Congressman Sorensen, Congressman Flood Launch Bipartisan Caucus Focused on the Weather Enterprise

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressmen Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and Mike Flood (R-NE) launched the Weather Enterprise Caucus for the 119th Congress. This bipartisan caucus serves as a forum to inform Members of Congress about all things weather forecasting and research – particularly the economic, societal, and national security value of the United States Weather Enterprise. 

Congressman Sorensen is currently the only Meteorologist serving in Congress. His professional experience forecasting severe weather and communicating weather risks to communities has helped shape his focus on strengthening weather forecasting, preparedness, and public safety through the new caucus. 

“When severe weather strikes, every second matters,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “Accurate forecasts and timely warnings save lives, protect our communities, and help our nation prepare for the challenges ahead. The Weather Enterprise Caucus was created to make sure Congress continues to recognize the importance of weather science, innovation, and the work being done every day to keep Americans safe." 

“Our nation’s ability to sustain and improve the accuracy of weather forecasts Weather reporting has a direct impact on communities and businesses across the country,” said Congressman Flood. “From hailstorms and wildfires in Nebraska to hurricanes and flooding in Florida, every community benefits from a stronger, more resilient Weather Enterprise. I am glad to help launch the first Weather Enterprise Caucus in congressional history and look forward to the opportunities this will create to strengthen the Weather Enterprise through greater investment and innovation. I thank Congressman Sorensen for joining me as co-chair of this important effort.” 

The Weather Enterprise Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress dedicated to advancing the 'Weather Enterprise’ — the industries surrounding weather forecasting, research, weatherization efforts, and related sectors. The caucus's founding co-chairs both have backgrounds in the weather broadcast industry. By informing their congressional colleagues and advocating for policies that strengthen the broader Weather Enterprise, the caucus seeks to encourage investment, innovation, and continued support for this crucial sector. 

Congressmen Sorensen and Flood have previously partnered on bipartisan efforts to strengthen the nation’s weather enterprise, including the Weather Workforce Improvement Act, to support staffing at the National Weather Service. 

Congressman Sorensen has also led legislation to establish a National Weather Safety Board, an independent review board to investigate major weather-related disasters. Sorensen also introduced the bipartisan Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act, which would help strengthen weather forecasting systems in rural America. 

Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to strengthening weather forecasting, preparedness, and public safety across the country.