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Washington, DC -- Concerned that the most accurate hurricane tracking satellite is in danger of falling into disrepair, U.S. Rep. Ron Klein joined Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA) today in introducing the “Improved Hurricane Tracking and Forecasting Act of 2007.” This bill would authorize the necessary NASA funding to design and launch a replacement satellite for QuikSCAT. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Sen’s Mary Landrieau (D-LA), Bill Nelson (FL-22), Mel Martinez (R-FL), and John Kerry (D-MA).
“More than any other tracking tool, the QuikSCAT satellite provides the most accurate data for forecasting hurricanes,” said Klein. “Given that the satellite is in danger of going off-line, it is critically important Congress appropriate the necessary funding to get replacement technology in place.”
“That is why I am joining my friend from Louisiana, Rep. Charlie Melancon, to introduce the Improved Hurricane Tracking and Forecasting Act of 2007. This bill would provide the funding necessary to design and launch a replacement satellite for QuikSCAT. Taxpayers in Florida and throughout the country expect the National Hurricane Center to provide them with life saving information, and Congress has a responsibility to provide the Hurricane Center the resources it needs to generate this data.”
NASA launched the QuikSCAT satellite in 1999. After its launch, The QuikSCAT satellite proved to provide valuable data that helps to more accurately track and forecast hurricanes and other deadly storms. Originally designed for a life expectancy of three years, QuikSCAT has now been operating for eight years with no replacement set to launch in the near future.
The “Improved Hurricane Tracking and Forecasting Act of 2007” would fix this problem. It would authorize $375 million for NASA to design and launch a replacement satellite for QuikSCAT, incorporating improved technology to continue forecasting for hurricanes, coastal winds and storm surge, and other weather-related disasters. The bill would also require that NASA provide annual reports on the status of the program to ensure fiscal responsibility and up-to-date operational information on the status of the satellite.
“Allowing our ability to track hurricanes to deteriorate before our very eyes is unacceptable,” said Klein. “Given that over half of all Americans live within 50 miles of the coast line, this it not just an issue that affects us in South Florida, but is an issue that impacts a majority of the American people. I am committed to working with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress to ensuring that we secure the funding we need for this vital satellite.”
Since learning about the pending demise of the QuikSCAT satellite, Rep. Klein has made it a top priority to find a replacement. He has met with representatives from the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center, and the Air Force Reserve to discuss alternatives to QuikSCAT, and is now pleased to join Rep. Melancon in introducing the “Improved Hurricane Tracking and Forecasting Act of 2007.”
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