Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.
Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote
A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.
This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to lead a project aimed at improving coastal marine fog forecasts. The project seeks to increase marine-based observations through various tools like buoys, vessels, and satellite imagery. It also aims to advance the accuracy and coverage of marine fog modeling and improve how advisories are communicated. Additionally, the project intends to provide decision support services based on environmental information. The Under Secretary must engage with public, private, and Indian tribal stakeholders during implementation. Finally, a detailed project plan must be developed within one year of the Act's enactment.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill directs funding toward marine-based observation technology and meteorological modeling research.
- Scored +4
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill specifically requires the Under Secretary to engage with Indian tribes in the planning process.
- Scored +3
Would business owners be better off under this?
Improved forecasts can reduce economic risks for maritime-based businesses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Vessel Safety and Reduced Economic Impact: The project's goal is to increase safety for those on the water and lessen the financial consequences caused by marine fog events (Section 2(b)).
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Increased Observations and Better Data: The use of buoys, meteorological stations, vessels, and remote sensing technologies aims to increase the number of marine-based observations in high-impact areas (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Improved Modeling and Accuracy: Advancing the coverage, resolution, and skill of marine fog modeling can improve forecast capabilities (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Better Communication of Risks: The project aims to improve how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration communicates marine fog advisories and risks to the public to maximize informed decision making (Section 2(b)(3) and Section 2(b)(4)).
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Actionable Decision Support: The bill seeks to provide environmental information that serves as actionable decision support for those receiving advisories (Section 2(b)(5)).
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Stakeholder and Tribal Engagement: The requirement to meet with public, private, and Indian tribal stakeholders ensures these groups are involved in the planning and implementation of the project (Section 2(c) and Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically requires the Under Secretary to engage with Indian tribes in the planning process. Would business owners be better off under this? — Improved forecasts can reduce economic risks for maritime-based businesses.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill directs funding toward marine-based observation technology and meteorological modeling research.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — By reducing the economic impact of marine fog events, the bill supports more stable economic activity in coastal regions.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances environmental monitoring through improved fog observation and modeling technologies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The project involves stakeholder engagement which can increase the transparency of meteorological data applications. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the role of the Under Secretary of Commerce in conducting specific weather-related research projects.
- 10/21/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-86.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.
- 4/30/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 4/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 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.
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California