Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
What this bill does
The Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act would authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to acquire new aircraft for its weather reconnaissance and research missions. Specifically, it would direct NOAA to acquire between six and nine manned aircraft and maintain advanced airborne observing technologies, such as Tail Doppler Radar. The bill also requires NOAA to ensure continuous hurricane reconnaissance capability during any aircraft transitions and to maintain qualified NOAA Corps aviators for these missions.
This legislation would affect NOAA's ability to conduct airborne reconnaissance and research, particularly concerning hurricanes and tropical cyclones. It mandates the collection and real-time dissemination of meteorological and atmospheric data for forecasting and warning purposes. The bill also authorizes appropriations for aircraft acquisition and aviation operations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
As of the latest action, the bill has been ordered reported with an amendment by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The next step would be for the full Senate to consider the bill. If passed by the Senate, it would then proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 4802 do?
- The Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act would authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to acquire new aircraft for its weather reconnaissance and research missions. Specifically, it would direct NOAA to acquire between six and nine manned aircraft and maintain advanced airborne observing technologies, such as Tail Doppler Radar. The bill also requires NOAA to ensure continuous hurricane reconnaissance capability during any aircraft transitions and to maintain qualified NOAA Corps aviators for these missions. This legislation would affect NOAA's ability to conduct airborne reconnaissance and research, particularly concerning hurricanes and tropical cyclones. It mandates the collection and real-time dissemination of meteorological and atmospheric data for forecasting and warning purposes. The bill also authorizes appropriations for aircraft acquisition and aviation operations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. As of the latest action, the bill has been ordered reported with an amendment by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The next step would be for the full Senate to consider the bill. If passed by the Senate, it would then proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Has S. 4802 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4802. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4802?
- S. 4802 was sponsored by Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA] (D-WA), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4802?
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (22 Jul 2026).
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