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HR 3857

Snow Water Supply Forecasting Reauthorization Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Jeff Hurd and 1 co-sponsor

HR 3857 reauthorizes the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program with $6.5M yearly funding, enhancing snowpack data for better water management in snow-dependent regions.

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Hurd (CO) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
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Bill Summary · HR 3857

Summary of HR 3857: Snow Water Supply Forecasting Reauthorization Act of 2025

Purpose of the Legislation

The Snow Water Supply Forecasting Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 3857) aims to amend and reauthorize the existing Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program. This program is critical for enhancing snow monitoring and water supply forecasting, which are essential for effective water management, especially in regions dependent on snowpack for their water resources.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act:

  1. Reauthorization and Funding:

    • The program is reauthorized at a funding level of $6.5 million per year through fiscal year 2031.
  2. Technological Integration:

    • Emphasizes the deployment of advanced technologies for snowpack measurement and modeling. This includes:
      • Airborne laser altimetry
      • Imaging spectroscopy
      • Integrated physics-based snowpack and hydrologic modeling
    • The bill encourages the integration of these technologies to provide accurate, timely, and spatially complete data for water management.
  3. Focus Areas:

    • The program will focus on:
      • Improving forecasting results that respond to changing weather and watershed conditions.
      • Real-time integration of snowpack data with water supply forecasts.
      • Activities in river basins that can inform water management decisions, including interstate water management.
      • Building the capacity of program partners to utilize new measurement and forecasting capabilities.
  4. Collaboration with Federal Agencies:

    • The bill expands collaboration to include other federal agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Affected Parties

The reauthorization and modernization of the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program will primarily benefit:
- Water managers who rely on accurate snowpack data for decision-making.
- Federal agencies involved in water resource management.
- Communities and industries dependent on reliable water supply forecasts, particularly in regions where snowmelt is a critical water source.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: June 10, 2025
  • Subcommittee Hearings: June 24, 2025
  • Committee Consideration: July 23, 2025
  • Reported (Amended): September 15, 2025
  • Placed on Union Calendar: September 15, 2025

Conclusion

HR 3857 seeks to enhance the capabilities of the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program through technological advancements and increased funding. By doing so, it aims to improve water supply forecasting, which is vital for effective water management in snow-dependent regions. The bill has garnered support from key stakeholders and is positioned to play a crucial role in addressing water resource challenges in the coming years.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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