Representatives Sorensen, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Weather Forecasting in Rural America

Congressmen Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) introduced their bipartisan Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act, which would help strengthen weather forecasting systems in rural America.

The legislation will require a new study of the nation's weather monitoring systems to give lawmakers a better picture of the state of our current weather forecasting abilities across the country. This bill is urgently needed amid warnings that weather forecasting at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) have been degraded by understaffing, layoffs, and cuts at the agencies.

“Having access to accurate and reliable weather forecasting is critically important for everyone, whether you’re a farmer trying to plant your harvest or a family determining if you need to shelter in place for a tornado,” said Congressman Sorensen. “During severe weather season, it is critical that we get an accurate picture of the state of our weather monitoring systems across the country. This bipartisan bill will help us ensure that we’re meeting the needs of my neighbors in rural communities who rely on NOAA and the NWS to get their weather forecasts.”

“In rural communities like ours, a few minutes’ warning can mean the difference between life and death,” said Congressman Moran. “But too often, our families are left without the tools to see danger coming. Every community—no matter how small—deserves the same protection as anywhere else in America. This bill is about closing the radar gap, so no one in East Texas, or rural America, is left in the dark when it matters most.”

Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for protecting and strengthening NOAA and the NWS from cuts. Starting last year, he has been warning about the impact of Project 2025’s plans to dismantle and privatize NOAA and the NWS. As the Department of Government Efficiency began making cuts to the agencies, Congressman Sorensen has been speaking out, introducing legislation, and calling on the Administration to bring a stop to the disastrous cuts.