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Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

USA119th CongressS-1278| Senate 
| Updated: 10/21/2025
Ted Cruz

Ted Cruz

Republican Senator

Texas

Cosponsors (1)
Alex Padilla (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to undertake a significant project. The primary objective is to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog , thereby enhancing vessel safety and reducing the economic consequences associated with such events. To achieve this goal, the project will focus on several key areas. It aims to increase marine-based observations through various Federal and commercial platforms, including buoys, meteorological stations, vessels, and advanced remote sensing technologies. Furthermore, the initiative will work to advance the geographic coverage, resolution, and accuracy of marine fog modeling, including improvements in marine channel forecast capabilities. The bill also emphasizes the importance of effective communication. It requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve the communication of marine fog advisories and ensure that risks posed by hazardous fog events are conveyed in a manner that supports informed decision-making by the public. Additionally, the project will provide actionable decision support services based on environmental information. Crucially, the Under Secretary is mandated to engage with both public and private stakeholders , as well as Indian tribes, throughout the planning, development, and implementation phases of the project. Within one year of enactment, a comprehensive project plan must be developed, detailing the specific research, development, technology transfer activities, resources, and timelines required to meet the project's objectives.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

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Timeline
Apr 3, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Apr 3, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Apr 30, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Jun 11, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3705
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Oct 21, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-86.
Oct 21, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.
  • April 3, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 3, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • April 30, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.


  • June 11, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3705
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • October 21, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-86.


  • October 21, 2025
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.

Transportation and Public Works

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3705: Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act
Atmospheric science and weatherEmergency communications systemsGeography and mappingHydrology and hydrographyMarine and inland water transportationNavigation, waterways, harborsTransportation safety and security

Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

USA119th CongressS-1278| Senate 
| Updated: 10/21/2025
This legislation directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to undertake a significant project. The primary objective is to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog , thereby enhancing vessel safety and reducing the economic consequences associated with such events. To achieve this goal, the project will focus on several key areas. It aims to increase marine-based observations through various Federal and commercial platforms, including buoys, meteorological stations, vessels, and advanced remote sensing technologies. Furthermore, the initiative will work to advance the geographic coverage, resolution, and accuracy of marine fog modeling, including improvements in marine channel forecast capabilities. The bill also emphasizes the importance of effective communication. It requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve the communication of marine fog advisories and ensure that risks posed by hazardous fog events are conveyed in a manner that supports informed decision-making by the public. Additionally, the project will provide actionable decision support services based on environmental information. Crucially, the Under Secretary is mandated to engage with both public and private stakeholders , as well as Indian tribes, throughout the planning, development, and implementation phases of the project. Within one year of enactment, a comprehensive project plan must be developed, detailing the specific research, development, technology transfer activities, resources, and timelines required to meet the project's objectives.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 3, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Apr 3, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Apr 30, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Jun 11, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3705
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Oct 21, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-86.
Oct 21, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.
  • April 3, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 3, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • April 30, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.


  • June 11, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3705
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • October 21, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-86.


  • October 21, 2025
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.
Ted Cruz

Ted Cruz

Republican Senator

Texas

Cosponsors (1)
Alex Padilla (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transportation and Public Works

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3705: Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Atmospheric science and weatherEmergency communications systemsGeography and mappingHydrology and hydrographyMarine and inland water transportationNavigation, waterways, harborsTransportation safety and security