Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

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Bill ID: 119/hr/5089
Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3]

ID: L000491

Follow the money

The bill

Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

HR. 5089, 119th Congress — read as touching Agribusiness.

The sponsor

Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$70,950 raised

23 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

85% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Commerce" section, p. 708-710 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

September 9, 2025

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another bill from the esteemed members of Congress, no doubt crafted with the utmost care and consideration for the well-being of the American people. (Sarcasm alert!)

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 is a reauthorization of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. The main purpose is to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and... wait for it... "for other purposes." How delightfully vague.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill reauthorizes various programs and initiatives related to weather research, forecasting, and innovation. It also expands commercial opportunities for weather data, because who doesn't love a good profit motive in the midst of natural disasters? Some notable provisions include:

* Reauthorization of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 * Expansion of commercial opportunities for weather data * Amendments to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (because who doesn't love a good algae bloom?) * Establishment of an Earth prediction innovation center (because we clearly need more bureaucratic centers)

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:

* NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) * Commercial weather data providers (i.e., companies that will profit from this bill) * The general public (who will likely be none the wiser about the intricacies of this bill, but may benefit from improved weather forecasting... or not)

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "more of the same." It reauthorizes existing programs and initiatives without addressing any underlying issues. The expansion of commercial opportunities for weather data will likely lead to more privatization of public goods, because that's always worked out well in the past (cough, cough, healthcare). The amendments to existing laws are minor and don't address any significant problems.

In short, this bill is a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. It's a token effort to appear proactive while doing little to actually improve weather forecasting or mitigate the effects of natural disasters. But hey, at least it's something, right? (Sarcasm alert!)

Diagnosis: This bill suffers from a severe case of "Legislative Lethargy Syndrome" – a condition characterized by a lack of meaningful action, excessive bureaucratic jargon, and an overall failure to address the underlying problems. Treatment: a healthy dose of skepticism, a pinch of cynicism, and a whole lot of eye-rolling.

Related Topics

Climate Change & SustainabilityWater & Air Quality Regulations
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$70,950
20 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$4,950
Committees
$0
Individuals
$66,000

No PAC contributions found

1
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
3 transactions
$4,950

No committee contributions found

1
LOVE, GREG
2 transactions
$6,600
2
GATES, WILLIAM
1 transaction
$3,300
3
NATION, CHEROKEE
1 transaction
$3,300
4
PILLMORE, BRIAN
1 transaction
$3,300
5
HILLIARY, MEGAN
1 transaction
$3,300
6
WILMES, JEFF
1 transaction
$3,300
7
WORRELL, MITCH
1 transaction
$3,300
8
COX, DEBBIE
1 transaction
$3,300
9
HILLIARY, DUSTIN
1 transaction
$3,300
10
LEVERETT, JOE DR.
1 transaction
$3,300
11
OZMEN, FATIH
1 transaction
$3,300
12
HILLIARY, TRINITY
1 transaction
$3,300
13
HILLIARY, CHERYL
1 transaction
$3,300
14
MARTIN, DWAYNE
1 transaction
$3,300
15
HILLIARY, MIKE
1 transaction
$3,300
16
COX, ROBERT
1 transaction
$3,300
17
GALLAGHER, TATUM
1 transaction
$3,300
18
HILLIARY, EDWARD
1 transaction
$3,300
19
MCCALL, CARSON
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]

ID: L000397

Top Contributors

10

1
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
2
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 24, 2023
3
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
4
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
5
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Aug 27, 2023
6
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Aug 27, 2023
7
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
8
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
9
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 24, 2023
10
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,000
Jul 16, 2023

Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36]

ID: B001291

Top Contributors

10

1
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE
OrganizationLIVINGSTON, TX
$3,300
Dec 8, 2023
2
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE
OrganizationLIVINGSTON, TX
$3,300
Sep 27, 2024
3
TIGUA INDIAN RESERVATION - YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO
OrganizationYSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO, TX
$2,500
Jun 13, 2023
4
WORTHAM, ROBERT JUDGE
JEFFERSON COUNTY • DISTRICT ATTORNEY
IndividualBEAUMONT, TX
$6,600
Jul 14, 2023
5
WORTHAM, ROBERT J. JUDGE
IndividualBEAUMONT, TX
$6,600
Jul 20, 2023
6
BARTLETT, BRUCE
BARTLETT GROUP • TREASURER
IndividualRANCHO SANTA FE, CA
$3,300
Oct 24, 2023
7
MCINGVALE, JAMES F.
GALLERY FURNITURE • FOUNDER/CEO
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$3,300
Nov 3, 2023
8
MCINGVALE, LINDA
GALLERY FURNITURE/WESTSIDE TENNIS CLUB • BUSINESS OWNER
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$3,300
Nov 3, 2023
9
OZMEN, FATIH M. MRS.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSPARKS, NV
$3,300
Nov 17, 2023
10
ALLEN, ROGER
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualPASADENA, TX
$3,300
Jul 3, 2024

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]

ID: B001278

Top Contributors

10

1
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF SILETZ INDIANS
OrganizationSILETZ, OR
$3,300
May 21, 2024
2
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF SILETZ INDIANS
OrganizationSILETZ, OR
$3,300
May 21, 2024
3
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF GRAND RONDE
OrganizationGRAND RONDE, OR
$1,500
Nov 16, 2023
4
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA RESERVATION
OrganizationPENDLETON, OR
$1,500
Feb 15, 2024
5
MARGOLIN, PHILLIP
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualPORTLAND, OR
$3,300
Oct 19, 2024
6
SHERMAN, JOHN LEE
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualPORTLAND, OR
$3,300
Nov 21, 2023
7
BRADLEY, KATHERINE
CITY BRIDGE FOUNDATION • FOUNDING CHAIR
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Nov 22, 2023
8
PAULSON, JANE S
PAULSON COLETTI • ATTORNEY
IndividualPORTLAND, OR
$3,300
Oct 4, 2023
9
MACQUEEN, MARJORIE
NONE • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualTOLOVANA PARK, OR
$3,300
Jun 25, 2023
10
CHAPMAN, MATT
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualPORTLAND, OR
$3,300
Jun 4, 2023

Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

ID: W000814

Top Contributors

10

1
TIGUA INDIAN RESERVATION - YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO
OrganizationEL PASO, TX
$2,500
Jun 30, 2023
2
SCOTT M. BROWN P.C.
OrganizationANGLETON, TX
$2,500
Aug 13, 2024
3
SCOTT M. BROWN P.C.
OrganizationANGLETON, TX
$2,500
Aug 14, 2024
4
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE
OrganizationLIVINGSTON, TX
$1,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
ALLEN BOONE HUMPHRIES ROBINSON LLP
OrganizationHOUSTON, TX
$1,000
Jul 25, 2023
6
CLARK, LISA M.
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$10,000
Feb 23, 2024
7
SULLIVAN, JOHN R. MR.
SULLIVAN COMPANIES • OWNER
IndividualGALVESTON, TX
$6,600
Oct 31, 2023
8
TEICHMAN, KEVIN MR.
TEICHMAN GROUP LLC • CEO
IndividualFRIENDSWOOD, TX
$6,600
Dec 12, 2023
9
MCCORVEY, MITZY
MCCORVEY INDUSTRIAL FABRICATION • OWNER
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$6,600
Feb 9, 2023
10
MCCORVEY, TONY
MCCORVEY INDUSTRIAL FABRICATION • OWNER
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$6,600
Feb 9, 2023

Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

ID: S001215

Top Contributors

10

1
MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS
OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Nov 6, 2024
3
MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS
OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
4
NOTTAWASEPPI HURON BAND OF THE POTAWATOMI
OrganizationFULTON, MI
$3,300
Mar 6, 2024
5
POKAGON BAND OF POTAWATOMI INDIANS
OrganizationDOWAGIAC, MI
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
6
SAGINAW CHIPPEWA INDIAN TRIBE
OrganizationMT PLEASANT, MI
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
7
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Jun 5, 2023
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Apr 29, 2024
9
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
OrganizationEL CAJON, CA
$1,500
Oct 24, 2023
10
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$1,000
Dec 29, 2023

Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]

ID: F000459

Top Contributors

10

1
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
2
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$3,300
Jun 30, 2024
3
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$2,500
Mar 28, 2023
4
BARKER FOR SHERIFF
OrganizationCLINTON, TN
$1,000
Mar 16, 2023
5
CARBON RIVERS, INC.
OrganizationKNOXVILLE, TN
$1,000
Mar 16, 2023
6
HIGGINS, KENNETH
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualMCDONALD, TN
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
7
HIGGINS, PHILIP
FIDEM ENERGY • CO CEO
IndividualCLEVELAND, TN
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
8
JOHNSTON, BENJAMIN
FIDEM ENERGY • PRESIDENT
IndividualLOOKOUT MTN, GA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
9
JONES, JOHN BAILEY
NONE • STUDENT
IndividualCLEVELAND, TN
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
10
RICHARDS, CHRISTINE
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualBARLETT, TN
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024

Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

ID: R000305

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Dec 8, 2023
2
COOPER, JOHN D JR.
NOT EMPLOYED • CONTRACTOR/ENGINEER
IndividualRALEIGH, NC
$6,600
May 8, 2023
3
MARTIN, LOUISE PORTER
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualRALEIGH, NC
$4,600
Dec 29, 2023
4
WILKES, NANCY
UNC HOSPITALS • PHYSICIAN
IndividualCHAPEL HILL, NC
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
5
ALLEN, DIANA
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCARY, NC
$3,300
Dec 30, 2023
6
ALSOP, JOSEPH
ALSOP LOUIE PARTNERS • VENTURE PARTNER
IndividualBEVERLY, MA
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
7
ALSUP, WILLIAM B III
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Oct 17, 2023
8
BEEUWKES, REINIER
ISCHEMIX • CEO
IndividualCONCORD, MA
$3,300
Dec 31, 2023
9
DEBNAM, CAREY
SELF EMPLOYED • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
IndividualRALEIGH, NC
$3,300
Dec 21, 2023
10
DEBNAM, SESHA F
DEBNAM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC • PROPERTY MANAGER
IndividualRALEIGH, NC
$3,300
Dec 21, 2023

Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18]

ID: F000472

Top Contributors

10

1
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
OrganizationHOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 23, 2023
2
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
OrganizationHOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 16, 2024
3
MICCOSUKEE TRIBE
OrganizationMIAMI, FL
$1,000
Jan 30, 2024
4
CASSIDY, ALBERT B MR.
THE CASSIDY ORGANIZATION INC. • REAL ESTATE
IndividualWINTER HAVEN, FL
$6,600
May 12, 2023
5
CASSIDY, GENA
IndividualWINTER HAVEN, FL
$6,600
Jun 16, 2023
6
CASSIDY, GLORIA
ENTREPRENEUR • ENTREPRENEUR
IndividualWINTER HAVEN, FL
$6,600
May 12, 2023
7
CASSIDY, STEVEN L
IndividualWINTER HAVEN, FL
$6,600
Jun 16, 2023
8
SILBEY, ALEXANDER
ATS COMMUNICATIONS INC • CONSULTANT
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$5,000
Mar 29, 2024
9
BRADY, JOSEPH P
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualST. PETERSBURG, FL
$5,000
Aug 23, 2023
10
RAUCH, GEORGE W III
IndividualBRADENTON, FL
$4,000
Sep 29, 2023

Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]

ID: F000477

Top Contributors

10

1
PERRY, ROGER L.
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCHAPEL HILL, NC
$3,300
Dec 14, 2023
2
IRELAND, LORI A.
IRELAND FAMILY FOUNDATION • PRESIDENT
IndividualCHAPEL HILL, NC
$3,300
Dec 31, 2023
3
JOHNSON, LACY
TAFT LAW • ATTORNEY
IndividualINDIANAPOLIS, IN
$3,300
Dec 28, 2023
4
TUCKER, THOMAS
SELF EMPLOYED • REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
IndividualCHAPEL HILL, NC
$3,300
Dec 3, 2023
5
BURROUGHS, MIA DAY
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCHAPEL HILL, NC
$3,300
Mar 3, 2023
6
KUHN, MARK A.
KUHN ADVISORS INC. • INVESTMENT ADVISOR
IndividualDURHAM, NC
$3,300
Mar 4, 2024
7
NIEDEL, JAMES
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualCHAPEL HILL, NC
$3,300
Feb 29, 2024
8
KUHN, CYNTHIA
DUKE UNIVERSITY • SCIENTIST
IndividualDURHAM, NC
$3,300
Feb 29, 2024
9
JURVETSON, KARLA
SELF EMPLOYED • PHYSICIAN
IndividualLOS ALTOS, CA
$3,300
May 11, 2023
10
RUMER, ANDREW
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Aug 1, 2024

Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8]

ID: H001099

Top Contributors

10

1
JARNES, LARRY
NORTHBORO BUILDERS INC • BUILDER
IndividualMELBOURNE, FL
$9,900
May 20, 2024
2
FARINELLA, NICK
SELF-EMPLOYED • REALTOR
IndividualMELBOURNE, FL
$3,518
May 6, 2024
3
HILL, KEVIN
RE/MAX ALTERNATIVE • REALTOR
IndividualINDIAN HARBOUR BEA, FL
$3,518
May 6, 2024
4
MOLLEN, JACK
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualMELBOURNE, FL
$3,518
May 17, 2024
5
SHOULDERS, KATHY
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualINDIAN HARBOUR BEA, FL
$3,518
May 21, 2024
6
SHOULDERS, WILLIAM
HANDEX CONSULTING REMEDIATION • EXECUTIVE
IndividualINDIAN HARBOUR BEA, FL
$3,518
Apr 30, 2024
7
BERRY, JAMES
DELTA AIR LINES • PILOT
IndividualMELBOURNE, FL
$3,435
Sep 10, 2024
8
DANDRIDGE, STEPHANIE
SOTHEBYS • REALTOR
IndividualINDIALANTIC, FL
$3,435
Sep 19, 2024
9
FLACHS, BRUCE
PRESCIENT NATIONAL • INSURANCE
IndividualVERO BEACH, FL
$3,435
Sep 4, 2024
10
MARUMOTO, ALAN K.
UNIVERSITY CENTER IMAGING • PHYSICIAN
IndividualINDIALANTIC, FL
$3,435
Sep 13, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 46 nodes and 38 connections (39 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $115,450

Top Donors - Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3]

Showing top 20 donors by contribution amount

1 Org19 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 10 helped.

  • +Agribusinessconfidence 0.90

    Title V, Section 501 establishes pilot projects for agriculture in the central United States, improving weather and climate information for agriculture, which benefits agribusiness through better forecasting for crop planning and risk management.

  • +Crop Producersconfidence 0.90

    Title V, Section 501 specifically targets agriculture in the central United States for improved subseasonal to seasonal precipitation forecasts, directly aiding crop producers with better planting and harvest timing decisions.

  • +Telecommunicationsconfidence 0.80

    Section 404 requires the National Weather Service to improve its instant messaging service by implementing a commercial off-the-shelf communications solution hosted on the public cloud, which benefits telecommunications providers through increased demand for cloud and communications infrastructure.

  • Section 108 establishes a Computing Research Initiative that leverages Department of Energy high performance computers, cloud computing, and expertise to run advanced coupled models, and Section 304 promotes data infrastructure using commercial cloud technologies and hybrid structures, directly benefiting AI and cloud infrastructure providers.

  • Title V, Section 501's focus on agriculture in the central United States includes livestock-related sectors indirectly, as improved weather forecasts support feed production and herd management, benefiting meat and dairy processors like Tyson Foods.

  • +Big Tech Platformsconfidence 0.75

    Section 305 establishes a data assimilation university consortium that utilizes modern software and frameworks like the Joint Effort for Data Assimilation Integration, and Section 304 promotes partnerships with federal agencies including NASA and DOE to collocate data with joint utility and support transition to cloud architectures, creating opportunities for cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

+ 4 more industries not shown.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Commerce

Strong
Vector: 69%
Pages: 708-710AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill strongly aligns with Project 2025's emphasis on commercializing weather data services, expanding private sector opportunities, and improving NOAA's efficiency through interagency collaboration and performance-based operations, despite differing views on NOAA's role in climate science."

Key themes:commercialization of weather dataprivate sector partnershipsforecasting efficiencyinteragency collaborationperformance-based operations

— 675 — Department of Commerce l The National Ocean Service (NOS); l The Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR); l The National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS); l The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS); and l The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and NOAA Corps. Together, these form a colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future U.S. prosperity. This industry’s mission emphasis on prediction and management seems designed around the fatal conceit of planning for the unplannable. That is not to say NOAA is useless, but its current organization corrupts its useful func- tions. It should be broken up and downsized. NOAA today boasts that it is a provider of environmental information services, a provider of environmental stewardship services, and a leader in applied scientific research. Each of these functions could be provided commercially, likely at lower cost and higher quality. Focus the NWS on Commercial Operations. Each day, Americans rely on weather forecasts and warnings provided by local radio stations and colleges that are produced not by the NWS, but by private companies such as AccuWeather. Studies have found that the forecasts and warnings provided by the private com- panies are more reliable than those provided by the NWS.2 The NWS provides data the private companies use and should focus on its data-gathering services. Because private companies rely on these data, the NWS should fully commercialize its forecasting operations. NOAA does not currently utilize commercial partnerships as some other agencies do. Commercialization of weather technologies should be prioritized to ensure that taxpayer dollars are invested in the most cost-efficient technol- ogies for high quality research and weather data. Investing in different sizes of commercial partners will increase competition while ensuring that the govern- ment solutions provided by each contract is personalized to the needs of NOAA’s weather programs. The NWS should be a candidate to become a Performance-Based Organization to better enforce organizational focus on core functions such as efficient delivery of accurate, timely, and unbiased data to the public and to the private sector.3 Review the Work of the National Hurricane Center and the National Environmental Satellite Service. The National Hurricane Center and National Environmental Satellite Service data centers provide important public safety and

Department of Commerce

Moderate
Vector: 71%
Pages: 708-710AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill supports NOAA's weather research and forecasting while expanding commercial opportunities for weather data, which partially aligns with Project 2025's emphasis on commercializing NOAA functions and reducing government involvement in forecasting. However, the bill does not advocate for breaking up or downsizing NOAA, nor does it challenge climate change research, creating only moderate thematic overlap."

Key themes:commercialization of weather dataNOAA reformprivate sector forecastinginteragency collaborationweather research funding

— 675 — Department of Commerce l The National Ocean Service (NOS); l The Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR); l The National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS); l The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS); and l The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and NOAA Corps. Together, these form a colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future U.S. prosperity. This industry’s mission emphasis on prediction and management seems designed around the fatal conceit of planning for the unplannable. That is not to say NOAA is useless, but its current organization corrupts its useful func- tions. It should be broken up and downsized. NOAA today boasts that it is a provider of environmental information services, a provider of environmental stewardship services, and a leader in applied scientific research. Each of these functions could be provided commercially, likely at lower cost and higher quality. Focus the NWS on Commercial Operations. Each day, Americans rely on weather forecasts and warnings provided by local radio stations and colleges that are produced not by the NWS, but by private companies such as AccuWeather. Studies have found that the forecasts and warnings provided by the private com- panies are more reliable than those provided by the NWS.2 The NWS provides data the private companies use and should focus on its data-gathering services. Because private companies rely on these data, the NWS should fully commercialize its forecasting operations. NOAA does not currently utilize commercial partnerships as some other agencies do. Commercialization of weather technologies should be prioritized to ensure that taxpayer dollars are invested in the most cost-efficient technol- ogies for high quality research and weather data. Investing in different sizes of commercial partners will increase competition while ensuring that the govern- ment solutions provided by each contract is personalized to the needs of NOAA’s weather programs. The NWS should be a candidate to become a Performance-Based Organization to better enforce organizational focus on core functions such as efficient delivery of accurate, timely, and unbiased data to the public and to the private sector.3 Review the Work of the National Hurricane Center and the National Environmental Satellite Service. The National Hurricane Center and National Environmental Satellite Service data centers provide important public safety and — 676 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise business functions as well as academic functions, and are used by forecasting agen- cies and scientists internationally. Data continuity is an important issue in climate science. Data collected by the department should be presented neutrally, without adjustments intended to support any one side in the climate debate. Transfer NOS Survey Functions to the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Geo- logical Survey. Survey operations have historically accounted for almost half the NOS budget. These functions could be transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Geological Survey to increase efficiency. NOS’ expansion of the National Marine Sanctuaries System should also be reviewed, as discussed below. Streamline NMFS. Overlap exists between the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Overly simplified, the NMFS handles saltwater species while the Fish and Wildlife Service focuses on fresh water. The goals of these two agencies should be streamlined. Harmonize the Magnuson–Stevens Act with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Under the auspices of NOS, marine sanctuaries (including no-fishing zones) are being established country-wide, often conflicting with the goals of the Magnu- son–Stevens Act fisheries management authorities of NOAA Fisheries, regional fishery management councils, and relevant states. Withdraw the 30x30 Executive Order and Associated America the Beautiful Ini- tiative. The 30x30 Executive Order and the American the Beautiful Initiative are being used to advance an agenda to close vast areas of the ocean to commercial activities, including fishing, while rapidly advancing offshore wind energy devel- opment to the detriment of fisheries and other existing ocean-based industries. Modify Regulations Implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. These acts are currently being abused at a cost to fisheries and Native American subsistence activities around the U.S. Allow a NEPA Exemption for Fisheries Actions. All the requirements for robust analysis of the biological, economic, and social impacts of proposed regulatory action in fisheries are contained with the Magnuson–Stevens Act, the guiding Act for fisheries. NEPA overlays these requirements with onerous, redundant, and time-consuming process requirements, which routinely cause unnecessary delays in the promulgation of timely fisheries management actions. The Department of Commerce and the Council on Environmental Quality should collaborate to reduce this redundancy. Downsize the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. OAR provides theoretical science, as opposed to the applied science of the National Hurricane Center. OAR is, however, the source of much of NOAA’s climate alarmism. The preponderance of its climate-change research should be disbanded. OAR is a large network of research laboratories, an undersea research center, and several joint research institutes with universities. These operations should be reviewed with an aim of consolidation and reduction of bloat.

Department of Commerce

Weak
Vector: 65%
Pages: 708-710AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on reauthorizing and enhancing NOAA's weather research and forecasting capabilities, while Project 2025's Department of Commerce section emphasizes downsizing climate research (specifically OAR), transferring NOS functions, and reducing regulatory burdens—objectives that are not addressed or supported by the bill and in some cases conflict with its provisions."

Key themes:NOAAOffice of Oceanic and Atmospheric Researchweather researchDepartment of Commerce

— 676 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise business functions as well as academic functions, and are used by forecasting agen- cies and scientists internationally. Data continuity is an important issue in climate science. Data collected by the department should be presented neutrally, without adjustments intended to support any one side in the climate debate. Transfer NOS Survey Functions to the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Geo- logical Survey. Survey operations have historically accounted for almost half the NOS budget. These functions could be transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Geological Survey to increase efficiency. NOS’ expansion of the National Marine Sanctuaries System should also be reviewed, as discussed below. Streamline NMFS. Overlap exists between the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Overly simplified, the NMFS handles saltwater species while the Fish and Wildlife Service focuses on fresh water. The goals of these two agencies should be streamlined. Harmonize the Magnuson–Stevens Act with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Under the auspices of NOS, marine sanctuaries (including no-fishing zones) are being established country-wide, often conflicting with the goals of the Magnu- son–Stevens Act fisheries management authorities of NOAA Fisheries, regional fishery management councils, and relevant states. Withdraw the 30x30 Executive Order and Associated America the Beautiful Ini- tiative. The 30x30 Executive Order and the American the Beautiful Initiative are being used to advance an agenda to close vast areas of the ocean to commercial activities, including fishing, while rapidly advancing offshore wind energy devel- opment to the detriment of fisheries and other existing ocean-based industries. Modify Regulations Implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. These acts are currently being abused at a cost to fisheries and Native American subsistence activities around the U.S. Allow a NEPA Exemption for Fisheries Actions. All the requirements for robust analysis of the biological, economic, and social impacts of proposed regulatory action in fisheries are contained with the Magnuson–Stevens Act, the guiding Act for fisheries. NEPA overlays these requirements with onerous, redundant, and time-consuming process requirements, which routinely cause unnecessary delays in the promulgation of timely fisheries management actions. The Department of Commerce and the Council on Environmental Quality should collaborate to reduce this redundancy. Downsize the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. OAR provides theoretical science, as opposed to the applied science of the National Hurricane Center. OAR is, however, the source of much of NOAA’s climate alarmism. The preponderance of its climate-change research should be disbanded. OAR is a large network of research laboratories, an undersea research center, and several joint research institutes with universities. These operations should be reviewed with an aim of consolidation and reduction of bloat. — 677 — Department of Commerce Break Up the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and Reassign Its Assets to Other Agencies During This Process. The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, which provides the ships and planes used by NOAA agencies, should be broken up and its assets reassigned to the General Services Administra- tion or to other agencies. Use Small Innovation Prizes and Competitions to Encourage High-Qual- ity Research. Lowering the barriers of entry for startups and small businesses will also provide greater innovation without excessive increases in spending. Reaching beyond traditional partnerships for innovative engagement tools that encourage entrepreneurial innovation will allow NOAA’s research programs to adapt more quickly to the world’s changing needs. Multiple competitions should take place in cities to attract a variety of innovators and investors to propel innovation forward in a way that benefits the needs of NOAA. Ensure Appointees Agree with Administration Aims. Scientific agencies like NOAA are vulnerable to obstructionism of an Administration’s aims if political appointees are not wholly in sync with Administration policy. Particular attention must be paid to appointments in this area. Elevate the Office of Space Commerce. The Office of Space Commerce is the executive branch advocate on behalf of the U.S. commercial space industry. This office should be the vehicle for a new Administration to set a robust and unified whole-of-government commercial space policy that cements U.S. lead- ership in one of the most crucial industries of the future. The Office’s current mission has been lost owing to its position within NESDIS, which sees no role for itself in advancing the industry and the space economy, including ensuring global competitiveness. OSC is, by law, the Department of Commerce’s lead on space policy and must therefore link directly to all the bureaus and other orga- nizations within the department. The Office needs to be returned to OS, within which it existed for the first two decades of its existence. From OS, the Office could serve as a coordinating entity for the whole-of-government commercial space policy desperately needed to secure America’s place as the global leader in commercial space operations. There presently exists no unified U.S. government policy on commercial space operations, with the Federal Communications Commission largely responsible for establishing space policy by default through its regulation of radio spectrum licenses. Now that routine space operations are commercially viable, it is critical that a new Administration establish reasonable government policies that ensure the U.S. will continue to be the flag of choice for commercial space activities. The President should, by executive order, direct the Office of Space Commerce, working with the National Space Council, to establish a whole-of-government policy for licensing and oversight of commercial space operations.

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Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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