FORECAST Act

S 1958 (FORECAST Act) exempts National Weather Service meteorologists (job series 1340), hydrologists (1315), and electronics technicians (856) from federal hiring freezes. This ensures these public safety roles can continue hiring without interruption to issue weather warnings, maintain equipment, and protect communities from hazards. The Commerce Secretary must implement the exemption within 30 days, submit annual staffing reports to Congress, and retroactively reinstate job offers rescinded since January 20, 2025, for these positions. The law directly affects NWS staff in these specific roles and prioritizes operational continuity for weather-related public safety.