Jim Banks: “I thank the chairman for his leadership on important issues like these. Unfortunately, my home State of Indiana is no…”

“I thank the chairman for his leadership on important issues like these. Unfortunately, my home State of Indiana is no stranger to severe weather. As we enter peak tornado season, my constituents are vulnerable to tornado outbreaks which could lead to loss of life and destruction. Protecting lives and property from severe weather needs to be a top priority at NOAA. I am glad we are addressing this issue for that reason today. This legislation will greatly improve our ability to predict severe weather, like the tornadoes that affect my district, through a focused program to enhance forecasting. When mere seconds make the difference between life and death, my constituents deserve the most accurate and timely forecasts available, and I am confident that this legislation will help give them that information. I am also pleased that this bill gives NOAA the ability to incorporate data and forecasting skill from private sector companies like Harris Corporation in northeast Indiana, which employs about 450 engineers and technicians in my district. These talented professionals build the world's most advanced weather satellite instruments. Many government-operated systems are slow and costly, and the private sector can be used to fill critical weather data needs. Directing NOAA to integrate next-generation commercial solutions improves our ability to protect lives and property. The time to think outside of the government-only-weather-data box is now.…”