NOAA Data Preservation Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6184
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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
- 2026-06-04T08:08:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The NOAA Data Preservation Act (H.R. 6184) aims to protect the continuous storage and accessibility of data sets managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and oceanographic research. It prevents abrupt disruptions in data storage contracts to maintain reliable access to critical environmental and scientific information.
Key Provisions
- Contract Cancellation Restrictions: The Secretary of Commerce (who oversees NOAA) cannot cancel a contract with a cloud service provider (a company offering online data storage and computing services) for storing NOAA data sets unless specific conditions are met.
- Required Conditions for Cancellation:
- Develop a detailed plan to ensure uninterrupted storage, including a smooth transition of the data and any related reporting systems to a different cloud service provider.
- Collaborate with the NOAA Administrator to protect the data during the process.
- Definition: A "cloud service provider" is defined using the existing legal term from the Homeland Security Act of 2002, referring to entities providing cloud-based computing resources to federal agencies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new procedural safeguards for NOAA data storage contracts, which were not previously mandated under federal law. It adds restrictions on the Secretary of Commerce's authority to terminate such agreements, requiring planning and collaboration to avoid data loss or downtime. No prior law specifically addressed uninterrupted transitions for NOAA's cloud-stored data sets in this manner.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: NOAA and the Department of Commerce will face requirements for careful contract management, potentially increasing administrative costs but ensuring data reliability for operations like weather predictions and climate analysis.
- On Citizens: The public, including researchers, businesses, and emergency responders who rely on NOAA data for decision-making (e.g., storm warnings or environmental planning), will benefit from reduced risk of data interruptions, enhancing access to vital information.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though reliable NOAA data supports global climate agreements and scientific collaborations, indirectly aiding U.S. credibility in international environmental forums.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- NOAA and Department of Commerce: Directly responsible for compliance, with the Administrator and Secretary playing key roles in planning and execution.
- Cloud Service Providers: Companies holding NOAA contracts must adhere to transition requirements if contracts end, affecting their business operations.
- Scientific Community and Researchers: Users of NOAA data sets, who depend on continuous access for studies in weather, climate, and oceans.
- General Public and Businesses: Indirect beneficiaries through sustained availability of public data services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill reinforces federal data management standards by limiting executive discretion in contract terminations, potentially setting a precedent for similar protections in other agencies. It aligns with broader U.S. policies on data security but does not alter constitutional balances of power.
- Constitutional: No major issues; it operates within Congress's authority to regulate federal agencies and commerce, without infringing on executive functions.
- Political: As a bipartisan bill introduced by a diverse group of representatives, it highlights consensus on preserving scientific infrastructure amid concerns over federal budget cuts or vendor changes. It could influence future debates on government technology contracts and data sovereignty.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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.
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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.
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- NOAA Data Preservation Act — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (2 pages)