Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]
- Committees
- Science, Space, and Technology Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 4, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to create a unified federal strategy and infrastructure to mitigate the growing public health threat posed by extreme heat through improved coordination, data, and research.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and creates an interagency committee to coordinate federal efforts. Its primary goal is to improve extreme heat preparedness, planning, and response by enhancing data sharing, supporting research, and developing science-based solutions to mitigate heat-related health risks across the United States.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that extreme heat is a significant and increasing public health crisis requiring a coordinated federal response. They contend that this bill provides the necessary framework for data collection, research, interagency action, and stakeholder engagement to save lives, protect vulnerable communities, and build national resilience against heat-related impacts.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about creating new federal bureaucracy and the potential for overlapping mandates with existing agency functions. They may argue that current agency efforts are sufficient or that extreme heat response should primarily remain a responsibility of state and local governments, questioning the necessity and cost-effectiveness of a new integrated system and committee.
The bill is relatively short and clearly structured, making it accessible for a quick but informed read, allowing ample time for evaluation.
Section 1
Short Title
This section formally names the Act as the 'Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025'. This title clearly communicates the bill's primary objective: to establish a unified federal approach to addressing the challenges posed by extreme heat.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that a clear and descriptive short title helps in public communication and legislative tracking, making it easier for stakeholders and the public to identify and refer to the bill's purpose.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the short title of a bill, as it is a standard legislative practice.
Tradeoffs
None apparent for the short title provision itself.
Section 2
Definitions of Key Terms
This section defines critical terms used throughout the Act, such as 'extreme heat,' 'heat,' 'heat event,' 'heat-health,' 'planning,' 'preparedness,' and 'Tribal government.' These definitions ensure a consistent understanding and application of the bill's provisions across all involved agencies and stakeholders, clarifying the scope of the federal response.
Section 3
National Integrated Heat Health Information System Interagency Committee (NIHHIS Interagency Committee)
This section establishes the NIHHIS Interagency Committee within NOAA, tasked with coordinating a unified federal approach to reducing heat health risks. It mandates membership from over 20 federal agencies and offices, including NOAA, CDC, FEMA, EPA, and others, to ensure a comprehensive response. The Committee is responsible for developing a 5-year strategic plan, coordinating interagency efforts in communication, research, and service delivery, and building partnerships with various governmental and non-governmental entities.
Section 4
National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS)
This section formally establishes the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) within NOAA. Its purpose is to reduce heat-related impacts by improving the delivery of heat-related data, forecasts, warnings, and projections. NIHHIS is also tasked with developing science-based solutions and tools for decision support and coordinating a research program on heat health. All data and metadata associated with the System must be fully and openly available to maximize its utility.
Section 5
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029. These funds are specifically designated to carry out the provisions of sections 3 and 4, covering the administrative costs of the NIHHIS Interagency Committee and the operational costs of the NIHHIS System.
The bill mandates the inclusion of representatives from a wide array of federal agencies and specific offices within those agencies on the National Integrated Heat Health Information System Interagency Committee. This includes entities from Commerce, Health and Human Services, Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and departments like Defense, Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, Labor, Veteran Affairs, Education, and State, as well as USAID.
Section 3(c)(1)(B)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for establishing interagency coordination bodies, ensuring all relevant federal stakeholders are explicitly named to avoid ambiguity regarding participation.
Case for: Supporters argue that this extensive list ensures that all federal departments with a nexus to heat-health impacts—from weather forecasting and public health to labor, housing, and international aid—are at the table, fostering truly integrated and holistic policy development and response.
Case against: Critics might contend that such a large and diverse committee could become unwieldy, leading to bureaucratic inertia, slow decision-making, and potential difficulties in achieving consensus among so many distinct organizational cultures and priorities.
Estimated impact: Significantly broadens the federal government's coordinated approach to extreme heat beyond traditional health or environmental agencies, potentially integrating heat considerations into a vast range of federal operations and policies.