Story perspectives

Bipartisan Bill Allocates $2.5 B to Expand NOAA Hurricane Hunters

6/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senators introduced bipartisan legislation to fund and expand National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Hurricane Hunter fleet and shield it from budget cuts.
The bill provides $2.5 billion for new aircraft, $5 million annually for pilots, raises the fleet from six to nine, mandates manned flights, and requires tail-mounted Doppler radars.
Congressional leaders expect pushback on President Donald Trump’s budget proposal that would cut NOAA’s research funding.

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Story summary

Senators introduced bipartisan legislation to fund and expand National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Hurricane Hunter fleet and shield it from budget cuts.
The bill provides $2.5 billion for new aircraft, $5 million annually for pilots, raises the fleet from six to nine, mandates manned flights, and requires tail-mounted Doppler radars.
Congressional leaders expect pushback on President Donald Trump’s budget proposal that would cut NOAA’s research funding.