better plan for risks and reduce costly damages. APCIA plans to keep working with lawmakers as the bill moves forward.
A related bill in the House, H.R. 5089, passed the House Science Committee last September but has yet to reach the full House. Both chambers now have versions approved by committees, which will need to be aligned before the bills can be sent to the president.
With strong bipartisan support, the bill has a good chance to move forward, though lawmakers will need to schedule floor votes. A similar path was followed by the original 2017 Weather Act before it became law.
This legislation is seen as a timely effort to support NOAA amid budget cuts and staffing losses, ensuring the country’s weather forecasting stays reliable and effective in the face of growing challenges.