Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill mandates the acquisition of advanced aircraft and radar for atmospheric and meteorological research.
- Scored +6
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
Better real-time data on hurricanes significantly improves disaster preparedness and response.
- Scored +4
Would farmers be better off under this?
Accurate weather forecasting is critical for agricultural planning and crop protection.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill increases government spending by authorizing $2.5 billion for aircraft and $45 million annually for operations.
- Scored -3
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
Increased authorization of multi-billion dollar spending without a funding source reduces fiscal conservatism.
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
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
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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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — Accurate weather forecasting is critical for agricultural planning and crop protection. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income households are often hardest hit by natural disasters; improved warnings save lives and property. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Earlier and more accurate warnings are essential for the safe evacuation of people with disabilities. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural coastal residents benefit from more accurate and timely hurricane warnings. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Coastal urban areas are highly susceptible to hurricanes; better forecasting saves lives. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced disaster warnings provide critical safety benefits to all communities. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced disaster warnings provide critical safety benefits to all communities. Would billionaires be better off under this? — Improved hurricane forecasting reduces risk and potential property loss. Would business owners be better off under this? — Better weather data helps businesses plan for and mitigate disaster-related losses. Would children be better off under this? — Improved disaster warnings increase overall safety for vulnerable populations including children. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Improved hurricane forecasting reduces risk and potential property loss. Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this? — Improved hurricane forecasting reduces risk and potential property loss. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced disaster warnings provide critical safety benefits to all communities. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Improved disaster warnings increase overall safety for vulnerable populations. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Improved hurricane forecasting reduces risk and potential property loss. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced disaster warnings provide critical safety benefits to all communities. Would retired people be better off under this? — Improved disaster warnings increase overall safety for vulnerable populations. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Improved disaster warnings increase overall safety for vulnerable populations including seniors. Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this? — Improved hurricane forecasting reduces risk and potential property loss. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced disaster warnings provide critical safety benefits to all communities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Improved disaster warnings increase overall safety for vulnerable populations. Would union members be better off under this? — Potential for increased aerospace manufacturing jobs.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — Better real-time data on hurricanes significantly improves disaster preparedness and response. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Enhanced hurricane forecasting and data collection help protect lives and property from environmental disasters.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The acquisition and maintenance of new aircraft will likely support aerospace manufacturing and aviation service jobs. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investment in aerospace technology and infrastructure can provide a modest boost to economic activity. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — 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? — Increased authorization of multi-billion dollar spending without a funding source reduces fiscal conservatism. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill authorizes billions in new government spending, which contributes to the national debt.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill mandates the acquisition of advanced aircraft and radar for atmospheric and meteorological research.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill focuses on weather reconnaissance and atmospheric research missions.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases the operational capacity and funding of a federal agency (NOAA).
- 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