Bill · S. 3912· Senate(119-S-3912)
NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/25/2026
- Last activity
- 2/25/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Tim Sheehy
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2026," aims to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006. It proposes several amendments to update the scope and capabilities of the drought information system. The updates include incorporating flash drought research and advancing next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. It also focuses on improving monitoring of various data points such as snowpack and groundwater. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a plan to incorporate improved forecast modeling tools. Finally, it provides a specific schedule of authorized appropriations through the year 2030.
Yes· 3 of 13
Would farmers be better off under this?+5
The bill provides critical advanced drought and water forecasting tools essential for agricultural planning.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+5
The bill specifically funds research into flash droughts and advanced weather/climate modeling technologies.
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?+4
The bill enhances drought preparedness and monitoring, which are critical components of drought disaster response.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced drought response: The bill seeks to incorporate flash drought research and tools to help people respond more quickly to these events (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(i)).
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Improved weather and water forecasting: By supporting improvements in subseasonal to seasonal precipitation, temperature, and low flow water prediction, the bill aims to better prepare for changes in water availability (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(ii)).
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Technological advancements: The use of next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud technologies, is intended to advance monitoring, preparedness, and forecasting capabilities (Section 2(a)(1)(7)).
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Better data collection: The bill directs the investigation of data gaps in areas such as snowpack monitoring, soil moisture, and groundwater (Section 2(a)(1)(12)).
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Improved decision support: The act includes provisions to improve decision support products and optimize data and resources across the Federal Government (Section 2(a)(1)(10) and (11)).
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Coordinated data sharing: Through partnerships with the National Mesonet Program, the bill aims to provide coordinated, high-quality data (Section 2(a)(3)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Business Owners+1Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Native Americans+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+4Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Public Land Management+3Improves Rural Development+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+1
- 2/25/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.