Bill · S. 4802· Senate(119-S-4802)
Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act
- Introduced
- 6/17/2026
- Last activity
- 7/22/2026 — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Sponsored by
- Maria Cantwell
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act focuses on the acquisition and maintenance of aircraft for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It requires the Under Secretary to acquire between 6 and 9 manned aircraft for weather reconnaissance and research. The bill emphasizes the collection of real-time data and the ability to safely fly into hurricanes and tropical cyclones. It also authorizes funding for aircraft acquisition and aviation operations from 2027 through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 29
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill mandates the acquisition of advanced aircraft and radar for atmospheric and meteorological research.
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?+6
Better real-time data on hurricanes significantly improves disaster preparedness and response.
Would farmers be better off under this?+4
Accurate weather forecasting is critical for agricultural planning and crop protection.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-5
The bill increases government spending by authorizing $2.5 billion for aircraft and $45 million annually for operations.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-3
Increased authorization of multi-billion dollar spending without a funding source reduces fiscal conservatism.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
The bill authorizes billions in new government spending, which contributes to the national debt.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Forecasting and Warnings: The bill requires the collection of real-time meteorological, oceanographic, and atmospheric observations to be made available for forecasting, warning, and reconnaissance missions (Section 2(a)(3)(b)(1)).
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Hurricane Safety: The bill ensures the capability to safely conduct direct airborne penetration of hurricanes and tropical cyclones (Section 2(a)(3)(b)(2)).
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Reliable Weather Monitoring: It mandates the maintenance of backup capabilities to prevent a single point of failure during aircraft transitions (Section 2(a)(3)(b)(3)).
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Updated Technology: The Under Secretary is required to maintain and replace airborne radar and remote sensing capabilities, such as Tail Doppler Radar, to support forecasting (Section 2(a)(3)(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Government Spending: The bill authorizes $2,500,000,000 for aircraft acquisition and $45,000,000 annually for aviation operations from 2027 through 2031 (Section 2(a)(3)(h)).
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+4Good For Low Income Households+3Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Urban Residents+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Billionaires+2Good For Business Owners+2Good For Children+2Good For High Income Households+2Good For High Net Worth Individuals+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For Middle Aged+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Native Americans+2Good For Retirees+2Good For Seniors+2Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+2Good For White Americans+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For Union Workers+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+6Improves Environmental Protections+4
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1Reduces Government Spending-5Improves Fiscal Responsibility-3Reduces National Debt-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1
- 7/22/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 6/17/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi