Lamar Smith: “My amendment takes direct, strong action to address America's weather forecasting shortcomings in order to reduce the…”

“My amendment takes direct, strong action to address America's weather forecasting shortcomings in order to reduce the loss of life and property from severe storms. The amendment I offer on behalf of myself; Science, Space, and Technology Committee Vice Chairman Frank Lucas; and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Jim Bridenstine directs that the full $120 million authorized in House-passed H.R. 1561, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2015, be provided in the NOAA Operations, Research, and Facilities appropriation account. The recent flooding in Texas and tornados in Oklahoma demonstrate the immediate need to quickly implement better weather research and forecasting by fully funding H.R. 1561. The House unanimously passed that bill just 2 weeks ago. We also unanimously passed it over a year ago in April 2014. Now, thanks to Chairman Culberson's initiative and support, the CJS bill will add the needed resources to transform our antiquated 1980s weather forecasting system into a 21st century weather enterprise in the next few years. Specifically, this amendment will provide $5 million more for weather lab research in NOAA, to total the $80 million authorized. The amendment will also provide $16 million more for weather research technology transfer in NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, to total $20 million authorized to implement a labs and Cooperative Institutes research-to-operations program.…”