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Congress·Passed Senate·S. 1626

Senate Passes Bill to Boost Landslide Early Warning Systems and Track "Atmospheric Rivers"

National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

2 months ago·View on Congress.gov
Part of: Congress Extends National Landslide Preparedness Program Through 2030

Legislative Progress

✓ Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill extends the National Landslide Preparedness Act through 2030 and increases its yearly budget to $35 million. At least $10 million of that money must be used to buy, install, and fix early warning systems that alert people when a landslide is about to happen in high-risk areas.
  • The government will now specifically study 'atmospheric rivers'—long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that carry moisture and cause heavy rain or snow. Experts will assess how these massive storms and other extreme weather events increase the risk of deadly landslides across the country.
  • A new 'Next Generation Water Observing System' will be created to provide real-time data on water levels and quality. This system is designed to be more affordable and faster than older tools, helping officials predict floods and droughts more accurately in 10 initial regions.
  • The program is expanding to include Native Hawaiian organizations and more Tribal groups in emergency planning. It also sets up regional partnerships with colleges and local experts to better map and monitor landslide risks in specific parts of the country where the danger is highest.
  • The bill keeps the 3D Elevation Program running until 2034. This program uses advanced technology to create highly detailed 3D maps of the ground, which are essential for identifying which hillsides are unstable and likely to collapse during a storm.
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

6 milestones12 actions
Jan 7, 2026House

Held at the desk.

Jan 7, 2026House

Received in the House.

Jan 7, 2026Senate

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Jan 5, 2026Senate

Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.

Jan 5, 2026

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

2026-2027

Next Generation Water Observing System launches in 10 initial river basins

Communities in selected basins get better real-time water data, flood warnings, and drought forecasts through upgraded sensor networks.

2026-2028

New landslide early warning systems begin deploying in high-risk areas

At least $10 million per year goes toward buying, installing, and maintaining early warning systems that can alert residents before landslides strike.

2027-2028

First national strategy update includes atmospheric river risk assessment

Federal agencies will formally evaluate how atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation increase landslide danger, shaping future preparedness and response efforts.

Related Bills

2 bills
H.R. 3816Related bill

Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

Jun 6 — Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs, 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.

H.R. 2250Identical bill

National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

Jan 8 — Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-431, Part I.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 1626
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionHeld at the desk.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.