Brian Schatz (D-HI)
TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 199.
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
This bill, known as the "TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act," aims to enhance how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses artificial intelligence for weather forecasting. It directs the development of comprehensive training datasets and the testing of both global and local AI-based weather models. The legislation focuses on improving the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts for weather, water, and space weather. It also emphasizes strengthening public-private partnerships to mitigate risks from hazards like wildfires. Finally, the bill includes provisions for making certain AI models and data available to the public.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill funds the development of AI-based weather models and Earth system research.
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill enhances weather forecasting to improve safety and preparedness for wildfires.
- Scored +5
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
Improved weather forecasting helps mitigate harm from wildfires and other hazards.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer?
The bill notes risks to intellectual property and the potential for theft through data access.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Safety and Preparedness: The bill seeks to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather, water, and space weather forecasts, which can help in the effective dissemination of critical information (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Wildfire Risk Mitigation: The use of advanced artificial intelligence is intended to improve readiness, preparedness, and safety for firefighters and communities at risk from wildfires (Section 2(d)(3)).
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Enhanced Decision Support: The bill explores using artificial intelligence to improve impact-based decision support for diverse users and communities (Section 2(d)(5)).
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Public Access to Information: The Under Secretary is required to develop a plan to make operational artificial intelligence weather models and associated data available to the public at no cost (Section 2(g)(1)).
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Addressing Data Inequities: The Under Secretary may use specific methods in machine learning training to help balance inequities in areas that have poor observing system coverage (Section 2(c)(6)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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National Security Risks: The bill notes that the release of data or models could potentially jeopardize national security (Section 2(g)(2)(A)), and the Under Secretary has the authority to withhold information to protect these interests (Section 2(i)(1)).
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Economic and Intellectual Security Threats: There are identified risks regarding intellectual property theft, cyber espionage, or human espionage through access to weather data by foreign countries of concern (Section 2(g)(3)(B)(i)).
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Loss of Intellectual Property: The bill mentions that the public release of information must be managed so it does not jeopardize intellectual property or redistribution rights (Section 2(g)(2)(B)).
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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances weather forecasting to improve safety and preparedness for wildfires. Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — Improved weather forecasting helps mitigate harm from wildfires and other hazards.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires making operational AI weather models and data available to the public. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill empowers NOAA to develop and implement large-scale AI weather modeling systems.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Improved weather and wildfire forecasting benefits communities at risk.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds the development of AI-based weather models and Earth system research. Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The bill notes risks to intellectual property and the potential for theft through data access.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill emphasizes protecting against cyber espionage through weather data access.
- 10/21/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-88.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 199.
- 4/30/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 4/9/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont