Political Quotes

“I want to thank the gentleman from Texas, Chairman Smith, for his continued leadership on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and for bringing forward this important legislation. H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, prioritizes improving weather forecasting for the protection of lives and property at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This is a core program of the agency that has been in need of improved direction and investment for years. The bill directs NOAA to develop plans to restore our country's leadership in weather forecasting. It is no secret that many people in our weather community are distraught that our forecasting capacities have deteriorated in recent years. Some even say that America no longer has the best weather prediction system in the world. In fact, we routinely rely on forecasts of other countries to predict what will happen in this country. This is unacceptable, but I am glad we are here today to pass legislation that will dramatically improve our weather forecasting system. The bill before us today enhances our ability to predict severe weather by focusing research and computing resources on improved weather forecasting, quantitative observing data planning, next generation modeling, and an emphasis on research-to-operations technology transfer. As a Representative from Oklahoma, I understand the need for accurate and timely weather predictions firsthand.…”