Volume 99 · 31
Public Law 99–12
Commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of United States weather satellites.
Approved April 4, 1985
Statutory text
Joint Resolution
Commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of United States weather satellites.
Whereas United States weather satellites have tracked the Earth’s weather since April 1, 1960, and have brought unique benefits to the American people and to the world;
Whereas weather satellites have proven exceptionally valuable in detecting, monitoring, and giving early warning of hurricanes, severe storms, flash floods, and other life-threatening natural hazards, on a local, national, and international basis;
Whereas the international weather satellite search-and-rescue program has saved over three hundred lives since 1982;
Whereas the achievements of the scientific and aerospace communities in developing weather satellites have contributed significantly to the United States leadership in satellite technology, international cooperation in space, and an integrated global weather forecasting system;
Whereas television and radio weather forecasters have made major contributions to public health, safety, and welfare through the use and general dissemination of weather satellite information;
Whereas weather satellites have evolved into environmental satellites that also monitor snow and ice cover, frost damage, vegetation, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, sea surface temperatures, and ocean currents;
Whereas environmental satellite data are used for research and for commercial purposes in meteorology, hydrology, agriculture, oceanography, forestry, and fisheries;
Whereas the United States international prestige is enhanced by the direct dissemination of environmental satellite data to more than one hundred and twenty countries;
Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been the world leader in the development of experimental and prototypical weather and environmental satellites; and
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the management of operational weather and environmental satellite systems and programs: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the week of March 31 to April 6, 1985, is hereby designated as “National Weather Satellite Week” in recognition of the twenty-fifth anniversary of weather satellites and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies.
Approved April 4, 1985.