Bill · H.R. 3809· House(119-HR-3809)
Weather Workforce Improvement Act
- Introduced
- 6/6/2025
- Last activity
- 6/6/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Flood
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 5
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Weather Workforce Improvement Act aims to allow the Director of the National Weather Service to hire staff more quickly for essential roles. It grants direct hire authority for specific positions like meteorologists, hydrologists, and technicians to address critical staffing needs. These positions are considered vital for public safety, specifically regarding tasks like launching weather balloons. The bill also requires assessments regarding hiring timelines and the health and morale of employees working rotating shifts. This new authority is temporary and will expire after two years or once vacancies are filled.
Yes· 3 of 6
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill facilitates more efficient hiring for critical federal positions within the National Weather Service.
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?+2
Better weather forecasting improves disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+1
Enhanced weather forecasting supports economic stability and protects property.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expedited Hiring for Essential Roles: The bill allows the Director of the National Weather Service to use direct hire authority for various roles, such as meteorologists, hydrologists, and computer specialists, to fill critical vacancies more quickly (Section 3(a)).
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Public Safety and Economic Stability: The bill emphasizes that accurate and timely weather forecasting is vital for protecting lives, property, and the national economy (Section 2; Section 3(d)(1)(A)).
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Focus on Employee Well-being: The bill requires assessments of medical impacts, such as stress and long-term health, as well as employee morale resulting from rotating shift work (Section 3(d)(2)(b)(1)).
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Mitigation of Work-Related Stress: The assessments may include recommendations for improving benefits and options for mitigating the negative impacts of required rotating shift work on employees (Section 3(d)(2)(b)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Temporary Nature of Authority: The direct hire authority granted to the Director is subject to a sunset provision, meaning it expires after two years or once the specific staffing needs are met (Section 3(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1Increases Federal Power+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+1
- 11/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/6/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Chuck EdwardsRepublican · North Carolina
Frank LucasRepublican · Oklahoma
Jared MoskowitzDemocrat · Florida
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California
Eric SorensenDemocrat · Illinois
Derek SchmidtRepublican · Kansas
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia