Great Lakes and National Weather Service Funding Protection Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2856
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-04-10: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2025-05-13T15:44:50Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Great Lakes and National Weather Service Funding Protection Act (H.R. 2856) aims to protect specific federal funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by restricting the executive branch's ability to withhold, move, or reallocate funds designated for the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Great Lakes Region. This ensures stable financial support for weather forecasting and Great Lakes environmental activities without needing new approvals unless Congress explicitly allows changes.

Key Provisions

Short Title (Section 1): The bill is officially named the "Great Lakes and National Weather Service Funding Protection Act."
Funding Limitations (Section 2(a)): Discretionary funds (non-mandatory budget allocations decided annually by Congress) for the NWS and Great Lakes Region, including those from the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4), cannot be:
Impounded (withheld or delayed from use by the agency).
Transferred (moved to another agency or purpose).
Reprogrammed (shifted within the agency to different activities).

These restrictions apply regardless of other laws, such as the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (a law that regulates how presidents can delay spending approved funds). Any exceptions require new legislation passed after this bill's enactment, with direct reference to this Act.

Compliance Certification (Section 2(b)): The NOAA Administrator must submit a written certification of compliance to key congressional committees within 30 days of the bill's enactment and annually thereafter. The committees include:
House: Appropriations, Natural Resources, and Science, Space, and Technology.
Senate: Appropriations and Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces stricter controls than the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by prohibiting impoundment, transfers, or reprogramming of these specific NOAA funds without explicit new congressional authorization. Previously, the executive branch had more flexibility to manage such funds under existing impoundment rules, as long as they followed reporting requirements. This shifts power toward Congress by requiring "specific statutory authority" for any changes, overriding general provisions in other laws.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: NOAA and the NWS face reduced administrative flexibility, potentially stabilizing operations but limiting quick responses to emergencies or shifting priorities. This could increase congressional oversight of agency budgets.
Citizens: Residents in the Great Lakes Region (spanning multiple U.S. states) and those relying on national weather services may benefit from consistent funding for forecasting, storm warnings, and environmental monitoring, improving public safety and resource management. Disruptions from funding shifts could be minimized.
International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though stable Great Lakes funding supports U.S. commitments under binational agreements with Canada (e.g., for water quality and shared environmental management), potentially enhancing cross-border cooperation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Primary: NOAA and its Administrator, who must certify compliance and manage protected funds.
Congressional Committees: The listed House and Senate committees gain enhanced oversight roles through required certifications.
Regional and Public Interests: Communities, businesses, and environmental groups in the Great Lakes area (e.g., fishing, shipping, and agriculture sectors) and nationwide users of NWS services (e.g., farmers, emergency responders, and aviation).
Executive Branch: The President and budget officials may face constraints on fiscal management for these programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces congressional authority over federal spending by creating a high bar for fund modifications, potentially leading to more litigation if executive actions are challenged as violations. The reference to overriding the Impoundment Control Act could set a precedent for protecting specific appropriations.
Constitutional: Aligns with Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the "power of the purse" (control over spending), but may spark debates on separation of powers if seen as unduly limiting executive discretion in budget execution.
Political: Introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives (primarily Democrats from Great Lakes states), it reflects regional priorities for environmental and weather resilience amid concerns over federal budget volatility. If enacted, it could influence future appropriations debates by prioritizing certain science and natural resource programs.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]

Recent Actions

2025-04-10: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-04-10: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-04-10: Introduced in House
2025-04-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Great Lakes and National Weather Service Funding Protection Act — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (3 pages)